Looking for a new car that won't empty your wallet? Here's a quick guide to the best budget-friendly cars in India, after GST 2.0.
Get ready to discover cars that offer great fuel efficiency, low maintenance, and modern features, all without a hefty price tag.
The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10
Starts at Rs 386,930 ex-showroom. Lord Alto, as it is also called in the automobile circuits, the Alto K10 offers the lowest starting price in the country, exceptional fuel efficiency (especially the CNG variant), and the peace of mind of Maruti's extensive service network and low maintenance costs. It is the ultimate no-frills vehicle with a never-stop attitude.
The Alto has 9 variants on offer.
The Renault Kwid
Starting at Rs 429,900 ex-showroom, the Kwid's main draw is its bold, SUV-inspired design, which gives it a more substantial look than its hatchback rivals.
It is a very affordable car that offers a good feature list for its price, including a touchscreen infotainment system on higher variants.
The Renault Kwid has 9 variants to choose from.
Tata Tiago
Starting at Rs 457,490 ex-showroom, the Tiago stands out by offering a great blend of affordability and safety.
It boasts a 4-star Global NCAP safety rating, a significant advantage at this price point. A well-rounded hatchback with a stylish design and a variety of powertrain options, including petrol, CNG, and electric along with a good network of service centres across India.
The Tatas offer 13 variants of the Tiago. 9 in MT and 4 in AT
The Maruti Suzuki Celerio
Starting at Rs 515,907 ex-showroom, the Celerio is another strong contender from Maruti, known for its class-leading fuel efficiency, especially in its AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) and CNG variants.
It is a practical and spacious hatchback for city driving.
The Celerio is available in 8 variants in Petrol and CNG versions.
The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R
Starting at Rs 526,426 ex-showroom, and known as the "tall boy" for its spacious and practical design, the Wagon R offers excellent headroom and cabin space for a car of its size, especially in its new wider avatar.
It is highly fuel-efficient (petrol and CNG) and is celebrated for its low running costs and reliability.
The Wagon R is available in 9 variants with Petrol and CNG options
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
Starting at Rs 547,278 ex-showroom, the Grand i10 Nios offers a premium feel and a long list of features. It is known for its refined engine, comfortable ride, and Hyundai's solid reputation for after-sales service and quality.
The i10 Nios is offered in 15 variants
The New Nissan Magnite
Starting at Rs 561,600 ex-showroom, the Magnite is a game-changer in the compact SUV segment. It offers a lot of car for the money, with an aggressive starting price, a long list of features (including a 360-degree camera), and low maintenance costs.
It is a great option if you want an SUV type small car on a budget.
The Magnite is offered in 18 Variants in Manual Transmission, AMT, and CVTs. Plus 4 All black variants called the Kuro Edition.
The Tata Punch
Starting at Rs 567,290 ex-showroom, the Punch is a micro-SUV that has become a huge hit.
It offers the high seating position and rugged looks of an SUV in a compact, affordable package. And its 5-star GNCAP safety rating is a huge selling point for safety-conscious buyers.
Add to it the 90 degree opening doors, Size, and space do not seem to be an issue in this car.
The punch comes in a whopping 35 variants across four core trims named Pure, Adventure, Accomplished, and Creative
The Hyundai Exter
Starting at Rs 568,033 ex-showroom, this new entrant from Hyundai is a micro-SUV that competes directly with the Tata Punch. The Exter packs a punch with a host of segment-first features like a sunroof and six airbags as standard, all at a very competitive price, making it an excellent value proposition.
The Exter comes in 38 variants, and the top model now has a price tag of ₹9,61,098.
The Maruti Suzuki Swift
Starting at Rs 593,659 ex-showroom, the Maruti Suzuki Swift has always been a driver's favourite. With its sporty design and lively engine, it won over buyers from the start.
The new model continues this tradition, offering a fun driving experience along with a reputation for great resale value and low running costs.
The Swift is available in 12 variants across petrol and CNG engines