10 most affordable cars on sale in India

The entry-level car segment has historically been the core of the Indian car market. However, in recent years, thanks to premiumisation of the industry and increasing prices due to stricter safety and emission norms, it has been on a steady decline. And with most carmakers having vacated this space, buyers are also more inclined towards used car options these days. Still, if you are in the market for a brand-new car below Rs 10 lakh, here we have listed the 10 most affordable cars in India currently on sale. It is no surprise that Maruti continues to dominate this space with as many as 6 cars in this top 10 list.

10. Hyundai i10 Nios

Starting at Rs 5.98 lakh 

Prices for the Grand i10 Nios start at Rs 5.98 lakh and go up to Rs 8.66 lakh for the top-end Asta AMT, making it the most expensive option on this list; it is also the entry-point to Hyundai’s vast lineup in India. Under the hood, the Grand i10 Nios gets a 1.2 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 83hp and 114Nm of torque; gearbox options include a 5-speed manual or an AMT. The hatchback is also available with a CNG option which starts at Rs 7.75 lakh.

9. Maruti Suzuki Ignis

Starting at Rs 5.85 lakh

The Ignis is part of Maruti’s Nexa lineup which features Maruti’s premium offerings. Prices for the Ignis start at Rs 5.85 lakh and go up to Rs 8.12 lakh. The Ignis is powered by a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine developing 83hp and 113Nm of torque. Buyers can also opt for an AMT option, with prices starting from Rs 6.89 lakh. The Maruti Ignis stands out for its quirky design and peppy performance.

8. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Starting at Rs 5.79 lakh

The perennial best-selling car in India and one of the longest surviving nameplates, the Maruti Wagon R is offered with two engine options: a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine producing 68hp and 89Nm of torque, and a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder engine delivering 83hp and 113Nm of torque. Prices for the Wagon R start at Rs 5.79 lakh. For those seeking convenience, an AMT option is available, with prices starting from Rs 6.34 lakh, making it a practical and affordable choice in Maruti’s lineup.

7. Maruti Suzuki Eeco

Starting at Rs 5.7 lakh 

Maruti Suzuki’s Eeco is the only van on this list, and apart from personal use, it can also serve utility purposes. It comes equipped with a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder engine that produces 81hp and 105Nm of torque, offering adequate performance for urban and rural needs. The Eeco is offered with a single manual transmission option. It is a dependable MUV which has quite a versatile use case from Maruti’s lineup. Fun fact: the Eeco is the most affordable rear-wheel drive car on sale in India. 

6. Maruti Suzuki Celerio

Starting at Rs 5.64 lakh

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio is currently the most fuel-efficient petrol car in India. It is equipped with a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine producing 67hp and 89 Nm of torque, and is offered with a CNG option as well, which appeals to the cost-conscious buyers. The Celerio has a starting price of Rs 5.64 lakh; it gets an AMT option as well, with prices starting from Rs 6.14 lakh. The compact dimensions of the hatchback make it an ideal urban runabout.

5. Citroen C3

Starting at Rs 5.25 lakh

The C3 is the entry-point to the French carmaker’s lineup in India. Prices for the C3 start from Rs 5.25 lakh for the base 82hp, 1.2-litre, three-cylinder naturally aspirated engine. It even gets a 110hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine option which is priced at Rs 9.11 lakh for the manual and Rs 9.90 lakh for the torque converter automatic. This makes the C3 the most powerful car on this list, and it is quite a fun little hatchback with peppy performance and tidy handling. If you’re looking for a fun-to-drive car within a budget, you can’t go wrong with the C3.

4. Tata Tiago

Starting at Rs 5 lakh 

The Tata Tiago is the most affordable car from the homegrown carmaker. While the Tiago may not be class leading in terms of performance with its 86hp/113Nm, 1.2-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine, it outshines its rivals with 4-star GNCAP safety rating. Tata Motors is offering the Tiago with an AMT option as well, with prices starting from Rs 6.9 lakh. The Tiago is also offered with a CNG kit, and uniquely, is the only one on this list to feature an AMT option even with the CNG powertrain.

3. Renault Kwid

Starting at Rs 4.7 lakh 

A direct rival to the Maruti Alto, the Renault Kwid is priced from Rs 4.70 lakh. The Kwid scores well on features and the Climber variant even brings some rugged appeal. The Renault budget hatchback is powered by a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 68hp and 91Nm of torque; it gets both MT and AMT gearbox options. However, unlike Maruti who offers factory-fitted CNG kits, the CNG kit on the Kwid comes as a dealer level fitment.

2. Maruti Suzuki S-Presso

Starting at Rs 4.27 lakh

Maruti Suzuki calls the S-Presso a ‘mini SUV’, but it is a high-riding hatchback at best. However, the upright stance and shape does lend it a roomy cabin that scores well on practicality. Under the hood of the S-Presso is a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine which produces 67hp and 89Nm of torque; it gets both MT and AMT gearbox options as well as a factory-fitted CNG kit. Automatic variants of S-Presso are priced from Rs 5.92 lakh. 

1. Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

Starting at Rs 4.23 lakh

The Maruti Alto K10 is the cheapest car on sale in India with prices starting from Rs 4.23 lakh. Even as the most budget friendly car in India, it comes equipped with six airbags as standard and scores well on frugality and drivability. The Maruti Alto K10 is powered by a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine which produces 67hp and 89Nm of torque; Maruti also offers an AMT gearbox option, starting at Rs 5.81 lakh. There is also a CNG variant available, with prices starting at Rs 5.9 lakh.

Also See:

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