Top 10 Cheapest Cars With Airbags in India in 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of the automotive industry, safety remains one of the most important considerations for car enthusiasts. Airbags, recognised for their life-saving potential, have become a non-negotiable feature in modern vehicles. According to a survey conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) front airbags alone saved the lives of 50,457 individuals as of 2017, underscoring their indispensable role in accident prevention.

Welcome to our blog where we focus on providing an insightful guide for those seeking economic vehicles with airbag systems. These low-priced gems, available for under ₹5 lakh, not only prioritise affordability but also integrate advanced safety measures. As we look into the list of budget cars with airbags, it's noteworthy that starting October 1, 2023, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways mandates the inclusion of six airbags in eight-seater passenger vehicles, further enhancing road safety.

Let’s dive into the world of cutting-edge automotive safety as we list some of the most affordable cars with airbags that are making waves in India in 2024!

1. Maruti Alto 800

Starting Price:₹3.54 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

For anyone looking for an affordable car with airbags, the Maruti Alto 800 is an excellent choice. This hatchback not only claims the throne as the cheapest car in the country but also boasts an impressive track record as one of India’s best-selling vehicles. 

Buyers of the Maruti Alto 800 have two engine options: the 0.8L F8D Petrol and 0.8L F8D Bi-Fuel CNG. For those wondering, the petrol version is claimed to produce 47.3 bhp of power and 69 Nm of maximum torque, while the CNG version delivers 40 bhp of power and 60 Nm of peak torque.

Both of these engines are only available with a 5-speed manual gearbox. It's renowned for its remarkable fuel efficiency, which keeps your pocket smiling at the pump. The car's reliable mechanical setup is like a trusted companion, ensuring you smooth and hassle-free journeys.

Maruti Alto 800 Key Specifications

Maruti Alto 800 Key Features

What’s Good:

• VFM pricing
• Reliable engine options
• Cheap service and parts

What’s Not Good:

• Small cabin
• Poor high-speed performance
• No automatic variants on sale

Check out Second Hand Maruti Alto 800 cars in India

2. Maruti Alto K10

Starting Price:₹3.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

The Maruti Alto K10 emerges as a compelling option in our list of cheapest cars with airbags in India, redefining affordability without compromising on safety and performance. This stylish hatchback is not just easy on your wallet but also promises a delightful driving experience that's in a league of its own.

The Maruti Alto K10's standout feature is its potent yet economical engine. It is equipped with a 1.0L K-Series Petrol engine that delivers an impressive 67 bhp of power and 90 Nm of torque, setting it apart in terms of sheer performance within the budget segment. 

Paired with a responsive 5-speed manual transmission, this engine ensures an exhilarating drive, whether you're navigating city traffic or hitting the open highway. What makes the Alto K10 a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers is its exceptional fuel efficiency. With this car, you won't be stopping at the fuel station as frequently, allowing you to save on your running costs.

Maruti Alto K10 Key Specifications

Maruti Alto K10 Key Features

What’s Good:

• Compact dimensions make it an excellent city car
• Impressive fuel economy
• Cheap long-term maintenance

What’s Not Good:

• Missing features
• Jerky amt gearbox
• Interiors feel cheap

Check Out Second Hand Maruti Alto K10 cars in India

3. Maruti S-Presso

Starting Price:₹4.26 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

Combining the charm of a compact car with the practicality of an SUV, the S-Presso redefines affordable mobility without compromising on style, safety, and convenience. The S-Presso comes equipped with driver and passenger airbags for an added layer of safety without breaking the bank.

At the heart of this urban commuter is a potent 1.0L K10B Petrol engine, packing a punch with 67 bhp of power and 90 Nm of torque. It's paired with a user-friendly 5-speed manual or an automatic gearbox, offering both efficiency and ease of driving. This engine provides a zippy and engaging performance, making city commutes and weekend getaways a breeze. However, The Maruti S-Presso has a poor 1-star GNAP safety rating, and is best used in the city. 

Maruti S-Presso Key Specifications

Maruti S-Presso Key Features

What’s Good:

• Compact dimensions make it a practical city commuter
• Comfortable front-row seating
• Reliable and peppy K10 motor

What’s Not Good:

• Polarising design
• Bad NVH levels

Check Out Used Maruti S PRESSO cars in India

4. Renault Kwid

Starting Price:₹4.69 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

If you're looking for an affordable and safe-to-drive car within your budget, the Renault Kwid emerges as a standout contender, redefining value and innovation without compromising on style, safety, and features. The Renault Kwid boasts a potent 1.0-litre SCe Petrol engine, generating an impressive 67 bhp of power and 91 Nm of torque. This peppy engine ensures that every drive, whether in the city or on the highway, is an exhilarating experience. The Kwid offers the convenience of both a 5-speed manual and an automatic gearbox, catering to various driving preferences, and comes with two airbags.

With its SUV-inspired styling, it exudes a sense of adventure, while remaining compact enough for nimble city driving. The distinctive front grille, sleek headlamps, and bold wheel arches make it an attention-grabber on the road.

Renault Kwid Key Specifications

Renault Kwid Key Features

What’s Good:

• Smart and rugged exterior styling
• Spacious and comfortable cabin
• Sorted dynamics and high-speed stability

What’s Not Good:

• No CNG variant
• Hit or a miss after-sales service
• Inconsistent build quality

Check out Used Renault Kwid cars in India

5. Maruti Celerio

Starting Price:₹5.37 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

In the quest for a budget-friendly yet feature-rich ride, the all-new Maruti Celerio takes centre stage as a game-changer. This hatchback embodies a new era, boasting an updated platform, powerful engine options, refreshed exterior aesthetics, dual front airbags, and a practical cabin loaded with cutting-edge features and equipment.

Its bolder styling, enhanced exterior colour choices, and improved build quality make it a head-turner on Indian roads. Features such as push-button start, keyless entry, and idle start-stop technology cater to convenience and efficiency. What truly distinguishes the Celerio is its exceptional performance and class-leading fuel economy. 

Maruti Celerio Key Specifications

Maruti Celerio Key Features

What’s Good:

• Comfortable and feature-rich cabin
• Reliable and fuel-efficient engine
• Dependable after-sales support

What’s Not Good:

• CNG only offered with the VXI variant
• Not so great safety, especially when compared to the Tiago
• Missing features like rear-camera

6. Maruti WagonR

Starting Price:₹5.54 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

When it comes to practical and dependable family hatchbacks in India, the Maruti WagonR has earned its stripes, thanks to its distinctive tall-boy design and spacious interior. With an attractive starting price of ₹5.54 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the WagonR not only stands out in its segment but also competes admirably with rivals such as the Renault Kwid and Tata Tiago. 

What sets the WagonR apart is its versatility in engine options. Unlike many other Maruti models, it offers a range of choices to suit various driving preferences. You can pick from two petrol engines – the 1.0L K10C and the 1.2L K12C – in addition to a 1.0L Bi-Fuel CNG engine.

In terms of performance, all engine options deliver solid results, making the WagonR a reliable choice for diverse driving needs. However, it's the 1.2L K12C engine that truly stands out, offering impressive acceleration and refinement. The availability of dual front airbags makes it an excellent choice for those who are looking for an affordable car that doesn't compromise on safety.

Maruti WagonR Key Specifications

Maruti WagonR Key Features

What’s Good:

• Tall-Boy styling and high-ground clearance make it a practical urban commuter
• Reliable and frugal powertrain options
• Low service costs

What’s Not Good:

• Strictly average build quality
• Missing essential features
• 1-star GNCAP safety rating

7. Tata Tiago

Starting Price:₹5.60 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

The Tata Tiago has carved a niche for itself in the Indian automotive landscape and is appreciated for its robust construction, practical interiors, versatile engine options, and an impressive array of features. With its recent facelift, the Tiago unveils an even more polished and stylish design, elevating its visual appeal and giving it a competitive edge that outshines many of its counterparts.

Beneath the hood, the Tiago offers a standard 1.2L Revotron petrol engine, complemented by an optional 1.2L Bi-Fuel CNG engine for those seeking an eco-friendly alternative. Both engine options are paired with a reliable 5-speed manual gearbox as standard while the petrol version also offers a 5-speed AMT transmission option, making city commutes effortless. Additionally, one of the standout features is the availability of dual front airbags (driver and passenger) as standard across all variants of the Tiago.

Tata Tiago Key Specifications

Tata Tiago Key Features

What’s Good:

• Excellent build quality and GNCAP safety ratings
• Spacious and comfortable cabin
• Sorted dynamics and high-speed stability

What’s Not Good:

• Unreliable after-sales support
• Jerky AMT gearbox

8. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Starting Price:₹5.73 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios is currently the cheapest Hyundai car on sale in India and offers smart styling along with practical and feature-rich interiors. This car isn't just about getting from point A to point B; it's about doing so with style, comfort, and confidence, making it the preferred choice for individuals looking for a long affordable and safe-to-drive car.

The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios offers two engine options: the 1.2L Kappa petrol and the 1.2L Bi-Fuel CNG. Its compact size, excellent build quality, and premium interior are just a few of the factors that make it an excellent choice for city commuting. Additionally, the Grand i10 Nios offers an added layer of safety with the two front airbags in the base variant. 

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Key Specifications

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Key Features

What’s Good:

• Segment-best fit and finish
• Reliable and refined powertrain options
• Feature-rich

What’s Not Good: 

• Not so frugal petrol engine
• Expensive higher variants
• Not-so-great ride and handling

9. Tata Punch

Starting Price: ₹5.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

The Tata Punch is a bold and dynamic contender that locks horns with established rivals like the Maruti Ignis and the Hyundai Exter. This compact powerhouse shares its platform with the acclaimed Altroz and is not just about grabbing attention with its striking appearance; it boasts substantial credentials that set it apart in the Indian automotive market. Under the hood, the Tata Punch is equipped with the trusted engine line-up found in the Tata Tiago, which includes the 1.2L Revotron petrol and the 1.2L iCNG Bi-Fuel options. 

One of the standout features of the Tata Punch is the availability of dual front airbags that add to the safety level. Whether you're planning to buy a car for city driving or are looking for a highway companion, the Punch offers a ride experience that is hard to match, promising comfort and confidence. 

Tata Punch Key Specifications

Tata Punch Key Features

What’s Good:

• Build quality and five-star safety
• Tried and tested powertrain options
• Spacious and comfortable cabin

What’s Not Good:

• No turbo petrol option 
• Fit and finish could have been better
• After-sales support is not the best

10. Maruti Suzuki Swift

Starting Price: ₹5.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

The Maruti Suzuki Swift, a name synonymous with hatchback excellence, continues to captivate enthusiasts across India. The Swift boasts a strong and consistent performance, complemented by refined engine options that offer a pleasurable driving experience. Its practical cabin, which comfortably accommodates passengers and cargo alike further helps it attract most buyers in the segment.

While Swift's performance and practicality have earned it a loyal following, it does have a few areas where it falls short. The build quality and fit-finish levels, though acceptable, might not match the expectations of more discerning buyers. Additionally, the AMT gearbox can be occasionally jerky, which could be a point of contention for some drivers. Overall, the Swift is one of the finest budget cars that come equipped with airbags. 

Maruti Suzuki Swift Key Specifications

Maruti Suzuki Swift Key Features 

What’s Good:

• Strong performance and refined engine options
• Spacious and practical cabin
• Sorted dynamics

What’s Not Good:

• Poor build quality
• Fit-finish levels should have been better
• Jerky AMT

Why Are Airbags Important in a Car?

Airbags play a significant role in enhancing automotive safety, acting as a crucial line of defence during accidents. Their significance lies in the protection they offer to drivers and passengers, mitigating the impact of collisions and reducing the severity of injuries. Here's what makes airbags so significant:

• Airbags rapidly inflate upon collision, providing a cushion that reduces the force of impact on vehicle occupants.
• Frontal airbags are strategically placed to protect the head and face, minimising the risk of severe head injuries during a crash.
• Side airbags and curtain airbags protect the chest and torso, reducing the likelihood of injuries to vital organs.
• Airbags help prevent occupants from being ejected through windows, windshields, or doors during a collision, reducing the risk of fatal injuries.
• Airbags work in tandem with seat belts, enhancing the effectiveness of restraint systems and providing a comprehensive safety network.
• By absorbing and distributing the force of impact, airbags contribute to lowering the severity of injuries sustained in a crash.
• Advanced airbag systems are designed to protect children and smaller occupants by adjusting deployment force based on occupant size.
• Some vehicles are equipped with side curtain airbags that also deploy in rollover scenarios, offering protection against head injuries and providing a barrier between occupants and the side of the vehicle.
• Regulatory bodies globally, including India's Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, mandate the inclusion of airbags in vehicles, highlighting their essential role in ensuring road safety.
• Modern vehicles often incorporate advanced airbag technologies, such as dual-stage deployment and side-impact airbags, further enhancing overall safety measures.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, the quest for affordable cars with airbags in India brings forth a compelling lineup of vehicles that not only prioritise budget-conscious choices but also champion advanced safety features. 

As we explore the top 10 cheapest cars with airbags in 2023, it's evident that manufacturers are aligning with evolving safety standards. With airbags emerging as a non-negotiable aspect of vehicle safety, the blog serves as a guide for those seeking economic options without compromising on protection. 

From the reliable Maruti Alto 800 to the dynamic Tata Punch, these cars redefine affordability, making waves in the realm of cutting-edge automotive safety. Drive with confidence, knowing that safety need not come at a premium price.

FAQs

Q. What is the starting price of a car with an airbag?

As of February 2024, all new cars sold in India must have dual front airbags as standard equipment. This means you can find basic hatchbacks like the Maruti Alto K10 or Renault Kwid with airbags starting around ₹4-₹5 lakh

Q. How much does a 6-airbag car cost?

While dual airbags are mandatory, additional side and curtain airbags are typically offered in higher variants or as optional extras. The price increment varies depending on the car and manufacturer, but generally expect an increase of ₹50,000-₹1 lakh for a 6-airbag setup.

Q. Can I add airbags to my car?

Unfortunately, modifying your car's factory-installed airbag system is illegal and unsafe. The complex technical integration and potential safety risks make it impractical and inadvisable.

Q. What is the cost of an airbag system?

Replacing a deployed airbag can be expensive, costing anywhere between ₹10,000-₹20,000 per airbag, depending on the car model and brand. Remember, it is recommended to always prioritise maintaining your car's original airbag system for optimal protection.