CARVERSAL

The climate in India is not only extreme but also extremely unpredictable. Summers are blistering hot, monsoons are sudden, and there are humid days where even short drives turn uncomfortable. However, with the advent of air conditioning, a new hero is here to save the day. Ventilated seats are the new accommodations. This feature was initially reserved for luxury cars and is now making waves in affordable segments. 

Ventilated seats offer a breezy escape from sticky leather and sweaty commutes. For those of you, who are searching for a lower-cost car that will keep you cool in every way, we will introduce 5 models that will not require too much money.

1. Tata Altroz: Premium Hatchback, Pocket-Friendly Comfort

The Tata Altroz isn’t just a hatchback. It shows elegance in the premium hatchback segment. Tata’s ALFA-ARC platform serves as the base for the Altroz. Its crash-tested structure and robust build have earned it a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating, making it very appealing for buyers who prioritize safety. Also, the unique Humanity Line grille, along with the iconic aerodynamic design, adds bold tri-arrow features, appealing to urban millennials and young families.

Specs & Features

• Engine: 1.2L Revotron petrol. 87 BHP, 115 Nm torque. 

• Tech: 10.25-inch Harman touchscreen, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, 7-inch digital instrument cluster

• Safety: 5-star Global NCAP rating, rear parking camera, ESP

Variant to Buy

The XZA Plus (O) S variant introduces ventilated seats to the Altroz lineup. It ensures you stay cool during Mumbai’s infamous traffic jams.

• Price: ₹12.94 lakh (on-road, Mumbai)

• Ventilated Seats Availability: XZA Plus (O) S and higher trims

2. Tata Punch EV: Electrifying Comfort at a Bargain

The Tata Punch EV is not only Tata’s cheapest electric car but also the solution that enhances luxury while being sustainable. It has been developed atop the dedicated Acti.ev platform, making the Punch EV look pleasing to the eye while also being useful. The vehicle’s construction ensures safety with its high-strength steel body and IP67-rated battery. 

Moreover, its LED DRLs and aero-based alloy wheels provide it with an evocative contour. Personally, the cabin is modern and sleek relative to its price, especially with the feature of vegan leather seats and a 10.25-inch dual-screen tablet-style display console.

Specs & Features

• Battery: 25 kWh (315 km range)

• Tech: 10.25-inch dual screens, wireless charger, 360-degree camera

• Safety: 5-star BNCAP rating, six airbags, electronic parking brake

Variant to Buy

The Empowered Plus 3.3 variant packs ventilated seats, making it the cheapest EV in India with this perk.

• Price: ₹13.44 lakh (on-road, Mumbai)

• Ventilated Seats Availability: Empowered Plus 3.3 and above

3. Kia Sonet: Style Meets Substance

​Kia Sonet has a reputation for having a head-turner look with unmatched practicality. With the distinctive tiger-nose grille, LED heartbeat DRLs, and dual-tone alloy wheels, the Sonet isn't out of place amongst the beauties of metropolitan cities. It is also a tech powerhouse. 

The cabin is equipped with soft-touch materials, ambient lighting, and a premium Bose sound system that can rival cars that cost twice as much. It has a peppy 1.0L turbo-petrol engine that’s coupled to a smooth 7-speed DCT, making overtaking on the highways or zipping through Gurgaon's expressways a delight.

Specs & Features

• Engine: 1.0L turbo-petrol (118 BHP, 172 Nm) + 7-speed DCT

• Tech: 10.25-inch touchscreen, Bose 7-speaker system, sunroof

• Comfort: Ventilated front seats, rear AC vents, wireless phone charging

Variant to Buy

The HTX Turbo DCT variant kicks off the ventilated seat function, perfect for Goa road trips or Delhi’s heat waves.

• Price: ₹14.83 lakh (on-road, Mumbai)

• Ventilated Seats Availability: HTX DCT and higher trims

4. Maruti Suzuki XL6: Family-Friendly Coolness

The Maruti Suzuki XL6 is an outstanding vehicle that changes the mobility landscape for families by joining the idea of being spacious, handy and classy. In a major shift from the old MPV style, the XL6 has a really unique look with a crossover design, some chrome trim, and super-cool LED headlights. 

The real game-changer here is the luxurious 6-seater arrangement, complete with comfortable captain seats in the second row. It is a feature that is normally seen in the more expensive car segment.

Specs & Features

• Engine: 1.5L petrol (102 BHP, 137 Nm) with mild hybrid

• Tech: 7-inch SmartPlay Studio+, Arkamys sound system, cruise control

• Practicality: Dual sliding doors (concept-like), foldable tables for rear passengers

Variant to Buy

The Alpha Plus MT variant adds ventilated seats, ensuring comfort on long drives to hill stations or weekend getaways.

• Price: ₹15.50 lakh – ₹17.30 lakh (on-road, Mumbai)

• Ventilated Seats Availability: Alpha and Alpha Plus trims

5. Skoda Kushaq: European Flair, Indian Affordability

The Skoda Kushaq masterfully blends German precision with Indian practicality. Built on the MQB-A0-IN platform, it’s engineered specifically for India’s diverse roads, featuring generous 188mm ground clearance and a robust suspension system. The Kushaq’s sleek design has a sharp character line, striking crystalline LED taillights, and a bold front grille that radiates a bold presence. 

Inside, the cabin balances minimalist elegance and modern tech: plush leatherette upholstery, a sporty two-spoke steering wheel, and a sleek floating 10-inch touchscreen loaded with Skoda’s user-friendly Play apps

Specs & Features

• Engine: 1.0L TSI (115 BHP, 178 Nm)

• Tech: 10-inch touchscreen, ventilated glovebox, connected car tech

• Safety: 6 airbags, ESC, multi-collision brake assist

Variant to Buy

The Ambition/Style AT variants offer ventilated seats, ideal for Chennai’s humidity or Rajasthan’s desert heat.

• Price: ₹15.57 lakh – ₹16.79 lakh (on-road, Mumbai)

• Ventilated Seat Availability: Ambition AT and Style AT trims

Why Ventilated Seats?

Vented seating functions by pushing air through perforations in the upholstery, thereby sweating and discomfort would not occur on long drives. In a country like the one of us (“Jordan”) where it is often 40°C and above the climate, this is not a luxury anymore; it is a necessity.

Final Thoughts

Remember when ventilated seats were only for fancy luxury cars? Those days are long gone! Thanks to brands like Tata, Kia, and Maruti stepping up their game, even budget-friendly rides now let you cruise in chilled comfort. These cars have got your back literally even if you’re stuck in Mumbai’s bumper-to-bumper traffic or hitting the highway for a weekend escape. No more sweaty shirts or sticky seats, just cool, relaxed drives no matter how high the mercury climbs!

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