Owning a car is practical and useful. But you don’t know the difference between gear oil and engine oil. What you need is a reliable runaround that doesn’t need much care. Just pop around periodically to your friendly neighbourhood service centre and you’re good to go always.
So let’s introduce you to cars which are functional, utilitarian, look good and don’t require you to put much effort into maintaining them.
Also Read – Hybrid Cars In India
Low Maintenance Cars in India
Here’s a list of the best low maintenance cars in India arranged in ascending order of price, for your convenience.
Model | Average Service Cost | Price ( Ex Showroom Delhi) |
Maruti Suzuki Alto | Rs. 16,938 for 5 years | Rs.3.39-5.03 lakh |
Maruti Spresso | Rs. 17,800 for 5 years | Rs. 4.25 - 6.10 Lakh |
Renault Kwid | Rs. 10,626 for 5 years | Rs. 4.64 - 5.99 Lakh |
Maruti Celerio | Rs.19265 for 5 years | Rs. 5.25 - 7.00 Lakh |
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios | Rs 14356 for 5 years | Rs. 5.43 - 8.45 Lakh |
Tata Tiago | Rs. 23,561 for 5 years | Rs. 5.44 - 7.89 Lakh |
Maruti Wagon R | Rs.16890 for 5 years | Rs. 5.47 - 7.20 Lakh |
Maruti Dzire | Rs. 17,731 for 5 years | Rs. 6.24 - 9.17 Lakh |
Honda Amaze | Rs. 27301 for 5 years (petrol) | Rs. 6.62 - 11.50 Lakh |
Rs 29959 for 5 years (diesel) |
| |
Honda City | Rs 25774 for 5 years (petrol) | Rs. 11.57 - 15.52 Lakh |
Rs 31859 for 5 years (diesel) |
Maruti Suzuki Alto 800
The Maruti Suzuki Alto’s new design has given this capable allrounder a new lease of life. It remains true to its promise of providing the Indian consumer a cheap, low-frills car that is incredibly easy to maintain while retaining a fun factor zipping in and out of traffic with the minimum of fuss. Fuel economy especially with the CNG version, the omnipresent Maruti service Centres and low cost of spares make this a very practical car to own.
Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 Specifications
- Engine: 0.8 Ltr (P)
- Transmission: 5 Speed Manual
- Mileage: 22.05 Kmpl (P); 31.59 Km/kg (CNG)
- Airbags: 2
- Fuel Type: Petrol, CNG
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Hatchback
Also Read – CNG Cars In India
Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 Key Features
- Reverse parking sensors
- ABS and EBD
Maruti S-Presso
The Maruti S-Presso is a hatchback trying to mimic an SUV.It’s built on Suzuki’s all new Heartect platform making it a generation more advanced than the Alto.The engine is refined and the power delivery is smooth with the torque being impressive.The AMT mated with this engine is even more delightful to drive.The tight turning circle, the responsive steering and the size makes this an ideal city vehicle.
Factor in the Maruti Service Network and impressive mileage, especially on the CNG version and the S-Presso becomes a very affordable buy.
Maruti S-Presso Specifications
- Engine: 0.8 Ltr (P)
- Transmission: 5 Speed Manual and AGS
- Mileage: 22.05 Kmpl (P); 31.59 Km/kg(CNG)
- Airbags: 2
- Fuel Type: Petrol, CNG
- Seating Capacity: 4
- Body Type: Hatchback
Also Read – Best Petrol Cars In India
Maruti S-Presso Key Features
- Reverse parking sensors
- ABS and EBD
Renault Kwid
The Renault Kwid is designed for life in the city. It is zippy and full of pep with the suspension setup geared to take potholes and the like in its stride. The design with SUV like elements make it a head turner on the streets while the smooth handling and energetic engine makes it a joy to drive.
The efficient engine which requires little maintenance, the frugality of fuel consumption on offer and easy availability of spares makes it very easy to maintain.
Renault Kwid Specifications
- Engine: 0.8-litre (P); 1.0-litre (P)
- Transmission: 5 Speed MT/ 5 Speed AT (1.0 Ltr)
- Mileage: 22.25 Kmpl (MT); 22 Kmpl (AT)
- Airbags: 2
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Hatchback
Also Read – Hatchback vs Sedan
Renault Kwid Key Features
- MID instrument display
- Front power windows
Maruti Suzuki Celerio
The Celerio is the most fuel efficient petrol car in India.It is pacy enough to deal with city traffic and handles highway speeds easily too.The turning radius is small, it’s easy to park and the suspension absorbs bumps with elan.We would recommend the automatic over the manual for the urban areas.
Being a Maruti translates into easy availability of spares and service centres ensuring no maintenance hassles.
Maruti Suzuki Celerio Specifications
- Engine: 1.0L Petrol, 1.0L CNG
- Transmission: 5 Speed MT and AGS
- Mileage: 25.24 Kmpl (MT); 26.68 Kmpl (AT); 35.6 Km/kg (CNG)
- Airbags: 2
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Hatchback
Also Read – 5 Seater Cars
Maruti Suzuki Celerio Key Features
- Push-button start
- Multi-info display
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
The i10 was intended to build on the reputation earned by Hyundai’s Santro. And it does not disappoint.The engine is tuned for responsiveness and the handling characteristics are excellent. High quality fit and finish allied with loaded tech features only add to its appeal.Hyundai engines are known for their toughness, and that along with the great build quality makes it an easy car to own and maintain.
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Specifications
- Engine: 1.2 Ltr(P), 1.0 Ltr(P), 1.2 Ltr(CNG)
- Transmission: 5 Speed MT and 5 Speed AT
- Mileage: 20.7 Kmpl (MT) and (AT); 28 Km/kg (CNG)
- Airbags: 2
- Fuel Type: Petrol and CNG
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Hatchback
Also Read – Manual vs Automatic Transmission
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Key Features
- Power windows
- ABS and EBD
Tata Tiago
The Tata Tiago incorporated the best of Jaguar and Range Rover’s design elements and safety features.It is a reliable, stylistic vehicle with an enviable 4 Star GNCAP rating making it the safest car on our list.The engine is fuel efficient and quick off the blocks giving it that surge in acceleration required while overtaking.The ever widening Tata Service Network and cheap spares are contributory factors that make this car easy to maintain.
Tata Tiago Specifications
- Engine: 1.2 Ltr
- Transmission:5 Speed MT and 5 Speed AT
- Mileage: 20.09 Kmpl(MT); 20.09 Kmpl(AT); 26.49 Km/kg(CNG)
- Airbags: 2
- Fuel Type: Petrol and CNG
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Hatchback
Also Read – What Is ABS
Tata Tiago Key Features
- ABS with EBD
- Automatic climate control
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R
The new Wagon R is taller,wider and longer than its older version giving it a more substantial look.
The two tone black and beige theme of the cabin with the thoughtful addition of the steering wheel borrowed from the Ignis gives it a quality feel.It delivers a very peppy and sporty performance.
There is a Maruti Service Centre in just about every corner of India so you are guaranteed trouble free maintenance everywhere.
Suzuki Wagon R Specifications
- Engine: 1.0L Petrol and CNG; 1.2L Petrol
- Transmission: 5 Speed MT and AGS
- Mileage: 25.19 Kmpl (MT); 34.05 Km/kg (CNG); 24.43 Kmpl (AT); 23.56 Kmpl (MT)
- Airbags: 2
- Fuel Type: Petrol and CNG
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Tall Boy Hatchback
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Key Features
- 7-inch infotainment system
- ABS with EBD
Maruti Suzuki Dzire
This is the Maruti Swift Dzire’s third generation and the design now flows organically with the new front design; the boot integrated well unlike the previous generations where it was very much an add-on.The engine has been changed with fuel economy improving.
The brand value of Maruti with its extensive service network and cheap spares enhances its reputation as an affordable and easily maintained vehicle.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire Specifications
- Engine: 1.2L Dualjet Petrol
- Transmission: 5 Speed MT and AGS
- Mileage: 23.26 Kmpl (MT); 24.12 Kmpl (AT); 31.12 Km/kg (CNG)
- Airbags: 2
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Sedan
Maruti Dzire Key Features
- Cruise control
- Keyless entry with push button start
Honda Amaze
The Honda Amaze gives you a choice of two engines with a CVT option. It’s got a more premium look with the cabin retaining its user friendly and practical nature.
The petrol engine is fun in the cities with a planted ride quality and a suspension that smoothens the undulations our roads are infamous for. The diesel engine is quiet, refined,responsive and effortlessly propels the car forward.
Honda is known primarily for its refined engines and the build quality which require little or no maintenance.Just be sure you stick to the maintenance schedule.
Honda Amaze Specifications
- Engine: 1.2L Petrol; 5L Diesel
- Transmission: 5 Speed MT and CVT
- Mileage: 18.6 Kmpl (MT); 18.3 Kmpl (CVT); 24.7 Kmpl (MT); 18.3 Kmpl (CVT)
- Airbags: 2
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Sedan
Honda Amaze Key Features
- Cruise Control
- ABS with EBD
Honda City
Performance in the new Honda City has improved significantly and you can go for the CVT on offer because of the smoothly effortless drive it delivers.The interiors use soft touch materials and the wood trim is tasteful without being ostentatious.The car soaks up potholes and ruts thanks to the stiffer body shell and softer suspension setup.
The engine refinement and the build quality are of high standards contributing to a pleasant service and ownership experience.Maintenance schedules must be adhered to but if you do so, this is a vehicle that will never leave you stranded.
Honda City Specifications
- Engine: 1.5L i-VTEC; 1.5L DOHC
- Transmission: MT and AT
- Mileage: 17.8 Kmpl (MT) P; 18.4 Kmpl (CVT) P; 24.1 Kmpl (MT) D
- Airbags: 6
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Body Type: Sedan
Honda City Key Features
- LaneWatch Camera
- Sunroof
Best Low Maintenance Cars in India Summary
Sometimes the upkeep and maintenance of our cars could present a problem. The one solution is that we buy a car that will not be a problem to maintain in a healthy condition.
The cars given above are models from reputed brands that are far easier and more comfortable to maintain than previous iterations.
So go ahead, buy one of these cars.You ‘ll be spared a maintenance headache but will get a pleasant and hassle free ownership for the years to come.
FAQs on Low Maintenance Cars in India
Which car is best for low maintenance in India?
There is no definite answer to that but any of the cars on our list could be considered. The Maruti brand has you covered with its extensive network, The Hyundais and the Tatas are fast catching up with them in terms of easy availability of spares and maintenance centres while the Hondas do have limited reach but make up for it in terms of sheer dependability and reliability of their machines.
Which car has the lowest maintenance cost in India?
While we would point you to the Marutis in terms of easy availability of network, it must be pointed out that other manufacturers are fast catching up with it while their machines are dependable and reliable making for a pleasant ownership experience.
Which is best low maintenance sedan car in India?
The Swift Dzire or the Hondas depending on the engine you prefer.
Which is the best low maintenance hatchback car in India?
All the cars in our list are capable in their own right and any would be an excellent choice. A fuel efficient hatchback for example would point you to the CNG Alto while a petrol sedan would mean the Dzire. Safety first would guide you to the Amaze while a diesel option would mean any one of the Hondas.
Which is the best low maintenance diesel cars in India?
You can’t go wrong with either the City or the Amaze.