India’s automotive industry offers a variety of vehicles to suit diverse lifestyles, driving needs, and budgets. Based on body type, several types of cars are available in India, such as hatchbacks, SUVs, sedans, and more. Hatchbacks are perfect for urban driving, whereas large SUVs are designed for off-road travel and long journeys. Sedans are popular for their comfort and style, and newer models like MPVs and crossovers are popular with today’s buyers.
Before deciding on a vehicle, it is necessary to know about the various types of cars in India, because they vary in size, fuel efficiency, performance, capacity, and usage. When you are in the market for a new car, or a family wants to add a space, understanding the qualities of each car segment can help you choose which car is right for you. This guide will discuss the top car models available in India to help you determine which is best suited to your needs.
Let’s understand it in detail!
Also Read – Sedan Cars In India
Hatchback
Hatchback cars are among the most popular choices for people in India due to their features such as practicality, compact size, fuel efficiency, and affordability. These cars are mostly used for daily city commuting, family use, and comfortable travel. Therefore, hatchback cars offer a great combination of comfort, performance, and easy manoeuvrability.
Check out some of the commonly purchased SUVs in India, along with their mileage, fuel type, and price ranges:
| Hatchback Car | Mileage | Fuel Type | Ex-Showroom Price |
| Tata Tiago | 19-28 kmpl | Petrol and CNG | ₹4.70 lakh-₹8.55 lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki Swift | 25.75 kmpl | Petrol | ₹5.79 lakh-₹8.80 lakh |
| Mauruti Suzuki Baleno | 22.94 kmpl | Petrol | ₹5.99 lakh-₹9.10 lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki Wagon R | 25.19 kmpl | Petrol | ₹4.99 lakh-₹6.95 lakh |
| Hyundai i20 | 20 kmpl | Petrol | ₹6 lakh-₹10.48 lakh |
| Tata Altroz | 19.33 kmpl | Petrol and CNG | ₹6 lakh-₹10.77 lakh |
| Marti Suzuki Alto K10 | 24.9 kmpl | Petrol | ₹3.70 lakh-₹5.45 lakh |
| Toyota Glanza | 22.94 kmpl | Petrol | ₹6.46 lakh-₹9.64 lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki Celerio | 26.68 kmpl | Petrol | ₹4.70 lakh-₹6.73 lakh |
| Renault Kwid | 22.3 kmpl | Petrol | ₹4.30 lakh-₹5.99 lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki S-Presso | 25.3 kmpl | Petrol and CNG | ₹3.50 lakh-₹5.25 lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki Ignis | 20.89 kmpl | Petrol | ₹5.35 lakh-₹7.55 lakh |
Hatchback Cars Specifications
- Compact Body Design
- Fuel Efficiency
- Standard Seating Capacity
- Boot Space and Storage
- Budget-Friendly
- Touchscreen Infotainment System
Also Read – Hatchback vs Sedan
Sedan
Sedans are the most common vehicles seen on Indian roads, known for their comfortable ride and stylish design. It is a standard passenger car which features aerodynamic efficiency and comfortable commuting. It is used mostly for daily commuting, executive travel, and family road trips due to its stable handling and superior fuel efficiency.
Common features in sedans include an enclosed boot, safety, interior space, fuel economy, and comfort. Check out some of the commonly purchased sedan cars in India, along with their mileage, fuel type, and price ranges:
| Sedan Car | Mileage | Fuel Type | Ex-Showroom Price |
| Maruti Suzuki Dzire | 25.71 kmpl | Petrol and CNG | ₹6.26 lakh-₹9.31 lakh |
| Hyundai Verna | 18.6 to 20.6 kmpl | Petrol | ₹10.99 lakh-₹18.41 lakh |
| Honda City | 17.97 kmpl | Petrol | ₹12 lakh-₹21 lakh |
| Volkswagen Virtus | 20.8 kmpl | Petrol | ₹10.50 lakh-₹19 lakh |
| Hyundai Aura | 17 kmpl | CNG | ₹6 lakh to ₹8.60 lakh |
| Honda Amaze | 19.46 kmpl | Petrol | ₹7.51 lakh-₹10 lakh |
| Skoda Slavia | 20.32 kmpl | Petrol | ₹10 lakh-₹18.19 lakh |
| Toyota Camry | 25.49 kmpl | Petrol | ₹47.48 lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki Ciaz | 20.65 kmpl | Petrol | ₹9.09 lakh-₹11.88 lakh |
Sedan Cars Specifications
- Fuel-Efficient
- Standard Seating Capacity
- Large Boot Space
- Safety Features
- Infotainment Systems
Also Read – Luxury Sedan Cars In India
SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle)
An SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) is a type of car available in India that offers a combination of practical cargo and passenger space with rugged off-road capabilities. It features high ground clearance and usually a four-wheel drive. With a powerful engine and higher ground clearance, SUVs are suitable for both city driving and rough terrain.
The common characteristics of SUVs are higher ground clearance, better space, and AWD capability. Check out some of the commonly purchased SUVs in India, along with their mileage, fuel type, and price ranges:
| SUV Car | Mileage | Fuel Type | Ex-Showroom Price |
| Tata Punch | 13-26 kmpl | CNG and Petrol | ₹5.65 lakh-₹10.60 lakh |
| Tata Sierra | 14.49-15.29 kmpl | Petrol and Diesel | ₹11.49 lakh-₹21.29 lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki Fronx | 22.89 kmpl | Petrol | ₹6.85 lakh-₹11.98 lakh |
| Hyundai Creta | 21.8 kmpl | Petrol | ₹10.91 lakh-₹20.06 lakh |
| Mahindra Thar | 9 kmpl | Diesel | ₹9.99 lakh-₹17.62 lakh |
| Mahindra Scorpio N | 15.94 kmpl | Diesel | ₹13.49 lakh-₹24.95 lakh |
| Tata Nexon | 24.08 kmpl | Diesel | ₹7.37 lakh-₹14.22 lakh |
| Toyota Fortuner | 10-14.6 kmpl | Diesel | ₹34.76 lakh-₹50.46 lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki Brezza | 19.89 kmpl | Petrol | ₹8.26 lakh-₹13.01 lakh |
| Hyundai Venue | 20.99 kmpl | Diesel | ₹8 lakh-₹15.83 lakh |
SUV Cars Specifications
- Higher Ground Clearance
- More Seating Capacity
- Strong and Powerful Engine
- Advanced Technology Features
- Safety Features
Also Read – SUV Cars In India
MPV/MUV
MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) cars are designed for buyers in India to offer comfortable seating, family functionality, and spacious interiors. These vehicles are known for their flexible seating arrangements, large cabin space and good luggage capacity suitable for long journeys, daily commuting and carrying multiple passengers with better comfort and convenience.
Check out some of the commonly purchased MPVs in India, along with their mileage, fuel type, and price ranges:
| MPV Car | Mileage | Fuel Type | Ex-Showroom Price |
| Toyota Innova Crysta | 9 kmpl | Diesel | ₹18.99 lakh-₹26.63 lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki Ertiga | 20.51 kmpl | Petrol | ₹8.80 lakh-₹12.94 lakh |
| Kia Carens | 12.6 kmpl | Diesel | ₹11.02 lakh-₹12.88 lakh |
| Nissan Gravite | 19.6 kmpl | Petrol and CNG | ₹5.65 lakh-₹9.18 lakh |
| Toyota Innova Hycross | 23.24 kmpl | Petrol | ₹18.70 lakh-₹31.84 lakh |
| Toyota Rumion | 20.51 kmpl | Petrol | ₹9.55 kmpl-₹13.86 lakh |
| Renault Triber | 20 kmpl | Petrol | ₹5.81 lakh-₹8.69 lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki XL6 | 20.97 kmpl | Petrol | ₹11.52 lakh-₹14.47 lakh |
| Kia Carens Clavis | 19.54 kmpl | Petrol | ₹11.21 lakh-₹21.59 lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki Invicto | 23.24 kmpl | Petrol | ₹24.97 lakh-₹28.61 lakh |
| Mahindra Marazzo | 17.3 kmpl | Diesel | ₹14.06 lakh-₹16.38 lakh |
MPV Cars Specifications
- Better Seating Capacity
- Interior Space
- High Engine Performance
- Safety Features
- Comfort and Convenience
Also Read – MUV Cars In India
Electric Vehicles
There are several electric vehicles available in India, known for their environmental friendliness and long-term use. Since these cars run on powerful batteries, they leave no tailpipe emissions. Therefore, the EVS in India features strong design, battery capacity, high mileage and budget-friendly options.
Check out some of the commonly purchased EVs in India, along with their mileage, fuel type, and price ranges:
| EV Cars | Mileage | Fuel Type | Ex-Showroom Price |
| Maruti Suzuki e Vitara | 440-530 km | Electric | ₹15.99 lakh-₹20.01 lakh |
| Tata Tiago EV | 226-285 km | Electric | ₹6.99 lakh-₹9.99 lakh |
| Tata Punch EV | 275-350 km | Electric | ₹9.69 lakh-₹12.59 lakh |
| Mahindra XEV 9e | 542-656 km | Electric | ₹21.90 lakh-₹31.25 lakh |
| Mahindra BE 6 | 557-683 km | Electric | ₹18.90 lakh-₹28.49 lakh |
| MG Windsor EV | 332-449 km | Electric | ₹14 lakh-₹18.50 lakh |
| Tata Nexon EV | 275-489 km | Electric | ₹12.49 lakh-₹17.49 lakh |
| Tata Harrier EV | 538-627 km | Electric | ₹21.49 lakh-₹30.23 lakh |
| MG Comet EV | 230 km | Electric | ₹7.50 lakh-₹9.56 lakh |
| MG Cyberster | 580 km | Electric | ₹75 lakh |
| Tata Curvv EV | 502 km | Electric | ₹16.99 lakh-₹19.49 lakh |
EV Cars Specifications
- Environmentally Friendly
- Battery Capacity
- Better Driving Range
- Several Charging Options
- Motor Performance
- Safety Features
Also Read – 2 Seaters Cars In India
FAQ about Types of Cars
Q. Which type of car is best for city driving in India?
Urban drivers usually prefer hatchback cars as they are available in compact sizes, easy manoeuvrability, fuel efficiency and better parking in crowded urban areas. These are still a prominent choice among buyers looking for budget-friendly options.
Q. What is the difference between an SUV and a crossover?
SUVs offer higher ground clearance and strong performance across different terrains, while crossovers are lighter, more fuel-efficient, and provide a balance between comfort and practicality.
Q. Why do families prefer MPV cars?
Indian families usually prefer MPV cars because they offer features such as spacious interiors, flexible seating arrangements, higher passenger capacity, and a better, more comfortable ride during long-distance travel.
Q. Are electric vehicles suitable for daily use in India?
Yes, electric vehicles are increasingly suitable for daily use in India due to their enhanced driving range, lower running costs, multiple charging options, and environmentally friendly operation with zero tailpipe emissions.
Q. How should buyers choose the right type of car?
Before selecting the best type of car in India, buyers should consider several factors, including budget, seating requirements, driving conditions, fuel preferences, maintenance costs, transmission options, and intended usage.
