Purchasing a new car in India is not always a costly affair. Few regions of the world have a more hyper-competitive entry-level and budget car segment than India. Affordable, efficient, and easy to maintain automakers are really trying to reel in first-timers and smaller families here.
The cheapest cars in the country are primarily made for city driving, daily commuting, and practicality. These are generally easy to drive, small and fuel-efficient vehicles. A lot of these cars now even get fancy features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, dual airbags as standard, ABS with EBD and even SUV-inspired styling.
In this article, we will be listing the cheapest cars on sale in the Indian market. And the emphasis is not just placed on price, but also on how these vehicles drive and live in day-to-day life.
List of Cheapest Cars in India
| Car | Segment | Mileage (Approx.) | Ex-Showroom Price Range |
| Maruti Suzuki S-Presso | Hatchback | 24–25 kmpl | ₹3.50 – ₹5.99 Lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 | Hatchback | 24–25 kmpl | ₹3.70 – ₹5.95 Lakh |
| Renault Kwid | Hatchback | 21–22 kmpl | ₹4.30 – ₹6.45 Lakh |
| Tata Tiago | Hatchback | 20–26 kmpl | ₹4.57 – ₹7.30 Lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki Celerio | Hatchback | 25–26 kmpl | ₹4.70 – ₹6.90 Lakh |
| Citroën C3 | Hatchback | 19–20 kmpl | ₹4.95 – ₹8.00 Lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki Wagon R | Hatchback | 23–25 kmpl | ₹4.99 – ₹7.20 Lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki Eeco | Van/MPV | 19–20 kmpl | ₹5.21 – ₹6.50 Lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki Ignis | Hatchback | 20–21 kmpl | ₹5.35 – ₹7.70 Lakh |
| Hyundai Grand i10 Nios | Hatchback | 20–21 kmpl | ₹5.47 – ₹8.20 Lakh |
| Tata Punch | Compact SUV | 20 kmpl | ₹5.60 – ₹9.50 Lakh |
| Nissan Magnite | Compact SUV | 17–20 kmpl | ₹5.62 – ₹10.90 Lakh |
| Nissan Gravite | Hatchback/Crossover | 19–20 kmpl | ₹5.65 – ₹8.00 Lakh |
| Hyundai Exter | Compact SUV | 19–27 kmpl | ₹5.74 – ₹10.40 Lakh |
| Renault Kiger | Compact SUV | 18–20 kmpl | ₹5.76 – ₹10.90 Lakh |
Maruti Suzuki S-Presso
The Suzuki S-Presso is one of the cheapest cars on sale in India. The tall-boy stance gives it a mini-SUV appearance, popular among buyers shying away from typical small hatchbacks. You sit upright, with wide, clear visibility, making it easy to drive through city traffic.
Light steering combined with compact size made it perfect for narrow lanes and parking. Plus, it gives you pretty decent mileage as well, daily. As for the Maruti Suzuki S-presso on-road price, it still stands among the most affordable first cars.
Maruti Suzuki S-Presso Specifications
- Engine: 1.0L Petrol
- Transmission: 5-speed Manual / AMT
- Mileage: 24–25 kmpl
- Airbags: Dual Front
- Fuel Type: Petrol / CNG
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Hatchback
- Ground Clearance: 180 mm (High SUV-like stance)
- Safety Tech: Standard ESP with Hill Hold Assist
Maruti Suzuki Alto K10
This is an earnest contender if you’re after an affordable family car that you can live with. Its core offering is streamlining, execution and cheap running costs.
Of late, the Maruti Suzuki AlK10 is one of the popularly known entry-level cars in India. It’s small, light and quite easy to drive, even on the congested city streets. The 1.0-litre petrol engine is zippy for around the town use and manages the odd highway trip with minimal fuss.
A great option for students, small families, and first-time buyers. It is easy and cheap to maintain, and spare parts are relatively easy to get. Also, its compact size means parking is easy, even in tight spots.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 Variants Guide
Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 Specifications
- Engine: 1.0L Petrol
- Transmission: Manual / AMT
- Mileage: 24–25 kmpl
- Airbags: 6
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Hatchback
- Rear Safety: 3-Point Seat Belts for all passengers
- Instrumentation: Digital Speedometer
Renault Kwid
Unlike most small cars, the Renault Kwid looks quite different thanks to its SUV-style exterior. Its aggressive design language makes it a head-turner in the affordable car space. It provides a comfortable ride even over bumpy city roads and over speed breakers.
The Renault Kwid price is often compared to other budget cars as it gives an attractive balance of practicality and price. It comes in handy for daily commutes to the office and short getaways with the family. Its compact size also makes it easy to park in small city areas.
Renault Kwid Specifications
- Engine: 1.0L Petrol
- Transmission: Manual / AMT
- Mileage: 21–22 kmpl
- Airbags: Dual Front
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Hatchback
- Ground Clearance: 184 mm
- Instrument Cluster: LED Digital Display
Tata Tiago
The Tata Tiago is one of the few cars in this price bracket that is robustly built and offers a good level of safety. On highways, it feels secure, and it doesn’t start feeling like a hamster on speed when you approach higher speeds like many other small cars do. The build quality gives off a solid feeling that assures the protection of the passengers.
Buyers can opt for tata tiago variants depending upon their budget and requirements. The steering feel has a slight firmness, which was good, better control and confidence on longer drives. It’s also a nice place to spend your everyday driving in the city and on small family trips.
Tata Tiago Specifications
- Engine: 1.2L Petrol
- Transmission: Manual
- Mileage: 20–26 kmpl
- Airbags: Dual Front
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Hatchback
- Safety Rating: 4-Star Global NCAP
- Instrument Cluster: Fully Digital
Maruti Suzuki Celerio
The Maruti Suzuki Celerio is popular for its very good mileage. It drives incredibly smoothly and feels light on the road, making it ideal for daily city driving.
The cabin design is stripped-back but functional, offering enough room for a family of four. These seats are comfortable enough for short everyday journeys. This helps make it a smart choice for those on a budget due to low maintenance and running costs.
Maruti Suzuki Celerio Specifications
- Engine: 1.0L Petrol
- Transmission: Manual
- Mileage: 25–26 kmpl
- Airbags: 6
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Hatchback
- Fuel-Saving Tech: Idle Start-Stop System
- Safety Tech: Standard ESP (Electronic Stability Program) with Hill Hold Assist
Citroën C3
The Citroën C3 feels different from the vast majority of small hatchbacks in this price range. On the all broken road condition, it gives you a really comfortable ride. Suspension setup absorbs bumps well, making it apt for our road conditions. The interior looks more stylish and slightly premium compared to many budget cars.
There is also a decent amount of cabin space for passengers as well. If you want something other than the run-of-the-mill small hatchback that can be seen on every street, this car is a good option.
Citroën C3 Specifications
- Engine: 1.2L Petrol
- Transmission: Manual
- Mileage: 19–20 kmpl
- Airbags: 6
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Hatchback
- Ground Clearance: 180 mm (SUV-like stance for rough roads)
- Steering: Tilt-Adjustable Steering (Standard)
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R
The vertical design of the Suzuki Wagon R accommodates adequate headroom, allowing passengers to sit up straight. And, the higher ride height also means that elderly people can easily access the cabin.
It’s the ideal car for everyday use and offers a good return on miles per litre. The vehicle is easy to operate in the city, and parking poses no issues. It is a comfortable long-term option for families with low maintenance costs and very easy availability of spare parts.
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Specifications
- Engine: 1.0L Petrol
- Transmission: Manual
- Mileage: 23–25 kmpl
- Airbags: 6
- Fuel Type: Petrol / CNG
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Hatchback
- Fuel-Saving Tech: Idle Start-Stop System
- Safety Tech: Standard ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
Maruti Suzuki Eeco
If you have a big family or you are a small business owner, then the Maruti Suzuki Eeco is an Ideal vehicle. With either 5 seats or 7, it is roomy inside. The spacious, practical cabin is great for carting around passengers and luggage.
It lacks several features we expect in modern cars, but prioritises space and practicality. A solid engine for everyday work use. This extremely low-maintenance car and a robust body make this vehicle peerless at the commercial front, too and the personal front.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Eeco Mileage: 16 Tips to Save Fuel
Maruti Suzuki Eeco Specifications
- Engine: 1.2L Petrol
- Transmission: Manual
- Mileage: 19–20 kmpl
- Airbags: 6
- Fuel Type: Petrol / CNG
- Seating Capacity: 5 / 7
- Body Type: Van/MPV
- Safety Tech: Standard ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
- Sliding Doors: Side Sliding Doors with Child Lock (Ideal for tight parking spaces)
Maruti Suzuki Ignis
Maruti Suzuki Ignis’ design is quirky in a style over a very traditional hatchback. This car also makes city driving a breeze and can easily squeeze into tight parking spots due to its size. The interior is also slightly more upscale than many models in this segment.
The Maruti Suzuki Ignis on-road price makes it still accessible for buyers looking for a stylish vehicle without spending beyond their means.
Maruti Suzuki Ignis Specifications
- Engine: 1.2L Petrol
- Transmission: Manual
- Mileage: 20–21 kmpl
- Airbags: Dual Front
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Hatchback
- Power Windows: Front Power Windows with One-Touch Down
- Safety Tech: Standard ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and Tilt-Adjustable Steering
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios offers a smooth and refined engine with a comfortable driving feel. Ride quality is decent; it breezes through the city and the highway.
The interior feels modern, while it also feels much more upmarket to suit many other cars at this price point. The seats are comfy, and the room is good for a small family. It is a good choice for buyers who want better interior quality and features without spending too much money.
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Specifications
- Engine: 1.2L Petrol
- Transmission: Manual
- Mileage: 18–21 kmpl
- Airbags:6
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Hatchback
- Power Windows: Front Power Windows (A rare standard comfort in base trims)
- Safety Standard: 3-Point Seat Belts and Reminders for all 5 seats
Tata Punch
At a hatchback price, the Tata Punch gives you SUV-style looks. The vehicle has a robust and sturdy feel to it, which breeds confidence whilst driving. It can clear speed breakers and roll over all types of roads due to its good ground clearance.
It is a popular choice for people upgrading from smaller cars. The seat placement is a little bit higher, so you get a better view of the road. It is suitable for both city driving and occasional highway trips.
Tata Punch Specifications
- Engine: 1.2L Petrol
- Transmission: Manual
- Mileage: 20 kmpl
- Airbags: 6
- Fuel Type: Petrol / CNG
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Compact SUV
- Door Opening: 90-Degree Opening Doors (Best-in-class for easy entry and exit)
- Driving Modes: Multi-Drive Modes (Eco and City) as standard
Nissan Magnite
The Nissan Magnite communicates SUV vibes without dropping too much cash. Its design is bold, and it has a good road presence. It also has a pretty roomy cabin and lots of useful features (in higher variants).
So, offering SUV styling possibly at a similar price point is bound to get many buyers to compare the Nissan Magnite price in India with hatchbacks. It is great for daily city driving as well as weekend trips. The boot space is utilitarian in nature, making it suitable for minor families.
Nissan Magnite Specifications
- Engine: 1.0L Naturally Aspirated Petrol
- Transmission: Manual
- Mileage: 17–20 kmpl
- Airbags: 6
- Fuel Type: Petrol/CNG
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Compact SUV
- Convenience: All Four Power Windows (A premium standard for a base variant)
- Safety Tech: Electronic Stability Program (ESP) & Hill Start Assist (Standard across all trims)
Nissan Gravite
The Nissan Gravite has the look of a lightly sporty crossover-style hatchback. It’s small enough to weave through city traffic and park in tight spaces.
More practical space for small families and everyday use is in the cabin. Primarily, it is targeted at budget buyers who want a vehicle with some intrinsic functionality while keeping up appearances without breaking the bank. Ideal for office commute, short-distance travel and normal city driving.
Nissan Gravite Specifications
- Engine: 1.0L Petrol
- Transmission: Manual
- Mileage: 19–20 kmpl
- Airbags: 6
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Hatchback/Crossover
- Seating Versatility: 7-Seater Modular Seating (Removable 3rd-row seats as standard)
- Safety Tech: Standard ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and Hill Start Assist
Hyundai Exter
Hyundai’s Exter is among the recent entrants into affordable compact SUVs. It has a modern design and looks stylish on the road. The Hyundai exter features include a touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, and useful safety features in the higher variants.
A good choice if you want a smart, practical, small adventurer to head into town. It has a more upright seating position for better visibility. You can use it for everyday commuting, and it will also cope with short highway trips well.
Hyundai Exter Specifications
- Engine: 1.2L Petrol
- Transmission: Manual
- Mileage: 19–27 kmpl
- Airbags: 6
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Compact SUV
- Safety Standard: 3-Point Seat Belts and Reminders for all 5 seats
- Instrument Cluster: Advanced Digital Cluster with 4.2-inch Colour TFT MID
Renault Kiger
Renault Kiger features a bold design, allowing a great road presence. It makes for a comfortable ride and feels solid on highways, more at home in city traffic and feels less cumbersome.
Given that Renault Kiger mileage is one of the most important factors many buyers check before making a purchase, the compact SUV offers excellent fuel efficiency. The cabin is sufficiently roomy for small families, and the boot space should suffice for weekend trips. It’s an affordable choice for SUV style.
Renault Kiger Specifications
- Engine: 1.0L Petrol
- Transmission: Manual
- Mileage: 18–20 kmpl
- Airbags: 6
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Compact SUV
- Convenience: All Four Power Windows (Standard even in the entry-level “Authentic” trim)
- Rear Comfort: Rear Centre Armrest with Cup Holders
Cheapest Cars in India Summary
The cheapest cars in India are no longer just basic and low-priced. Today, they have improved safety features, technology and decent fuel efficiency. There are plenty of options for you to choose from, such as the new-gen Alto K10, practical Eeco, or even an affordable SUV such as the Magnite or Punch.
As much as it is good to drive a large car on highways, a hatchback is a breeze to drive in the city and is quite fuel-efficient as well. For those wanting a car with more ground clearance and an SUV-style appearance, compact SUVs are available in this price bracket, too. Ultimately, your decision should
Your final choice should depend on budget, family size, and driving needs.
Also Read: Why You Should Not Buy A Luxury Car Under 10 Lakh
FAQs about the Cheapest Cars in India
Q. Which is the cheapest car in India right now?
The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is usually among the lowest-priced new cars in India.
Q. Are cheap cars safe?
Most entry-level cars now come with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and other basic safety features as standard.
Q. Which cheapest cars gives the best mileage?
The Maruti Suzuki Celerio is known for delivering very high mileage in the petrol segment.
Q. Are compact SUVs affordable now?
Yes, models like the Tata Punch, Nissan Magnite, and Renault Kiger make SUV styling accessible under a ₹6 lakh starting price.
Q. Should I buy a hatchback or a compact SUV?
If you mostly drive in city traffic, a hatchback is easier to park and maintain. If you prefer better road presence and ground clearance, a compact SUV is a good choice.
