Buying a new car on a limited budget does not necessarily mean settling for a basic package. Today's entry-level cars in India offer features such as touchscreen infotainment, automatic transmission options, CNG powertrains and useful safety equipment.

From small hatchbacks for city driving to practical cars for families, there are several options across different price points. This list covers 16 low budget cars in India, along with their prices, mileage, performance and key features, to help you compare them more easily.

What to consider when buying a car?

The purchase price is important, but it is not the only cost to consider. Before choosing among affordable cars in India, look at fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, safety features, cabin space, boot space, ground clearance and the type of driving for the location. A CNG car can make sense for high daily running, while a compact petrol hatchback may be more suitable for occasional city use. Also compare the ex-showroom and on-road prices before finalising your budget.

Top 16 low budget cars in India

The following budget cars in India cover different needs, including city commuting, fuel efficiency, family use and better space. Current market listings show that several models, including the S-Presso, Alto K10, Celerio, Kwid, Tiago and Wagon R, remain among the most affordable new cars in India.

Note: Prices mentioned may vary depending on the variant, region, dealership and local taxes. The mileage figures are approximate and actual value might vary.

Detailed review of the top 16 low budget cars in India

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 remains one of the most accessible new cars for first-time buyers. The Alto K10 delivers exceptional fuel efficiency, low running costs, and hassle-free ownership. It serves as an ideal choice for first-time vehicle buyers.

• Body Type: Hatchback
• Engine: 1.0-litre K10 C petrol engine
• Power: 68 bhp, 89 Nm
• Transmission: 5-Speed Manual / 5-Speed AMT.
• Key Features: Digital speedometer, 6 airbags (standard safety updates), power steering, front power windows and ABS with EBD.

Maruti Suzuki S-Presso

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso stands out as one of the most practical low budget cars in India. Its tall stance gives the cabin a more spacious feel than its compact footprint suggests, while its light controls make it suitable for crowded city roads. Petrol, AMT and CNG options give buyers flexibility.

• Body Type: Hatchback
• Engine: 998cc
• Power: 68 bhp, 89 Nm
• Transmission: 5-Speed AMT
• Key Features: Digital instrument cluster, 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, rear parking sensors.

Renault Kwid

The Renault Kwid stands out with its SUV-inspired design and relatively high ground clearance. The 1.0-litre petrol engine is available with both manual and AMT gearboxes, while its compact size makes it easy to manoeuvre in traffic.

• Body Type: Hatchback
• Engine: 1.0L 3-cylinder petrol
• Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
• Key Features: 8-inch touchscreen infotainment, LED DRLs, reverse parking camera, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Suzuki Celerio

The Suzuki Celerio offers unmatched mileage figures, making it one of the best budget cars for long daily commutes. Its 313-litre boot space adds exceptional cargo capability for its class. Its compact size and light controls also make it well suited to city driving.

• Body Type: Hatchback
• Engine: 1.0L 3-cylinder K10C petrol
• Power: 66 bhp, 91.1 Nm
• Transmission: 5-Speed Manual / 5-Speed AMT
• Key Features: Engine push start/stop, keyless entry, steering-mounted audio controls, pollen filter, 15-inch alloy wheels.

Tata Tiago

Tata Tiago offers 4-star Global NCAP safety ratings, combining sturdy build quality with sharp styling. It is widely considered a top choice when looking for affordable cars that do not compromise on structural integrity.

• Body Type: Hatchback
• Engine: 1.2L Revotron petrol
• Power: 86 PS, 113 Nm
• Transmission: 5-Speed Manual / 5-Speed AMT / iCNG
• Key Features: Fully digital instrument cluster, 8-speaker Harman audio system, automatic climate control, electronic stability control.

Citroen C3

Offering a European ride feel and plush suspension tuned specifically for Indian road conditions, the Citroen C3 brings style and comfort to the low-price cars in the Indian space. It is available with petrol and CNG powertrains, making it a practical option for buyers looking for an affordable car with a little more space and character.

• Body Type: Hatchback
• Engine: 1.2L 3-cylinder PureTech petrol
• Power: 81 bhp, 115 Nm
• Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
• Key Features: 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, digital driver cluster, tropicalised AC setup.

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R continues to be popular because it combines a compact footprint with a tall, spacious cabin. Buyers can choose between 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre petrol engines, while a factory CNG option is also available.

• Body Type: Hatchback
• Engine: 1.0L K10 C / 1.2L K12 N
• Power: 88.50bhp , 113Nm
• Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
• Key Features: Upholstery, 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen, tilt-adjustable steering, electrically adjustable ORVMs.

Maruti Suzuki Eeco

The Maruti Suzuki Eeco is a practical choice for buyers who need more space without moving into a higher-priced MPV. Its 5- and 7-seat configurations make it useful for families, while the CNG version can help keep running costs lower for regular users.

• Body Type: MPV
• Engine: 1.2L 4-cylinder K-Series petrol
• Power: 70.67 bhp, 95 Nm
• Transmission: 5-Speed Manual (Rear-Wheel Drive)
• Key Features: 5 & 7 seating options, 6 standard airbags, ABS with EBD, digital cluster, sliding passenger doors.

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

The Grand i10 Nios delivers a premium cabin experience among entry-level cars in India, featuring high-grade plastics, excellent sound insulation, and smooth refinement. Its 1.2-litre petrol engine is offered with manual and AMT gearboxes, while selected variants get a factory-fitted CNG option. Six airbags are standard, making safety equipment another strong point.

• Body Type: Hatchback
• Engine: 1.2L 4-cylinder Kappa petrol
• Power: 82 bhp, 114 Nm
• Transmission: 5-Speed AMT
• Key Features: 8-inch touchscreen infotainment, wireless phone charger, footwell ambient lighting, rear AC vents, 6 standard airbags.

Nissan Magnite

The Nissan Magnite offers SUV styling and a relatively affordable entry price, making it appealing to buyers who want a compact SUV without moving too far beyond the budget-car segment. It is available with naturally aspirated and turbo-petrol engines, while automatic options add convenience for city driving.

• Body Type: SUV
• Engine: 1.0L HRA0 TURBO petrol
• Power: 99 bhp, 152 Nm
• Transmission: AMT
• Key Features: 8-inch touchscreen, 360 view camera, hill start assist.

Tata Tigor

The Tata Tigor is one of the few affordable sedans that remains accessible to buyers looking for a separate boot and a conventional three-box design. It shares its basic powertrain with the Tiago and is available with petrol and CNG options.

• Body Type: Sedan
• Engine: 1.2L Revotron
• Power: 74.47 bhp, 96.5 Nm (Petrol)
• Transmission: 5-Speed AMT (available in Petrol & CNG)
• Key Features: Fully digital instrument cluster, 8-speaker Harman audio system, automatic climate control, dual airbags and corner stability control.

Nissan Gravite

The Nissan Gravite is a compact 7-seater MPV designed for families on a budget. It offers flexible three-row seating, good ground clearance and an economical engine, making it a practical choice for everyday family use.

• Body Type: MUV/MPV
• Engine: 1.0L 3-cylinder Naturally Aspirated Petrol / CNG
• Power: 71 bhp, 96 Nm
• Transmission: Manual / AMT
• Key Features: 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless charger, cruise control, 6 standard airbags.

Tata Punch

With a 5-star GNCAP safety rating, high ground clearance (187mm), and rugged stance, the Tata Punch leads the micro-SUV space for buyers seeking safety and driving confidence. Petrol and CNG versions are available, with the CNG model offering better running-cost efficiency for frequent users.

• Body Type: SUV
• Engine: 1.2L 3-cylinder Revotron petrol
• Power: 72 bhp, 103 Nm
• Transmission: Manual / AMT
• Key Features: Cruise control, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and drive modes.

Renault Triber

The Renault Triber is a versatile 7-seater offered at an entry-level price tag. Its flexible modular seating setup allows users to convert seating configurations into a huge 625-liter boot space. The 1.0-litre petrol engine is available with manual and AMT options.

• Body Type: MPV
• Engine: 1.0L petrol
• Power: 76 PS, 96 Nm
• Transmission: Manual / AMT
• Key Features: Projector headlights, airbags, rear AC vents, electronic boot opening.

Hyundai Exter

Hyundai Exter is micro-SUV comes loaded with segment-first technology features, a high-set driving position and extensive standard safety features. Its compact dimensions and practical cabin also make it well suited to everyday city driving.

• Body Type: Hatchback
• Engine: 1.2L Kappa
• Power: 82 bhp, 113.8 Nm
• Transmission: 5-Speed Manual / 5-Speed AMT
• Key Features: Dashcam, electric sunroof, 8-inch infotainment display, 6 standard airbags, TPMS.

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Renowned for its sporty performance, dynamic handling and high resale value, the Maruti Suzuki Swift remains a top pick among buyers looking for reliable cheap cars in India. Its 1.2-litre petrol engine is available with manual and AMT gearboxes, while the CNG version is designed for buyers with higher daily running.

• Body Type: Hatchback
• Engine: 1.2L Z-Series Advanced dual jet
• Power: 80.46 bhp, 111.7 Nm
• Transmission: 5-Speed Manual / 5-Speed AMT
• Key Features: 9-inch touchscreen, cruise control, automatic climate control, LED projector headlamps, hill-hold assist.

Summary

These are some of the best choices of low price cars in India. The final buying decision depends on your budget, mileage needs, family size and driving habits. Compare the price, running costs, features and space of the models before making a decision. Also check the latest on-road price and available variants to choose a car that fits your budget comfortably. For the latest car updates, price comparisons and useful car-buying information, check Park+ before making your decision.