Given the large consumer base in the country, manufacturers are introducing low budget cars in India to cater to the needs of customers who prefer inexpensive new cars. Due to lots of competition in this segment, manufacturers ensure that you don’t miss out on basic comfort, convenience and safety features even with low budget cars in India. Car buyers are constantly looking for the best low budget cars in India.
Budget is one of the constraints that the majority of new car buyers are bound by when looking for a new car. However, with reliable models to choose from and good value for money propositions, the buyer is literally spoilt for choice.
If you are looking for the best low-cost budget cars in India, read on and you will surely find the car you are searching for.
List of Low Budget Cars in India
A low budget is one of the most important deciding factors when buying a new car. In the past, cars were seen as a sort of luxury purchase that catered to the rich, but today due to the reduction in cost of materials and manufacturing processes, cars are available at low prices and there are a number of models to choose from.
On one end of the spectrum, we can find ultra-expensive, premium, luxury cars and on the other side we have budget friendly, low budget cars in India who need to get from one place to another in the most economical car.
With a reduced-price tag, the cars still get good performance, excellent features, and deliver everything asked of them.
Here is a list of some of the best low budget cars in India. The list includes pocket-friendly models available in the entry level segment, that have excellent comfort and convenience features and are safe to drive as well, having received good scores in safety standards.
Renault Kwid
The Kwid is a small budget car in India that is a big contender for best-value-for-money vehicle on the market. With every generation, the Renault Kwid has gotten better, and has made big progress since it was first introduced in the country.
The Kwid can be had with either an 800cc (54 bhp / 72 Nm) or 1.0 litre engine (68 bhp / 91 Nm), with the 0.8 litre coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission and the 1.0 litre mated to either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic gearbox.
On the features front, the Kwid gets an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, that can connect to a phone via Android Auto or Apple Car Play. There is also manual air conditioning, keyless entry, a 12-volt charging system for rear passengers, and parking cameras in the rear.
For safety the Kwid gets driver’s side airbags, ABS with EBD braking system and parking sensors. The budget for this small car in India is Rs.3.12 – Rs.5.31 lakh (average ex-showroom price).
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R
The Wagon R is the quintessential family car in India for those who like to live on a budget. It gets a great engine which is high on performance and good on fuel economy. It is one of the best mileage low budget cars in India.
Under the hood, the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is equipped with a frugal 1.0 litre, 3-cylinder engine (petrol) that produces a maximum power output of 68 bhp and a peak torque of 90 Nm. There is also a 1.2 litre petrol engine on offer (K12) which produces 83 bhp and 113 Nm of torque. For transmission options there is either a 5-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Wagon R is also available in CNG version which produces a maximum power output of 60 bhp and peak torque of 78 Nm.
The cabin gets a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Car Plat connectivity. There is also keyless entry, power windows on all four doors, manual air conditioning, steering mounted controls, and safety features such as driver’s side airbags, ABS with EBD and parking sensors at the rear.
The Wagon R is a low budget car and can be bought for the price of Rs. 4.65 lakh – Rs.6.18 lakh.
Maruti Suzuki Alto
This is one of the most economical cars to buy in India right now. At the same time, Maruti Suzuki has ensured that the Alto is not lacking in features and specifications. It has a 800cc, 3-cylinder petrol engine that has a maximum power output of 48 bhp and a peak torque of 69 Nm.
The Alto gets a CNG variant that has 41 bhp and 60 Nm of torque. For transmission duties, the Alto gets a 5-speed manual gearbox. Convenience features include keyless entry, power windows all round and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
Safety features for the Alto include ABS airbags for the driver’s side, ABS with EBD braking system and parking sensors at the rear of the car. The Alto is considered a low budget hatchback car in India and starts at a price of Rs.3 lakhs – Rs.4.48 lakhs.
Tata Tiago
The Tata Tiago has been a very popular car ever since it was first introduced into the market. Reasons for it being liked by so many people include a low budget price tag, strong and powerful engine, premium interiors and contemporary styling.
The Tiago gets a 1.2 litre petrol engine that generates a power output of 86 bhp and torque of 113 Nm. Gearbox options include a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic. It is a stylish hatchback with a high safety rating of 4 stars giving it the best safety standards in its segment.
Although it is a compact sedan, the proportions are large enough to seat 5 passengers comfortably. The sedan looks quite sporty from the exterior, while driving in the city is effortless and parking in tiny sports is not a problem.
Lots of style, numerous features and a high safety standard of 4 stars (it gets 4 stars) make this a great low budget car in India.
Datsun Redi-Go
The Redi-Go is one of the best-selling low budget cars in India among the newcomers in the budget friendly segment. The small hatchback has gained a lot of attention because of its frugal engine, and comfortable cabin that is well suited for the needs of a middle-class family in India.
There are two engines on offer, an 800cc mill that has a power output of 54 bhp and peak torque figure of 72 Nm, and a 1.0 litre engine that has 69 bhp and 91 Nm of torque. Both these engines have a 5-speed manual transmission, while the 1.0 litre engine also gets the option of a 5-speed automatic gearbox.
Some of the features on offer for the Datsun Redi-Go include a driver’s display, Bluetooth audio connectivity, hands-free music and phone control, LED headlights, driver’s side airbags and much more convenience equipment. The Datsun Redi-Go is one of the best mileage low budget cars in India. It starts at a price of Rs.2.8 lakhs -4.37 lakhs.
Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire
The Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire is basically the Swift with a rear boot which converts the best-selling hatchback into a desirable compact sedan. The car is designed to take on Indian roads with aplomb, having strong engine performance, an advanced suspension setup and premium interiors.
The Dzire gets a 1.2 litre petrol engine generating 82 bhp of power and 113 Nm of torque. The car comes with a standard 5-speed manual gearbox while there is the option of having a 5-speed AMT transmission as well.
The Maruti Suzuki Dzire comes loaded with features such as cruise control, push button start and stop, automatic climate control, LED headlamps, rear-vents air-conditioning to keep rear passengers comfortable, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a 4.2-inch screen for navigation and other functions.
Safety features for the Dzire include ISOFIX child seat anchors, parking sensors at the rear, dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, hill hold and assist, and ESC (Electronic stability Control). The average ex-showroom price for the Dzire is Rs.5.7 lakhs – 9.55 lakhs.
Hyundai Aura
The Aura has been introduced as a budget friendly low-cost sedan in India. Both the petrol and diesel engine options are BS6 compliant. It gets modern and stylish DRLs at the front and LED headlamps. Alloy wheels that are diamond cut complete the striking exterior and they have a sharp design that goes well with the rest of the elements on the car.
Convenience features include a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and multiple connectivity features. The interior has a premium and modern feeling which adds to the luxury ambience. There is also climate control and height adjustment for the driver’s seat.
The petrol unit is a 1.2 litre that produces 81 bhp and 114 Nm of torque. There is also a 1.0 litre turbocharged unit with 98 bhp/172 Nm of torque. The 1.2 litre engine can be had with a 5-speed manual or a 5 speed AMT gearbox while the turbocharged engine gets only the 5-speed manual.
The Hyundai Aura can also be considered a low budget diesel car in India because it gets 1.2 litre oil burner producing 74 bhp/ 190 Nm which gets the option of a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission).
A large number of modern features, stylish exterior and premium interior coupled with strong build quality makes the Hyundai Aura a good option for the budget conscious looking to get a good value-for-money new car.
Datsun Go+
Even though Datsun is a newcomer in the Indian market, they have delivered the right kind of cars that are budget friendly, rich in features, and have good ride and handling quality. It can be considered a low budget 6-seater car in India because of its extra 3rd row of seats.
The extra space it has to offer in this price point makes it a very popular car for the budget conscious buyer. Under the hood of the Datsun Go+ is a 1.2 litre petrol engine that delivers 68 bhp of power and 104 Nm of torque. There is the option of either a 5-speed manual or a CVT automatic gearbox. With the CVT gearbox, power is a little higher at 77 bhp while the torque figure remains the same.
On the feature list is keyless entry, alloy wheels (14-inch), a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, manually controlled air conditioning and many more features.
For safety, the Datsun Go+ gets dual airbags in front, parking sensors at the rear, ABS with EBD braking system, and speed sensing automatic door locks. The Go+ prices start from Rs.3.89 lakhs- Rs.5.95 lakhs. Since it is a 6-seater vehicle you can even consider it a low budget luxury car in India because of the ample space, although interiors are not so premium. However, the Datsun Go+ offers excellent value for money, a strong and performance-oriented engine and decent interiors.
Conclusion
Manufacturers clearly understand that a low budget car India will attract a lot of customers because the customers get their money’s worth, and they won’t spend too much on running costs especially if the engine is frugal, while maintenance costs are low. Cars in India are well suited to this requirement and there are many models to choose from in both petrol and diesel, as well as hatchback and compact sedan body styles.
Another requirement is that the car should have strong build quality and advanced suspension systems to deal with Indian driving conditions where broken tarmac and potholes are a common occurrence.
The entry level segment has a lot of options for the car buyer, and some of the more popular options are the Maruti Suzuki Alto 800, Renault Kwid and Maruti Suzuki Wagon R. A long list of features, good safety options and a reliable service network are all plus points for the list of best low budget cars in India.
