Best Cars Under ₹10 Lakhs

The mid-range car segment under ₹10 Lakhs is one of the most popular in India. Premier car manufacturers in India like Tata Motors, Hyundai, and Maruti Suzuki possess a host of different models across multiple segments like hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs.

The Hyundai i20, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Tata Altroz, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Tata Tiago, Hyundai Santro and the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios are some of the best hatchback cars you can get under Rs. 10 Lakhs.  In the sedan segment, you have the Maruti Suzuki Dzire. Finally, if compact SUVs are what you’re looking for, then the Maruti Suzuki Brezza or the Tata Nexon are two of the best cars under the ₹10 Lakhs price bracket.

The following table will give you a good idea about the best Indian cars under ₹10 Lakhs.

Now that you know the best cars under ₹10 Lakhs, here’s a deep dive into each of them.

Maruti Suzuki has launched the updated version of its best-selling hatchback the Swift. The hatchback gets a new K12 series DualJet VVT engine along with a few cosmetic changes on the exterior, and an updated features list. 

As before, three of the seven variants get an AMT automatic gearbox. Priced ₹50,000 higher than their manual counterparts, the Swift AMTs are worth the premium for the convenience they add to Autocar India the city. Swift is one of the best cars under ₹10 Lakhs in India.

Maruti launched the facelifted Dzire in March 2020. The facelift featured Maruti’s BS6-compliant 1.2-litre Dualjet petrol engine along with some cosmetic upgrades, while the diesel engine was discontinued. 

The all-New Maruti DZire is more fuel-efficient than the preceding model due to the use of the 'HEARTEC' platform as it makes the sedan lighter by 70-80 kgs than before. The petrol motor delivers a mileage of 22kmpl with both manual and AMT variants. Dzire is a good choice if you’re looking for a car below ₹10 Lakhs.

Since its launch in 2016, the Brezza has taken the compact SUV market by storm. The car has been a hit since day one. 2020's facelift brings in mildly refreshed styling but marks a major change under the bonnet. 

The Brezza's 1.3-litre diesel engine has made way for a BS6-compliant 1.5-litre petrol unit. Now a petrol-only model, the Vitara Brezza is available with 5-speed manual and 4-speed torque converter auto transmission options. Moreover, the car was rated 4 stars by Global NCAP on adult occupant protection and is one of the best cars in the ₹10 Lakhs car segment.

The Baleno is a premium hatchback that retails exclusively from Maruti’s Nexa outlet. The car is available with a choice of petrol and mild-hybrid petrol engines. Mated to the engine is a petrol-CVT automatic gearbox option for the top-end model. 

The car got an update in 2019 which saw major exterior and interior upgrades. This includes the latest BS6 engine specification and an all-new dual-tone interior. If you’re looking for the best cars below ₹10 Lakhs, Baleno is a great choice.

The Altroz is Tata Motors’ premium hatchback and the first model to be built on the carmaker’s ALFA platform. The car has been developed with ‘electrification’ in mind. On offer are BS6-compliant 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines, both available with manual transmissions.

Tata has announced a dual-clutch auto-equipped Altroz petrol that is all set to be launched by the end of 2021; while a more powerful 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine is also in the works. Like most Tata models, the Tata Altroz has been awarded a 5-star adult occupant protection rating by Global NCAP.

The Tiago is Tata Motors’ smart and uber-cool city hatchback. The best part about the car is the competitive pricing and the value it brings to buyers. The car got a recent 2020 upgrade with interior and exterior changes along with a BS6 compliant engine that delivers an impressive 85hp. 

The new engine is available in both a manual transmission and an AMT gearbox. Like most Tata models, the Tata Altroz has been awarded a 5-star adult occupant protection rating by Global NCAP. Tiago is one of the best cars to buy under ₹10 Lakhs.

The Nexon is one of Tata’s best selling hatchbacks and perhaps the most versatile car in the range. The car offers so much in addition to its swanky good looks. The car presents a wide price range of engine and gearbox options. 

You can choose a car in the following configuration: petrol-manual, petrol-AMT auto, diesel-manual and diesel-AMT auto versions. The car holds the distinction of being the first Indian car to be rated 5 stars for safety by Global NCAP. The year 2020 brought with it key updates like all new BS6-spec engines and an electric EV option.

The Grand i10 NIOS is a hatchback from the Korean manufacturer Hyundai. The car, like its predecessor, combines great value and stylistic function with ease. The Grand i10 NIOS can be had in petrol, diesel and CNG options. 

If you are primarily looking to drive in the city, the petrol variant is the one to go with. The car is comfortable on long road trips and manages to ease through the kilometres in silence. The NIOS is truly one of the best Indian cars under ₹10 Lakhs.

The Hyundai Aura is all about grace and a modern design.  It is also a car that can surround you with the safety of more than 30 safety features. Along with this, you can find additional perks embedded into the Hyundai Aura like engine start/stop push button, seat adjustment, rear air conditioning vents, wireless phone charging stations, etc. 

Hyundai has successfully managed to make the cabin feel upmarket with plenty of room in the back. Rear passengers will also be delighted by the large rear windows, which make the car feel bigger. The car is available in a 5-speed manual transmission setup.

Hyundai seems to constantly raise the bar when it comes to premium hatchbacks. The i20 is no different. It brings in a whole host of class-leading features you'd otherwise only find a segment above. The car is available with a choice of three engines - a 1.2 petrol, 1.0 turbo-petrol and 1.5 diesel - and a wide array of gearbox options too. 

Like the previous generation of i20s, the new i20 offers high-end features like driver assist, 5 airbags, a 9” infotainment system, etc. Luxury addons to the interior make it a top contender for best cars under ₹10 Lakhs.

Once you’ve bought your budget car under ₹10 Lakhs, make sure you give it the much-needed insurance to keep it as good as new. Car insurance offers protection against accidents, theft, natural calamities and other unforeseen circumstances that could harm your vehicle. As per the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, it is also compulsory to have vehicle insurance to drive your car on Indian roads.

To get the best deals on motor insurance, opt for Bajaj Markets that gives you own-damage protection, third party protection and comprehensive coverage. The comprehensive car insurance policy not only covers damages that occur to your car during an accident but also covers the repairs and costs incurred to third-party property.

Keep your car in the best shape with the best insurance plans at Bajaj Markets.