Best Cars for Long Drives in India

Long drives require a vehicle that combines comfort, fuel efficiency, safety, and space. Be it a family road trip or an adventurous journey with friends, the car would make all the difference. In India, cars like the Honda City and Renault Kwid gain favor because they are reliable and feature what is best for long journeys. In this article, we will be discussing their specification, features, prices, and why they are the best choices for long drives.

Honda City: A Dependable Sedan for Long Drives

The Engine and Performance: Honda City boasts a 1498 cc, 4-cylinder engine good for 119.35 bhp @ 6600 rpm and 145 Nm of torque @ 4300 rpm. Further, with the slick transmission of its 6-speed manual gearbox and FWD layout, the car is well-suited to Inter-state travel-cum-operational scenarios and promises quick handling with an alert ride.

Fuel Economy: Its fuel economy stands at 17.8 kmpl, ensuring that the Honda City does not have to make too many fuel stops in case one drives it for long distances. The 40-litre fuel tank gives an extended range for minimal interruptions.

Comfort Features: The list consists of comfort-oriented features in the Honda City, including automatic climate control, rear AC vents, adjustable steering, and a multifunction steering wheel. The seats are well-cushioned and can be adjusted manually to optimum driving comfort. 

Additional features in the car include the Start/Stop button, keyless entry to enhance convenience on long drives.

Safety Features: Honda City has ticked all the right boxes concerning safety by providing 4 airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, and TPMS. With a 5-star rating at ASEAN NCAP, it promises to be one of the safest choices for long-distance travels in comfort.

Price: The price of the Honda City ranges between ₹ 13.69 lakh and ₹ 19.36 lakh, making it a super-premium choice with regard to comfort and safety for long drives.

Renault Kwid: Budget Hatch for Long Drives

Engine and Performance: The Renault Kwid comes fitted with a 999 cc 3-cylinder unit rated at 67.06 bhp @ 5500 rpm and 91 Nm of torque @ 4250 rpm. Its small size, along with a 5-speed manual, makes it very agile for the city but still good enough to handle long stretches of highways.

Fuel Efficiency: The Renault Kwid is very functional for long drives with a fuel economy of 21.7 kmpl and can help save a lot on fuel. While its 28-litre fuel tank capacity may be smaller in size, its fuel efficiency will make up for fewer stops.

Features Comfort: Kwid is the entry hatchback, yet it still features comfort features that are necessary for the occupants, such as air conditioning, power steering, and a multifunctional steering wheel. The digital instrument console and rear parking sensors are more comforting to drive for longer routes.

Safety Features: Even though the Kwid received a rating of 1 star on Global NCAP, it possesses safety features like ABS, hill assist, seatbelt warning, and two airbags. It stands as an inexpensive option for those budget-conscious long-distance travelers and has basic enabler safety.

Price: The Renault Kwid thus ranges from ₹ 5.34-7.23 lakh and is pretty affordable for travelers seeking long drives without digging deep into their pockets.

Why These Cars Excel for Long Drives

Comfort and Space

The Honda City will offer ample interior space, adjustability in the seats, and climate control to keep the driver relaxed during the drive. The Renault Kwid offers just the basic comforts in a much smaller package; hence, this car fits well for small groups or solo travelers.

Fuel Efficiency

And both have very commendable fuel efficiencies, which make them just ideal for long-distance journeys without frequent refueling, with the Kwid leading in that field.

Affordability and Safety

While the Honda City comes equipped with all forms of advanced safety features, it will be a safe choice to take your family on board, whereas, on the other hand, the Kwid makes entry-level economics attractive, where most buyers in that class put a premium on the budget and not on safety features, though it provides all the basic features of safety.