In the market for a reliable, fashionable, and compact car in 2025? It’s not a bad thing that you have so many options. According to an Economic Times report in 2024, 60% of used car buyers preferred small hatchbacks, highlighting their continued appeal in certain segments. If you want a compact car that offers simpler, less stressful commutes in case of excessive traffic, there are plenty of options available.
Keep reading as we’ve prepared a list of the best small cars in India today. This blog will give you complete details about the compact cars, comparing them based on price, mileage, and features. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking for a city-friendly vehicle, this comparison will help you make an informed decision.
List of Best Small Cars in India
Here’s a detailed list of the best Compact cars in India, along with their engine types, mileage, and ex-showroom price range:
| Car | Engine Type | Mileage | Ex-Showroom Price |
| Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 | 998 cc Petrol | 24.39 kmpl | Rs 4.09 – Rs 5.15 Lakh |
| Renault Kwid | 999 cc Petrol | 21.46 – 22.3 kmpl | Rs 4.70 – Rs 6.45 Lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki S-Presso | 998 cc Petrol / CNG | 24.12 – 25.3 kmpl (Petrol)32.73 km/kg (CNG) | Rs 4.26 – Rs 6.12 Lakh |
| Tata Tiago | 1199 cc Petrol / CNG | 19 – 20.09 kmpl (Petrol)26.49 – 28.06 km/kg (CNG) | Rs 4.99 – Rs 7.90 Lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki Wagon R | 998 cc / 1197 cc Petrol | 23.56 – 25.19 kmpl | Rs 5.79 – Rs 7.62 Lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki Celerio | 998 cc Petrol / CNG | 24.97 – 26.68 kmpl (Petrol)34.43 km/kg (CNG) | Rs 5.64 – Rs 7.37 Lakh |
| MG Comet EV | 17.3 kWh Electric | 230 km (ARAI) | Rs 5.99 – Rs 8.80 Lakh |
| Maruti Ignis | 1197 cc Petrol | 20.89 kmpl | Rs 5.85 – Rs 8.12 Lakh |
| Citroen C3 | 1199 cc Petrol (NA / Turbo) | 19.3 kmpl | Rs 5.98 – Rs 8.25 Lakh |
1. Maruti Suzuki Alto K10
The Alto K10 is the newborn baby of the traditional Alto that ruled the Indian streets in the early 2000s. It is a remarkable addition to the Maruti Suzuki lineup because of its brand-new, youthful, and modern design, which is full of gorgeous details like the honeycomb grille and the vibrant headlamps. The main reasons the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 stands out in the compact car market are its combination of affordability, fuel economy, and an unexpectedly roomy cabin, which makes it a sensible and cost-effective option.
The Alto K10 won the 2011 Autocar Awards’ “Best Variant of the Year” title. In 2023, the Alto K10 was also recognised for its accomplishments in the entry car market by winning the Acko Drive Award. Eight different versions of the Alto K10 are available, ranging from Rs. 4.23 lakh to Rs. 6.21 lakh, making it one of the most affordable options in the market.
Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 Specifications:
- Engine: 1.0L, 3-cylinder Petrol / CNG
- Transmission: 5-speed Manual / 5-speed AMT
- Mileage: 24.39 kmpl (Manual Petrol) / 24.90 kmpl (AMT Petrol) / 33.85 km/kg (CNG)
- Airbags: 2
- Fuel Type: Petrol / CNG
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Hatchback
Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 Key Features:
- Dual airbags for front seat protection
- Touchscreen infotainment with smartphone connectivity
- ABS with EBD and rear parking sensors
- High fuel efficiency for budget-friendly driving
- Compact design ideal for city roads
- Lightweight HEARTECT platform for improved safety
- Digital speedometer with modern instrument cluster
- Available in vibrant dual-tone colours
2. Renault Kwid
With over 8 lakh units sold to date, the Kwid is one of the most popular Renault budget cars because of its reasonable price, fashionable appearance, and excellent fuel economy. It also has a respectable feature set, which includes an 8-inch infotainment system and a rearview camera. The Renault Kwid has won numerous awards, including “Best Hatchback of the Year 2016” and “Car of the Year 2016” from Autocar India. It also won the 2023 OLX Autos and Autocar India Pre-Owned Car Awards’ “Best Pre-Owned Small Hatchback” title.
With 15 standard safety features, the Renault Kwid offers improved protection for both drivers and passengers. These consist of an electronic stability program, brake assist, ABS with EBD, and two front airbags. In the small car market, it has been a best-seller and is commended for its reasonable price, fashionable appearance, and outstanding fuel economy. For first-time car buyers and those looking for a practical, affordable, and fuel-efficient vehicle for everyday city driving, the Renault Kwid is the perfect choice. The top variant of the Renault Kwid costs Rs 6.45 lakh, while the base model starts at Rs 4.70 lakh.
Renault Kwid Specifications:
- Engine: 0.8L, 3-cylinder Petrol / 1.0L, 3-cylinder Petrol
- Transmission: 5-speed Manual / 5-speed AMT
- Mileage: 21.46 – 22.30 kmpl
- Airbags: 2
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Hatchback
Renault Kwid Key Features:
- 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Dual airbags and ABS with EBD standard
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
- Reverse parking sensors and camera
- LED DRLS and stylish SUV-inspired design
- Digital instrument cluster
- High ground clearance (184 mm)
- Rear seat belt and speed alert system
3. Maruti Suzuki S-Presso
The distinctive “mini-SUV” style, roominess, and practical features of the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso, along with its tiny size and outstanding fuel economy, make it stand out in the small car market. Its aggressive front grille, high ground clearance, and upright stance give it a tough and self-assured appearance. The S-Presso is a unique option in a crowded market thanks to features like wide-opening doors, a central instrumentation console, and a variety of vivid colours.
For individuals and small families (2–5) looking for an affordable, tiny, and fuel-efficient vehicle, especially for city travel and commuting, the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is a compact SUV to double down on. Driver airbags, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), an electronic stability program, and a speed alert system are a few of the important safety features. For improved stability and design, the car also has 14-inch tyres mounted on square wheel arches. If you have a budget of 4 to 6 lakhs, the S-Presso is a solid compact SUV option.
Maruti Suzuki S-Presso Specifications:
- Engine: 1.0L, 3-cylinder Petrol / CNG
- Transmission: 5-speed Manual / 5-speed AMT
- Mileage: 24.76 kmpl (Manual Petrol) / 25.30 kmpl (AMT Petrol) / 32.73 km/kg (CNG)
- Airbags: 2
- Fuel Type: Petrol / CNG
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Compact SUV
Maruti Suzuki S-Presso Key Features:
- Driver airbags for enhanced safety
- ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Hill Hold Assist (in AMT variants)
- Speed Alert System for safer driving
- 14-inch wheels with bold square wheel arches
- Digital instrument cluster
- SmartPlay Studio infotainment with smartphone navigation (in higher variants)
- Compact SUV-like stance with high ground clearance
4. Tata Tiago
Tata’s Tiago is a little hatchback with a pleasant appearance, a fair amount of space, and intriguing amenities for a compact SUV at the entry level. The car guarantees peace of mind on every trip thanks to its 4-star Global NCAP Tata Tiago safety certification. With its affordable yet thrilling, fun-to-drive package, the Tata Tiago stands out in a market full of dull hatchbacks and impractically small cars. From the off-road-friendly NRG to a plethora of quirky special editions, the Tiago has seen some noteworthy variations over the years.
With its angular front fascia that includes a large grille and projector headlamps, the Tata Tiago has a sporty appearance. With features like a digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen, the interior is designed to seem upscale and clutter-free. The car also comes with a cruise control feature in the top-tier XZ+ model. Starting at an ex-showroom price range of Rs. 4.99 lakhs, the Tiago is a car hard to beat for the value it provides.
Tata Tiago Specifications:
- Engine: 1.2L, 3-cylinder Petrol / CNG
- Transmission: 5-speed Manual / 5-speed AMT
- Mileage: 19.01 kmpl (Manual Petrol) / 19.28 kmpl (AMT Petrol) / 26.49 km/kg (CNG)
- Airbags: 2 (up to 6 in higher variants)
- Fuel Type: Petrol / CNG
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Hatchback
Tata Tiago Key Features:
- Dual front airbags for enhanced safety
- ABS with EBD and Corner Stability Control
- Reverse Parking Camera with dynamic guidelines
- Speed Alert System & Seat Belt Reminders
- 15-inch alloy wheels (in higher variants)
- Digital instrument cluster
- Harman infotainment system with 4 speakers & smartphone connectivity
- Premium dual-tone interiors
5. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R
The Wagon R is an icon that is well known for its boxy looks in the small car market. It is a multipurpose hatchback with great storage space of 341 litres due to its lofty form. It is perfect for easy city travel because it has a fuel-efficient engine that runs on both petrol and CNG. The car provides a comfortable ride and respectable features. With its ideal mix of size, fuel economy, dependability, low maintenance costs, and exceptional resale value, the Wagon R is more than simply a car; it’s a long-term investment. If you ever choose to sell this car, you can get back up to 70–80% of the money you paid for it.
The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R has received numerous honours and recognitions for its popularity and practicality. It won the 2019 Autocar India Awards’ “Compact Hatchback Car of the Year” title. The model you select will determine how much mileage you can get out of this beast. You can get a mileage of up to 34 km/kg if you choose the CNG variant. Overall, the Wagon R has been ruling Indian roads for over 2 decades now and is still trending thanks to the affordable pricing. You can get your hands on this boxy marvel for as low as Rs. 5.79 lakhs.
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Specifications:
- Engine: 1.0L, 3-cylinder Petrol / 1.2L, 4-cylinder Petrol / CNG
- Transmission: 5-speed Manual / 5-speed AMT
- Mileage: 23.56 – 25.19 kmpl (Petrol) / 34.05 km/kg (CNG)
- Airbags: 2
- Fuel Type: Petrol / CNG
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Hatchback
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Key Features:
- Dual front airbags for driver and passenger
- ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Hill Hold Assist (in AMT variants)
- Speed Alert System & Rear Parking Sensors
- 14-inch wheels with the tall-boy stance
- SmartPlay Studio infotainment system with smartphone connectivity
- Spacious cabin with 60:40 split rear seats
- Available in petrol and CNG variants
6. Maruti Suzuki Celerio
For city driving and first-time car owners, the Maruti Celerio is a wonderful choice because of its fuel efficiency, affordability, and ease of use. The Celerio is a pleasure to drive due to its small size, light controls, good visibility, and convenient automatic transmission. Additionally, the new-generation Celerio has a door request switch with a smart key and the first-in-segment hill hold assist feature. Moreover, dual front airbags, a speed-sensitive auto door lock, and a seatbelt reminder are among the safety features.
The Celerio is frequently hailed as a dependable and sensible option for consumers on a tight budget. The Car comes with a 1.0-litre K10C petrol engine that can produce up to 65.71 PS and 89 Nm of torque. In addition to winning “Mid-size Hatchback of the Year” at the 2015 Zeegnition Auto Awards, the Celerio was named “Hatchback of the Year” by the Motoring World Awards 2022. Starting at an ex-showroom price of just Rs. 5.64 lakh, it is a hatchback worth considering.
Maruti Suzuki Celerio Specifications:
- Engine: 1.0L, 3-cylinder Petrol / CNG
- Transmission: 5-speed Manual / 5-speed AMT
- Mileage: 24.97 kmpl (Manual Petrol) / 26.68 kmpl (AMT Petrol) / 35.60 km/kg (CNG)
- Airbags: 2
- Fuel Type: Petrol / CNG
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Hatchback
Maruti Suzuki Celerio Key Features:
- Dual front airbags for driver and passenger
- ABS with EBD for controlled braking
- Hill Hold Assist (in AMT variants)
- Speed Alert System and Rear Parking Sensors
- Best-in-segment mileage (Petrol & CNG)
- 15-inch black alloy wheels (in top variant)
- SmartPlay Studio infotainment with smartphone connectivity
- Lightweight yet strong Heartect platform
7. MG Comet EV
The MG Comet EV is a unique car that is extremely compact and a wonderful choice for daily commuting, especially for people who live in congested cities. Being an EV, it appeals to people who want an eco-friendly, socially conscious electric vehicle or a secondary car. With a solid build quality, a design that is somewhat similar to the Wagon R but more compact, and the trust of MG Motors, Comet becomes a solid option. The maximum speed of the MG Comet EV is 101 kmph (63 mph). In Eco mode, it can reach a maximum speed of 81 kmph (50 mph).
This little hatchback can easily sit four people, even with an extremely compact design and dimensions of 2,974 mm L x 1,505 mm W x 1,640 mm H. For people who are cost-conscious and want something inexpensive to operate, it is a good option. The car becomes a good option for daily commute as the charging costs are less than Rs. 600 per month, thanks to the compact and durable 17.3 kWh battery that has a range of 230km/charge. With an ex-showroom pricing starting at Rs. 5.99 lakhs, the Comet is a solid option for people who only care about mobility and not the looks.
MG Comet EV Specifications:
- Engine: Electric Motor (17.3 kWh Lithium-ion Battery)
- Transmission: Automatic (Single-Speed)
- Range: 230 km per charge (ARAI)
- Airbags: 2
- Fuel Type: Electric
- Seating Capacity: 4
- Body Type: Electric Hatchback
MG Comet EV Key Features:
- Dual front airbags for driver and passenger
- ABS with EBD for safe braking
- Reverse parking camera with sensors
- Speed sensing auto door lock & impact sensing unlock
- 12-inch dual screen setup (Infotainment + Digital Cluster)
- Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- 10+ connected car features via i-SMART tech
- Ultra-compact design perfect for city driving
8. Maruti Suzuki Ignis
The Maruti Suzuki Ignis is another good option that stands out in the small car space with its SUV-inspired design, upright stance, and quirky styling elements like U-shaped LED DRLs and a bold grille. Known as the “Compact Urban SUV,” it’s designed for city dwellers who want style and function without going big. The Ignis has received praise for its distinctive looks and is well-suited for young professionals and first-time car buyers who want something different from a typical hatchback.
Under the hood, it gets a 1.2-litre K-Series petrol engine that delivers zippy performance and smooth mileage of around 20.89 km/l. Despite its compact 3,700 mm length, the car offers surprising cabin space and comfort with roomy front and rear seating. It seats 5 and has a practical 260 litres boot space. The high ground clearance (180 mm) makes it easy to tackle urban speed bumps and potholes. Safety-wise, it comes equipped with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and a rigid HEARTECT platform, making it a confident drive in daily traffic.
Maruti Suzuki Ignis Specifications:
- Engine: 1.2L, 4-cylinder Petrol
- Transmission: 5-speed Manual / 5-speed AMT
- Mileage: 20.89 kmpl (Manual) / 20.89 kmpl (AMT)
- Airbags: 2
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Hatchback (Compact Urban SUV styling)
Maruti Suzuki Ignis Key Features:
- 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Dual airbags, ABS with EBD
- High ground clearance for urban flexibility
- UV-cut glass and tilt-adjustable steering
- LED DRLs and projector headlamps
9. Citroen C3
The Citroen C3 offers a fresh, youthful design that brings French flair to the small car segment. With bold colour accents, split headlamps, and SUV-like cladding, it targets urban trendsetters who want a stylish and modern drive. The car’s standout styling and quirky looks make it a unique option for those bored with conventional hatchbacks. It’s ideal for young buyers who want a mix of bold aesthetics and comfort at an accessible price point.
Powered by a 1.2L naturally aspirated or turbocharged petrol engine, the C3 delivers robust performance with mileage of 19.4 to 19.8 km/l depending on the variant. The cabin feels roomy with a 2540 mm wheelbase, which is long for a small car, and offers decent boot space of 315L. It drives smoothly in city conditions and feels solid over rough roads thanks to its suspension tuning. Safety-wise, it includes dual airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors, and seatbelt reminders, although it misses out on some advanced features found in rivals.
Citroen C3 Specifications:
- Engine: 1.2L, 3-cylinder Petrol
- Transmission: 5-speed Manual / 6-speed Manual
- Mileage: 19.3 – 19.9 kmpl
- Airbags: 2
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Hatchback / Compact Crossover
Citroen C3 Key Features:
- Bold SUV-inspired design with two-tone options
- 10-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity
- Dual airbags and ABS standard
- Spacious cabin with long wheelbase
- High ground clearance and robust ride quality
Summary:
In 2025, small cars will remain a top choice for Indian buyers looking for value without compromise. For first-time car owners or students, the Maruti Alto K10 and Renault Kwid offer affordability and low running costs. If you’re a city dweller who needs a compact car with an SUV-like stance, the Maruti S-Presso or Tata Punch fits the bill perfectly. Families looking for space and flexibility can opt for the Wagon R or Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, thanks to their roomy interiors and balanced performance. Eco-conscious drivers or daily commuters can turn to the Maruti Celerio CNG, Tiago CNG, or the all-electric MG Comet EV for exceptional fuel savings and sustainability. Each of these compact cars brings a unique mix of style, efficiency, and tech, making it easier than ever to find one that matches your lifestyle, needs, and budget.
FAQs about Small Cars in India
Which is the most fuel-efficient small car in India right now?
Cars like the Maruti Alto K10 and Renault Kwid offer mileage upwards of 21 km/l, making them among the most fuel-efficient in the segment.
Are small cars safe enough for highway travel?
Yes, many small cars now come with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and even GNCAP safety ratings, making them safe for both city and occasional highway drives.
What is the ideal small car for first-time buyers?
Models like the Maruti Ignis or Tata Tiago are perfect for first-time buyers due to their ease of driving, compact size, and balanced feature sets.
Can small cars comfortably seat five people?
While small cars are best suited for four adults, some models with smart interior layouts like the Citroën C3 or Hyundai Grand i10 Nios can accommodate five for shorter journeys.
Is it worth buying a small car in 2025 with rising SUV trends?
Absolutely. Small cars remain a smart urban mobility solution thanks to their lower running costs, easier parking, and increasingly premium features even in compact packages.
