The Indian automotive market is saturated with several cars within different segments and leaves the buyer spoilt for choice. One of the most popular buys with the Indian customers is looking for the best budget car. This eventually helps users upgrade from a two-wheeler to a four-wheeler, and there are ones which offer a bit extra to the user, albeit maintaining a good value-for-money ratio. These budget cars can be of many types and are subjective to different users. They are set in a price bracket of around Rs. 5-10 lakh (ex-showroom) and range between hatchbacks and SUVs and are listed here for its versatility in terms of providing great comfort, ride, mileage and features. Here, we take a look at some of the best budget cars available in the market which would provide the best value for the Indian customer.
| Car | Mileage | Price |
| Tata Tiago | 19.00 kmpl | 5.60 – 8.15 lakh |
| Hyundai Grand i10 Nios | 18.90 kmpl | 5.73 – 8.51 lakh |
| Renault Triber | 18.20 kmpl | 6.33 – 8.97 lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki Baleno | 22.35 kmpl | 6.61 – 9.88 lakh |
| Honda Amaze | 18.30 kmpl | 6.65 – 11.52 lakh |
| Tata Punch | 20.09 kmpl | 6.00 – 10.10 lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki Dzire | 22.41 kmpl | 6.51 – 9.39 lakh |
| Nissan Magnite | 20.00 kmpl | 6.00 – 11.02 lakh |
Tata Tiago
Starting off this list is the Indian hatchback, the Tata Tiago. The smart, compact hatchback is available in three fuel variants (petrol, CNG, electric) and two gearbox types (manual and automatic) which gives several options for the customers. The Tiago looks chic and is nice and premium on the inside as well. The cabin is well-laid out with textured plastics and knitted roof lining elevates the experience. On top of that, the 1.2-litre engine delivers a punchy performance and the suspension provides a great ride.
The Tata Tiago has turned out to become a very popular choice among Indian customers. Starting at just 5.60 lakh, the Tiago makes a lot of sense for users looking for a versatile hatchback.
Tata Tiago CNG Key Specs:
- Engine: 1.2-litre engine
- Power: 73 PS
- Transmission: 5-speed Manual
Fuel Efficiency: 26.6 km/kg - Fuel Type: Petrol + CNG
- Seating Capacity: 5
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
Hyundai has kept the continued tradition of building some cracking hatchbacks for the Indian market over the years, and it doesn’t stop with the striking Grand i10 Nios. It sets a standard in terms of quality, performance and safety, and it does so at an affordable price. Again, you get plenty of options here in terms of powertrain, with both petrol and CNG mated to either a manual or an automatic transmission {only available in petrol}.
The best part about the Grand i10 Nios is the plush interior with top notch features such as the 8-inch touchscreen with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, which sets it apart from most rivals. It also features updated sleek, 5-spoke alloy wheels in it latest update early this year. In terms of safety, it gets 4 airbags as standard across all variants, with the option of 6 in the higher trims. It also gets some interesting tech such as impact sensing door unlock and speed sensing door locks. The Grand i10 Nios still sells like hot pancakes and starting just at 5.73 lakh, it is one of the best budget options out there.
Hyundai i10 Nios Key Specs:
- Engine: 1.2-litre engine
- Power: 83 PS (Petrol) and 69 PS (CNG)
- Transmission: 5-speed Manual and 5-speed Automatic
Fuel Efficiency: 21 kmpl - Fuel Type: Petrol and CNG
- Seating Capacity: 5
Renault Triber
Renault made huge waves in the news when they announced the Triber, which offers the convenience of a sub-4 meter car with the promise of seating for seven passengers. It has got the silhouette of an MPV, with its short bonnet and large passenger cell plus being taller than the average hatchback. Underneath the hood, the 1.0L petrol engine is adequate for the car and seven passengers, but might suffer under heavy load. The manual version outperforms the automatic: the AMT, while convenient, is a bit jerky, and isn’t the best if you’re looking for quicker acceleration.
In terms of safety, you can spec the Triber with up to 4 airbags on the higher variants along with ISOFIX mounting points. On top of that, what’s impressive is that it scored a healthy 4-star in the GNCAP safety ratings. The Triber impresses with a good feature list. There are rear AC vents, a cooled central console, automatic lock function and more. Starting at just Rs. 6.33 lakh, the Renault Triber would attract a lot of customers with larger families.
Renault Triber RXZ
- Engine- 999cc
- Power- 71 bhp
- Transmission- Manual
- Fuel Efficiency- 18.20 kmpl
- Fuel Type- Petrol
- Seating Capacity- 7
Maruti Suzuki Baleno
Maruti has always been the benchmark when it has come to producing affordable and efficient vehicles in the market. When it comes to premium hatchbacks, Baleno has been a staple name in the segment since its inception in 2015. It has a modern, premium design which has stayed relevant over time, is extremely frugal and has always been updated with the latest features available.
In terms of powertrain, it is only available in petrol variants, which is super refined and extremely fuel efficient. It puts out an impressive 22.35 kmpl and is easily one of the most frugal hatchbacks in the country. The Baleno is quite well-equipped in terms of safety, and is equipped with essential standardised features such as six airbags, ESP and ISOFIX mounting points. The Baleno is a proper jack of all trades and at a price range of 6.61 – 9.88 lakh, it is pretty much a no-brainer.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Alpha
- Engine- 1197cc
- Power- 88.50 bhp
- Transmission- Manual
- Fuel Efficiency- 22.35 kmpl
- Fuel Type- Petrol
- Seating Capacity- 5
The Honda Amaze has been around the Indian market for ages and it still puts up a strong number in sales. It has received a facelift recently and some cosmetic tweaks on the exterior and interior. It comes with both petrol and diesel variants, both mated with an automatic transmission as well. The petrol engine is super smooth and refined, especially with the CVT gearbox option.
Like most Hondas, it is exemplary in terms of reliability, and basic maintenance can keep the Amaze running smoothly for several years. It is quite spacious inside the cabin and the boot is pretty accommodating as well for a car of its size. The Honda is quite well built and has a ton of standard safety features such as dual frontal airbags, ABS with EBD and ISOFIX mounting points for a child seat. Prices begin at a modest 6.65 lakh, and it is a car worth considering for its incredible value.
Honda Amaze VX
- Engine- 1199cc
- Power- 88.50 bhp
- Transmission- Manual
- Fuel Efficiency- 18.60 kmpl
- Fuel Type- Petrol
- Seating Capacity- 5
Tata Punch
The Tata Punch is one of the latest compact SUVs to come into the mix and is a great budget option as well. Tata describes it as a product with ‘the agility of a hatchback and the DNA of an SUV’. Despite being a small SUV, it does possess commanding road presence and is designed really well. In terms of engine, it only comes with a 1.2-litre petrol engine with manual and automatic options.
It has become a customary for Tata cars to score 5 stars in the GNCAP ratings and the Punch is no different. It comes equipped with dual frontal airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX mounting points and a traction management system in the automatic versions. On the feature front, it does come with a 7-inch touchscreen and higher variants come with automatic climate control and cruise control which is impressive. Starting at just 6.00 lakh and above, the Tata Punch does remain a great choice.
Tata Punch Accomplished S
- Engine- 1199cc
- Power- 86.63 bhp
- Transmission- Manual
- Fuel Efficiency- 20.09 kmpl
- Fuel Type- Petrol
- Seating Capacity- 5
Maruti Suzuki Dzire
The Dzire was one of the first sedans in India to be based on a hatchback and is one of the first sub 4 meter cars in India. Now in its third generation, it still leads the line in terms of space, practicality and comfort. The Dzire offers only a petrol variant but it is extremely fuel efficient, meaning the absence of a diesel isn’t really felt here. The engine is quite responsive and the effortlessness in driving means it is perfect around Indian cities.
In terms of safety, it has got a decent kit with dual frontal airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX mounting points and even ESP with hill-hold on automatic variants. The feature list doesn’t set a benchmark but it does include staples such as a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, steering mounted audio controls and fully automatic temperature control. Overall, the Dzire is a fantastic option for those looking at optimal space and comfort.
Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire VXI
- Engine- 1197cc
- Power- 88.50 bhp
- Transmission- Manual
- Fuel Efficiency- 22.41 kmpl
- Fuel Type- Petrol
- Seating Capacity- 5
Nissan Magnite
Nissan was under pressure to perform in India, and their following product had to hit the bull’s eye. They have achieved that by entering the compact SUV segment through Magnite, and cleverly positioned it beneath its rivals. On offer is a smart, compact SUV that is comfortable on the inside, well-equipped and easy to drive. The SUV is adequate in terms of performance, and is exceptionally well for the turbo trims. The interior quality is also decent on the lower trims.
On the safety front, it does well to score a healthy 4 stars in the GNCAP ratings. All the variants offer dual front airbags, along with ISOFIX mounting points and ESP on the turbo variants of the SUV. It has two petrol engines on offer, and the turbo version with the CVT transmission is a great option. It also has a good feature list for a SUV which offers a great deal on a budget. Starting at just around 6.00 lakh, it makes a brilliant option for users who want a compact SUV at a budget price.
Nissan Magnite XV
- Engine- 999cc
- Power- 71.02 bhp
- Transmission- Manual
- Fuel Efficiency- 18.75 kmpl
- Fuel Type- Petrol
- Seating Capacity- 5
Summary
India is one of those markets where small cars still hold value, and usually have the best bang for the buck. There are many affordable, yet value for money options available, in a range of segments including hatchbacks, compact sedans, and MPVs, and compact SUVs. So even if you have a 7 people family, and need to buy a car under 7 lakh, then the Triber is there waiting for you! Similarly, if you’re in the market for a second car for city runabouts, then you have the safe, and sturdy Tiago. The gist is, there’s a car for everyone!
FAQs on Best Budget Cars in India
Q. Which is the best budget car in India?
A. The Maruti Suzuki Dzire can be considered as one of the best budget cars in India due to it’s spacious interiors, fuel efficient engines, compact design, and affordable price.
Q. Which car is best between 5 to 7 lakh?
A. The Renault Triber is a really versatile car between Rs 5 to 7 lakh as it is the only 7-seater MUV in this price range, offering three useable rows for passengers as well as a fuel efficient package.
Q. Which is the best budget car for a middle-class family?
A. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios can be a good choice as they offer good mix of features and performance for the price.
Q. What are budget car brands in India?
A. The best budget car brands in India are Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata Motors, Renault and Nissan.
