It is a dream of many to own a car but budgetary constraints and expensive pricing may become dampeners. There is a way to live the dream of owning a car by buying cars under Rs 4-lakh in India. Here is a list and features of best cars under Rs 4-lakh that also offer good mileage, making them an ideal choice. While the basic model of Maruti’s Alto remains the most popular choice in this price category, more brands and cars have been introduced in recent years. Maruti has also introduced the base model of S-Presso under Rs 4-lakh price range.
Any car you wish to buy in India, ranging from a 1-lakh car to a 4-lakh car, will give you good mileage and offer you a superior vehicle in a budget. The best Indian cars under 4 lakhs and some great models from other car makers, give you on-road prices that are unbeatable, as shown in the table below:
Top Cars Under 4 Lakhs |
On Road Prices including RTO and Insurance (Delhi) |
Maruti Alto 800 |
Rs. 3.64 Lakhs |
Maruti S-Presso |
Rs. 4.21 Lakhs |
Bajaj Qute - RE60 |
Rs. 2.91 Lakhs |
Datsun redi-Go |
Rs. 4.20 Lakhs |
For any car less than 4 lakhs, the on-road prices are mentioned as they are available in Delhi, as a benchmark. You must note that on-road prices may differ from city to city, and you must check these for the city you live in for any car upto 4 lakhs that you wish to buy. Furthermore, while the prices of only base variants are mentioned, advanced models may go above Rs. 4 lakhs for the cars mentioned. Moreover, ex-showroom prices may be under Rs. 4 lakhs, but on-road prices take the price to a little above Rs. 4 lakhs. Additionally, it is relevant to calculate your car insurance cost, and this depends on the model/variant you buy. You can do this for any 4-lakh range car by simply using an online car insurance calculator at Bajaj Markets. It's worth knowing about a car’s features as much as it's vital to know about its cost, especially on-road price as this includes all the extra costs of taxes, registration and insurance. You will discover all about this as you read further.
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)
This car made its debut in the year 2000, and since then, has been one of the top cars under 4 lakhs. The entry level model of this very popular car costs Rs. 3.64 lakhs and can go up to Rs. 5.49 lakhs, depending on the variants (models and engines). Insurance premiums may begin from Rs. 18,000 approximately, and go upwards from there. For a vehicle with a car price under 4 lakhs, this is a car that is available in petrol and CNG engine models. The car is a small car with a four-seater interior, but offers you a smooth drive within the city. Here are key features and aspects of the Maruti Alto 800 in tabular form:
Car Variables/Features |
Information |
On- Road Price Range |
Rs. 3.64 - 5.49 lakhs |
Insurance Cost |
Rs. 18,000 approximately and upwards |
Safety |
Dual Front Airbags (BS 6 Rating) |
Engine Capacity |
Petrol and CNG = 796 cc |
Transmission Types |
Manual |
Fuel Range |
Petrol and CNG |
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)
If you want a new car under 4 lakhs, this is a great vehicle, offering you a range of more than 5 variants. With petrol and CNG variants, you get to choose your fuel type, and get a seamless driving experience in a sturdy vehicle which may not be a car under 4 lakh on-road price, but gives you value for money.
Car Variables/Features |
Information |
On- Road Price Range |
Rs. 3.85 - 5.56 lakhs |
Insurance Cost |
Rs. 18,000 approximately and upwards |
Safety |
Standard Driver Airbags (BS 6 Rating) |
Engine Capacity |
Petrol and CNG = Upto 998 cc |
Transmission Types |
Manual and Automatic |
Fuel Range |
Petrol and CNG |
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)
In cars below 4 lakhs, the Qute is a bargain. This is touted to be the first ‘quadricycle’ in India, which is actually a four-wheel version of an auto rickshaw. This 4-seater vehicle is great if you are on a tight budget. For a small car, it can give a comfortable ride, with aspects you may like below:
Car Variables/Features |
Information |
On- Road Price Range |
Rs. 2.91 lakhs |
Insurance Cost |
Rs. 16,000 plus approximately |
Safety |
NCAP Rating of 1 (5 is safest) |
Engine Capacity |
Petrol = 216 cc |
Transmission Types |
Manual |
Fuel Range |
Petrol |
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)
The redi-Go is a class apart in a 4 lakh-range car. With the on-road price above Rs. 4 lakhs, this car is a spacious 5-seater in its category. With boot space that is more than most of its class of cars, it is a winner. Here are the details of the redi-Go from Datsun:
Car Variables/Features |
Information |
On- Road Price Range |
Rs. 3.83 - 4.95 lakhs |
Insurance Cost |
Rs. 21,000 approximately and upwards |
Safety |
NCAP Rating of 1 (5 is safest) |
Engine Capacity |
Petrol = 999 cc |
Transmission Types |
Manual and Automatic |
Fuel Range |
Petrol |
As much as you may have budgetary constraints while buying a car, you may not have too many choices in the range of the best car in 4 lakhs or under. Nonetheless, the silver lining is that you can get a good car and any of the cars mentioned will give you superb mileage and power for city driving. When you do go ahead and make your purchase, choosing among the best Indian cars under 4 lakhs, it is mandatory that you buy insurance. In fact, if you are already a car owner and driving without car insurance, you are breaking the law according to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Insurance is a good idea as it protects you, not just from the perspective of the law, but from any expenses arising out of accidents/mishaps with your vehicle in the future.
The best car under 4 lakhs is the one that suits you, in terms of its features, specifications and price. You must make an individual choice in a car that matches your requirements.
You may get top features in a car of Rs. 4 lakhs or under for this class of cars. If top features are comparable to more expensive cars, features may not be up to the mark in cars under 4 lakhs. This is why it's important to buy car insurance to protect you and your vehicle from damage.