Choosing a car under ₹10 lakh in India means balancing price, features, mileage, safety, and performance. This segment is hugely popular with first-time buyers, families, and daily commuters because it offers value without compromising essentials. In this updated buyer’s guide, we’ll walk through the top cars under ₹10 lakh you can consider in 2026, what they offer, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Why Choose a Car Under ₹10 Lakh?
Cars in this price range offer:
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Excellent fuel efficiency
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Affordable maintenance and insurance
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Strong resale value
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Good feature lists (infotainment, safety tech)
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Lower EMI burden for buyers opting for financing
India’s auto market is highly competitive here, so manufacturers pack compelling features even at this budget.
1. Maruti Suzuki Baleno
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is one of the most popular hatchbacks in India, known for its spacious cabin, refined petrol engine, and strong mileage.
What It Offers
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Comfortable interior with a roomy boot
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SmartPlay Studio touchscreen infotainment
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Strong fuel efficiency
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Reliable service network across India
The Baleno suits families and daily commuters who want a reliable all-rounder.
2. Tata Tiago
The Tata Tiago has become a favorite because of its safety credentials, build quality, and value-for-money positioning.
What It Offers
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5-star safety rating in Global NCAP tests
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Solid ride and handling
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Modern interior with features like touchscreen and connected tech
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Good fuel economy and low maintenance cost
The Tiago appeals to safety-conscious buyers in the budget segment.
3. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios blends comfort, style, and efficiency. It competes directly with the Tiago and Baleno.
What It Offers
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Premium interior feel for the price
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Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
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Smooth petrol engine with great mileage
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Strong after-sales support
Grand i10 Nios is ideal for city drivers who want comfort and convenience.
4. Maruti Suzuki Swift
The Maruti Suzuki Swift continues to be a bestselling hatchback across India due to its reliable performance and efficient running.
What It Offers
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Peppy petrol engine
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Good mileage
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Sporty styling
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Low maintenance
Swift is a great choice for young buyers and those who enjoy a fun drive without stretching their budget.
5. Tata Punch
Although technically a micro-SUV, the Tata Punch fits well under ₹10 lakh, offering rugged styling, good road presence, and excellent safety credentials.
What It Offers
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High driving position and SUV-like stance
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5-star safety rating
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Practical cabin space
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Efficient petrol engine
Punch is perfect for buyers who want SUV-like feel on a budget.
6. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R
The Wagon R remains a practical choice for those who want maximum interior space and usability at a low price point.
What It Offers
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Tallboy design for easy ingress/egress
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Reliable engine with efficiency focus
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Good headroom and rear seat comfort
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Simple, low-cost ownership
This car is ideal for families and city drivers focused on practicality.
7. Hyundai Aura
The Hyundai Aura sedan brings a boot and sedan silhouette under ₹10 lakh, ideal for those who prefer traditional sedan looks over hatchbacks.
What It Offers
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Comfortable ride
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Feature-rich cabin
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Frugal petrol engines
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Spacious boot
Aura suits buyers who want class and comfort in budget sedan form.
8. Renault Kiger (Lower Variants)
The Renault Kiger is a compact SUV that in some base trims is available under ₹10 lakh, appealing to SUV-hungry buyers in this price bracket.
What It Offers
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Bold SUV styling
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Decent feature list
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Efficient engines
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Competitive pricing
Kiger works well for budget buyers who want SUV aesthetics without a heavy price tag.
9. Maruti Suzuki Celerio
The Maruti Suzuki Celerio is one of the most fuel-efficient cars in India, and its lower trims fit under ₹10 lakh comfortably.
What It Offers
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Excellent mileage
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Easy maneuverability for city traffic
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Affordable to maintain
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Spacious cabin for hatchback
Celerio is great for daily commuters and new drivers.
10. Toyota Glanza
The Toyota Glanza is essentially a rebadged version of the Baleno with Toyota’s reliability and warranty support, often priced under ₹10 lakh in base trims.
What It Offers
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Reliable Toyota after-sales service
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Proven Maruti drivetrain
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Comfortable cabin and features
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Strong fuel economy
Glanza appeals to buyers who prefer Toyota’s service and reliability network.
How to Choose the Right Car Under ₹10 Lakh
1. Daily Commute vs Weekend Travel
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If most of your driving is in the city, a compact hatchback like Swift, Celerio, or Grand i10 Nios makes sense.
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For highway comfort or family use, Aura or Punch may be better.
2. Mileage and Running Cost
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Cars like Celerio, Baleno, and Tiago are known for excellent real-world mileage.
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Always consider ARAI figures and owner-reported mileage.
3. Safety and Features
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Safety should never be ignored in budget cars. Tata Tiago and Punch stand out with solid safety scores.
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Feature lists vary—prioritize essentials like infotainment, A/C output, and safety gear.
4. Resale Value and Service Network
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Brands like Maruti Suzuki and Toyota have extensive service reach and strong resale value.
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Factor in service costs when estimating ownership expenses.
Final Thoughts
The sub-₹10 lakh car segment in India is highly competitive and buyer-friendly in 2026. Whether you prioritize mileage, safety, boot space, or features, there’s a model tailored to your needs. Hatchbacks like Baleno, Swift, and Tiago offer strong all-round performance, while compact SUVs like Punch and Kiger add SUV appeal without stretching your budget.
With careful research and a test drive, you can find a car that blends comfort, economy, and long-term value — all within ₹10 lakh.
Helpful Links
https://www.zigwheels.com/newcars/best-cars-under-10-lakh
https://www.cardekho.com
https://www.autocarindia.com
