Although travelling via flights or trains is a well-picked option, a lot of people still prefer road-tripping in their cars. Road-tripping can be fun and is the best way to go out with your friends and family while enjoying sunsets and food. However, this is important to ensure that you pick a comfortable, durable, safe, and convenient new car for your long drives.
Taking these factors into consideration, this blog is listing the best new car options that are durable and fuel efficient. These car models include the best picks from the hatchback, sedan, SUV, and MPV categories. Depending on your requirement for luggage or seating options, you can choose any of the listed car models for long-distance driving. Let’s dive straight in.
Maruti Baleno (Hatchback)
Maruti Baleno is a petrol model which could discourage some people from preferring this car. However, Baleno is a fuel-efficient model due to its ARAI claimed efficiency of 22.35 kmpl for the manual while for the automatic variant, it offers 22.94 kmpl. Consequently, you can easily get 20 km/l with a steady foot irrespective of the transmission you prefer.
Moreover, the Maruti Baleno offers comfortable seats for four people while providing a large enough boot to carry luggage. It makes this car one of the best options for long drives in India. Besides, this hatchback model is durable to run and affordable to maintain. It also has dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX mounting points in all variants, and a front seat belt with a pre-tensioner. The higher variants of the car even offer curtain airbags and the automatic trim provides ESP with Hill Hold Assist. All in all, Baleno is the best option for long-distance driving due to its convenience, refinements, and low-running cost.
Honda City e:HEV (Sedan)
If seeking any sedan, Honda City e:HEV should be added to the list of best cars for long drives. This hybrid sedan offers a 40-litre petrol tank. If you pair the tank with its 26.5 kmpl efficiency (as claimed by ARAI), you will have a whopping range of 1060 kms.
Apart from a tech-laden hybrid power plant, Honda is also providing segment-first active safety features such as six airbags, Hill Hold Assist, ISOFIX mounting points, TPMS, an electronic parking brake, and ADAS features as well. The refinement levels of City are top-notch, however, your choice would be limited to a single variant and a single powertrain – only automatic as it is a hybrid. Unfortunately, Honda City e:HEV sedan does not play a good role in the boot space as it is only limited to 306 litres due to its Li-ion battery pack for a hybrid system projecting into the boot. Be mindful while choosing Honda City e:HEV for trips as you would not be able to pack too much luggage.
Read Also: Honda City e:HEV vs Honda City Petrol: Price, Features, Specification
Kia Carens (MPV)
Kia Carens can really help you out with your unplanned road trip. This model offers 6 to 7 seats, however, it depends on the configuration you prefer. The experience of the last row seat might not feel like a business class but you will have enough space without feeling claustrophobic as it has a huge glass area.
In terms of features, the Kia Carens is quite impressive. The MPV model provides multiple engines as well as transmission options. Along with its efficient engine, the model is well-tuned for all types of terrain. Since all the rows are upright, you might not get enough space except the third row down. Further, Kia Carens MPV offers six airbags as standard equipment on all of its variants. However, the 3-Star Safety Rating is not a good thing in its price bracket.
Read Also: Kia Carens - The all new Korean MUV
New Hyundai Creta (SUV)
Creta is undoubtedly loved by many Indians. It popularized the midsize SUV space and even in the latest iteration, the model has evolved into one of the most all-rounded cars in the Indian market. Although the design is polarising, the model offers three engines with five transmission options.
Besides, the Hyundai Creta offers a super comfortable cabin and a 433-litre boot. Talking about safety, it is loaded with a lot of equipment. However, in Crash Test Rating, the model could only collect a 3-Stars and its fuel efficiency is also not the best. All things considered, Hyundai Creta is a well-rounded package and will impress all members of the family during travel.
Read Also: Creta - Most Selling SUV In India
