Best Cars Under ₹10 Lakh in India

Best Cars Under ₹10 Lakh in India

24 Jun 2025

Written by: BikeCarHub Editorial Team

Published on: 24th June 2025

Introduction

Thinking of buying a new car without burning through your savings? You're not alone! In 2025, the under-₹10 lakh segment is hotter than ever. Whether you're a first-time buyer, upgrading from a hatchback, or looking for a second ride, there’s a perfect match waiting for you in this price bracket.

🚗 Top Cars Under ₹10 Lakh (Ex-Showroom)

Model Ex-Showroom Price Engine / Mileage Highlights
Maruti Suzuki Celerio ₹5.64 - 7.37 L 1.0L petrol/CNG, 25.24 kmpl petrol, 34.4 km/kg CNG Mileage king—AMT option, 6 airbags in higher trims
Maruti Suzuki Swift ₹6.49 - 9.64 L 1.2L petrol/CNG, 24.8 kmpl Sporty styling, smooth drive, strong resale
Tata Tiago ₹5.00 - 8.45 L 1.2L petrol/CNG, ~20.09 kmpl Solid build, 6 airbags, smart interior
Hyundai Aura ₹6.54 - 9.11 L 1.2L petrol/CNG, 20-21 kmpl Classy sedan with AMT, digital dash, premium feel
Tata Punch ₹6.20 - 10.32 L 1.2L petrol/CNG, ~20 kmpl SUV-inspired design, high ground clearance, built tough
Tata Altroz From ₹6.89 L 1.2L petrol/1.5L diesel/CNG Best-in-class safety, spacious cabin, premium vibe
Mahindra XUV 3XO ₹7.99 L onwards 1.2L turbo petrol, ~18 kmpl Bold design, high-tech cabin, strong road presence
Maruti Suzuki Brezza ₹8.69 L onwards 1.5L petrol, ~19.8 kmpl Trusted compact SUV, SmartPlay infotainment, refined
Tata Nexon ₹8.00 L onwards 1.2L turbo petrol / 1.5L diesel + EV trims Multiple powertrains, 5-star safety, commanding feel

🧠 Deep Dive: Which Car for Whom?

🚀 1. Mileage Matters Most?

Go for Maruti Suzuki Celerio if you want jaw-dropping fuel efficiency. It's the mileage maestro, especially in CNG mode. The AMT version makes city traffic a breeze—great for daily office commutes or zipping through metro traffic.

If you prefer a sedan with great mileage and a touch of premium, Hyundai Aura with CNG or AMT options is another solid pick.

✅ Top mileage pick: Celerio (CNG/Petrol), Aura (CNG)

🎯 2. Driving Fun & Sporty Feel?

The new-gen Maruti Swift continues its legacy as the go-to hatchback for enthusiastic drivers. The 1.2L petrol engine is zippy, the gear shifts are smooth, and the fresh design feels youthful.

Looking for something bolder? The XUV 3XO's turbo petrol engine delivers punchy performance with a touch of SUV muscle.

✅ Performance picks: Swift (manual or AMT), XUV 3XO (turbo)

🛡️ 3. Prioritize Safety Above All?

Tata Altroz and Tata Nexon are your best bets—both come with 5-star Global NCAP ratings. You also get thick body panels, solid stability at high speeds, and lots of features (like iRA connected tech in Nexon).

Tata Tiago and Tata Punch also offer 6 airbags as standard now, which is unheard of in their price brackets.

✅ Safety first picks: Altroz, Nexon, Punch, Tiago

🏙️ 4. Daily City Commute & Easy Parking?

Compact, efficient, and effortless to park—Tiago, Swift, and Celerio shine in urban scenarios. The clutch-free AMT variants are ideal for bumper-to-bumper traffic. These cars are also easy on the pocket when it comes to running costs and servicing.

✅ City smart picks: Tiago AMT, Swift AMT, Celerio AMT

🚙 5. SUV Styling Under Budget?

Love the commanding stance of an SUV but don't want the size or price tag of one? Tata Punch, Mahindra XUV 3XO, and Maruti Brezza bring that SUV look and practicality under ₹10 lakh. You get high ground clearance, rugged looks, and all the city + weekend functionality.

✅ Mini SUV picks: Punch, XUV 3XO, Brezza

⚡ 6. Want an Electric Option?

Tata Nexon EV's entry-level variants now flirt with the ₹10 lakh range post subsidies (check your state's EV policy). It's India's favorite EV for a reason: real-world range of ~300km, great ride quality, and fast charging options.

✅ Green tech pick: Nexon EV (check specific variants)

🧩 Feature Checklist: What You Get in This Budget

In 2025, ₹10 lakh can get you:

  • 6 airbags (Tiago, Punch, Altroz)
  • AMT or CVT auto options (Celerio, Aura, Swift)
  • Connected car tech (Nexon, XUV 3XO)
  • CNG dual-fuel efficiency (Celerio, Tiago, Swift, Aura)
  • Premium touches like digital instrument clusters, cruise control, and rear cameras
  • Solid build and 5-star safety ratings (Tata range)

What you might miss: bigger diesel engines, top-tier EVs, panoramic sunroofs, ADAS tech—these are just above the budget, usually in the ₹11-15 lakh zone.

📊 Quick Comparison Table

Feature \ Car Mileage Champion Safest Pick Best for City SUV Looks Most Tech-Savvy
Celerio ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌ ❌
Swift ✅ ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅
Tiago ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ ✅
Punch ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅
Altroz ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌ ✅
XUV 3XO ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅ ✅
Brezza ✅ ✅ ❌ ✅ ✅
Nexon (Petrol/Diesel/EV) ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅

✅ Final Pick (June 2025)

There's no one-car-fits-all. It all depends on what you prioritize. Here's how to decide:

  • Tight budget + low running cost? 👉 Celerio (Petrol or CNG)
  • Fun + versatility? 👉 Maruti Swift
  • Safety + reliability for family? 👉 Tata Tiago or Punch
  • SUV stance without SUV size? 👉 Brezza or XUV 3XO
  • Top-tier safety + tech? 👉 Tata Altroz or Nexon
  • EV lover on a budget? 👉 Nexon EV (check deals!)

🎯 Conclusion

In June 2025, buying a car under ₹10 lakh no longer means compromising. You can get stylish designs, premium features, smart fuel choices (CNG + EV), and even 5-star safety—all while staying on budget.

So whether you're hunting for your first ride, upgrading from an older car, or just want more tech and safety, this list should steer you in the right direction.

Want help comparing two models or figuring out the best variant for your lifestyle? Drop a message—we'll help you shortlist like a pro.

For more car comparisons and expert reviews, keep visiting BikeCarHub—your trusted source for all things bikes and cars!