Decreased manufacturing and material costs made cars more affordable over the years, allowing carmakers to sell their vehicles at lower prices today. While there are still a number of premium and exotic car models available, there is also a whole other segment of low-cost cars or low-budget cars for those who cannot afford the uber-luxurious models but still need an affordable way to get from one place to another.
Low-budget car models may have a reduced price tag but do not sacrifice performance or capability. In fact, many manufacturers in this segment have put a lot of focus into their vehicles to ensure they can deliver when needed. Here is a look at some of the best low-budget cars available in India in 2023:
The Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 is one of the best cars for Indian roads. Its success in big and small cities is due to low maintenance and high reliability. Moreover, Maruti Suzuki has a dense sales and service network in India, with an outlet almost everywhere. Its impeccable mileage of 22.05 km/pl and a fuel tank capacity of 35 litres allow buyers to drive more without frequently visiting a fuel station. The hatch can comfortably accommodate five adult occupants.
| Engine | 796cc Petrol |
| Power Output | 47 bhp |
| Maximum Torque | 69 Nm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed Manual |
| Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) | ₹3.39 – ₹5.03 Lakh |
| Body Type | 5-seater Hatchback |
| Mileage | 22.05 km/pl |
Check out our collection of Used Maruti Alto 800 Cars in India.
The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 is a small hatchback that has been very popular in India for several years. Owing to its popularity and ever-increasing demand, the company introduced a new generation of the Alto with several new features. It is available in four trims (Std, Lxi, Vxi, and Vxi+) and two customisation packages (Impacto and Glinto). It is powered by a 1.0-litre K-Series petrol engine and is available with both manual and automatic transmissions.
| Engine | 998cc Petrol |
| Power | 66bhp |
| Torque | 89Nm |
| Gear | 5-Speed manual and AMT |
| Price | ₹3.99 – ₹5.95 Lakh |
| Body Type | 5-seater Hatchback |
| Mileage | 24.39 km/pl |
Check out our collection of Used Maruti Alto K10 Cars in India.
The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is a small car that looks like an SUV, thanks to its higher ground clearance. However, it’s actually very comfortable to drive, even on long journeys, because of its AMT gearbox. Even though it lacks premium features, it does have modern safety features. You can get the S-Presso with either a petrol or CNG engine and your choice of manual or AMT gearbox.
| Engine | 998cc Petrol |
| Power | 66bhp |
| Torque | 89 Nm |
| Gear | 5-Speed manual and AMT |
| Price | ₹4.25 – ₹6.10 Lakh |
| Body Type | 5-seater Hatchback |
| Mileage | 24.12 km/pl |
Check out our collection of Used Maruti S Presso Cars in India.
Renault Kwid is a budget-friendly car that still offers features that are usually found in more expensive models. These include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, and LED daytime running lights. The Kwid is available in four different trims: RXL, RXL (O), RXT, and Climber. You can also choose between a manual or automatic transmission and two petrol engines.
| Engine | 799cc Petrol and 999cc Petrol |
| Power | 53bhp and 67bhp |
| Torque | 72 Nm and 91 Nm |
| Gear | 5-Speed manual and AMT |
| Price | ₹4.64 – ₹6.09 Lakh |
| Body Type | 5-seater Hatchback |
| Mileage | 20.07 km/pl |
Check out our collection of Used Renault Kwid Cars in India.
Maruti Suzuki Eeco is the updated version of the Omni mini-van with an array of advanced features. It appeals a lot to buyers due to its affordability, versatility, and practicality. The Eeco comes in 5-seater and 7-seater configurations with a 1.2L petrol engine which is sourced from the Celerio and Swift. The CNG variant is also on sale, but it misses out on the automatic gearbox. The decent mileage and ample interior space are the most significant plus points of the Maruti Suzuki Eeco.
| Engine | 1197cc Petrol |
| Power | 80bhp |
| Torque | 104 Nm |
| Gear | 5-Speed manual |
| Price | ₹5.13 – ₹6.44 Lakh |
| Body Type | 7-seater VAN |
| Mileage | 20.02 km/pl |
Check out our collection of Used Maruti Eeco Cars in India.
The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R has been a mainstay in the Indian market for over two decades now. Affectionately known as the ‘Tallboy’, it boasts a decent ground clearance, making it a good choice for those who want a hatchback that can handle different types of terrain. It is available in four grades — Lxi, Vxi, Zxi and Zxi+, and comes with both manual and AMT gearbox options. The BS-VI-compliant petrol engines make it easy to drive on most surfaces, and the AMT unit works smoothly.
| Engine | 998cc Petrol and 1197cc Petrol |
| Power | 66bhp and 88bhp |
| Torque | 89 Nm and 118 Nm |
| Gear | 5-Speed manual and AMT |
| Price | ₹5.47 – ₹7.19 Lakh |
| Body Type | 5-seater Hatchback |
| Mileage | 24.03 km/pl |
Check out our collection of Used Maruti Wagon R 1.0 Cars in India.
Maruti Suzuki Celerio was one of the first cars to come with an AMT gearbox. It has the same 1.0L petrol engine as the Wagon R and Alto. The Celerio is available in Lxi, Vxi, Zxi, and Zxi Plus derivatives and can also be bought with a factory-fitted CNG kit. Besides the AMT gearbox option, there is also a manual transmission option. The Celerio hatchback delivers great mileage even with the auto gearbox. It has the highest fuel efficiency in its segment with both petrol and CNG-powered versions, making it a high value-for-money car!
| Engine | 998cc Petrol |
| Power | 66bhp |
| Torque | 89 Nm |
| Gear | 5-Speed manual and AMT |
| Price | ₹5.23 – ₹7.00Lakh |
| Body Type | 5-seater Hatchback |
| Mileage | 25.02 km/pl |
Check out our collection of Used Maruti Celerio Cars in India.
The Tiago is a hatchback car produced by the Indian company TATA Motors. It is available in three fuel variants (petrol, CNG, and electric) and two gearbox types (manual and automatic). The Tiago has become a popular choice among Indian audiences, particularly those preferring automatic gearboxes on a low budget. The brand has managed to successfully understand the needs and wants of buyers, especially ones intending to spend a reasonable sum.
| Engine | 1199cc Petrol |
| Power | 85bhp |
| Torque | 113 Nm |
| Gear | 5-Speed manual and AMT |
| Price | ₹5.44 – ₹7.90 Lakh |
| Body Type | 5-seater Hatchback |
| Mileage | 20 km/pl |
Check out our collection of Used Tata Tiago Cars in India.
Tata Tigor is the most affordable sedan available in the Indian market. It comes equipped with a petrol engine which is linked to an AMT gearbox, besides the conventional manual transmission. The Tigor delivers exceptional mileage in both petrol and CNG modes and is packed with safety and comfort features. It has adequate space even for the rear seat occupants in terms of legroom, shoulder room and headroom. The boot capacity is also ample to store luggage.
| Engine | 1199cc Petrol |
| Power Output | 84 bhp |
| Maximum Torque | 113 Nm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed Manual and AMT |
| Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) | ₹6.09 – ₹8.84 Lakh |
| Body Type | 5-seater Sedan |
| Mileage | 19.02 km/pl |
Check out our collection of Used Tata Tigor Cars in India.
Nissan Magnite is one of the best low-budget SUVs in India. It comes loaded with plenty of advanced features while the styling is also modern. The Magnite has a high ground clearance, making it perfect even for hilly and muddy terrains. It is available with a 1.0L petrol engine in a naturally-aspirated version and turbocharged mode, with a manual gearbox and CVT unit. The Magnite undercuts its rivals in terms of pricing by several thousand and is already a preferred choice of buyers in small cities and towns.
| Engine | 999cc Petrol |
| Power Output | 71bhp |
| Maximum Torque | 96 Nm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed Manual and CVT |
| Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) | ₹5.97 – ₹10.53 Lakh |
| Body Type | 5-seater SUV |
| Mileage | 18.07 km/pl |
Check out our collection of Used Nissan Magnite Cars in India.
It is hard to find a low-budget car in India after the implementation of BS-VI emission norms since most of the small cars like Hyundai Eon, Datsun redi-GO, and Tata Nano have been discontinued. Though there are still a few low-budget cars on offer from Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors and Renault, which come equipped with all modern features and can become a good option.
Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 is the most affordable car in the Indian market as the price starts at ₹3.39 lakh (ex-showroom).
Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 is the only car in India whose introductory price starts below ₹3.5 lakh (ex-showroom).
Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 is the best car under ₹5 lakh as the price begins at ₹3.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and the mid variants come packed with decent features.
Tata Tiago is the best new car at low price as it offers several premium features along with exhilarating performance while priced rather aggressively by the brand.
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is the best budget car for a family as it has adequate interior space for five people alongside a massive trunk.
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