India’s entry-level car market has always been the starting point for a majority of first-time buyers. However, rising input costs, stricter emission and safety norms, and rapid premiumisation had gradually pushed prices upward over the past few years. The segment finally received a boost with the revised GST rates announced in September 2025, which helped bring down costs and revive buying interest.
If you’re shopping for a new car on a budget, here are the 10 most affordable models currently on sale in India. As expected, Maruti Suzuki dominates the list, with six cars making the cut.
10. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios — Starting Price: ₹5.47 lakh
The Grand i10 Nios serves as the entry point to Hyundai’s expansive portfolio. Its pricing ranges from ₹5.47 lakh to ₹7.92 lakh (for the Asta AMT), making it the priciest automatic in this entire list. Power comes from an 83hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine paired with a 5-speed manual or AMT. Buyers also get a CNG option, starting at ₹7.17 lakh.
Key Figures
• Price: ₹5.47 lakh – ₹7.92 lakh
• ARAI Mileage: MT – 16kpl | AMT – 18kpl
9. Maruti Suzuki Ignis — Starting Price: ₹5.35 lakh
Part of the Nexa lineup, the quirky and compact Maruti Ignis begins at ₹5.35 lakh. Under the hood sits an 83hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine, and the AMT variant starts at ₹6.3 lakh. Its design, stance, and youthful character set it apart from conventional hatchbacks.
Key Figures
• Price: ₹5.35 lakh – ₹7.55 lakh
• ARAI Mileage: MT/AMT – 20.89kpl
8. Maruti Suzuki Eeco — Starting Price: ₹5.21 lakh
The only van in this ranking, the Eeco doubles up as a personal vehicle and a practical workhorse. It uses an 81hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine with a 5-speed manual gearbox. It is also India’s most affordable rear-wheel-drive car.
Key Figures
• Price: ₹5.21 lakh – ₹6.36 lakh
• ARAI Mileage: Petrol – 19.71kpl | CNG – 26.78km/kg
7. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R — Starting Price: ₹4.99 lakh
A household name, the tall-boy Wagon R continues to draw buyers with its cabin space and efficiency. It offers two engine options—a 1.0-litre (68hp) and a 1.2-litre (83hp). AMT convenience starts from ₹5.97 lakh.
Key Figures
• Price: ₹4.99 lakh – ₹6.95 lakh
• ARAI Mileage:
– 1.0 MT/AMT: 24.35kpl/25.19kpl
– 1.2 MT/AMT: 23.56kpl/24.43kpl
– CNG: 34.05km/kg
6. Citroen C3 — Starting Price: ₹4.80 lakh
The C3 is Citroën’s most accessible model in India and one of the most powerful cars on this list in its turbocharged form. The base variant gets an 82hp, 1.2-litre engine, while the 110hp turbo-petrol brings strong performance along with manual and automatic options.
Key Figures
• Price: ₹4.8 lakh – ₹9.05 lakh
• ARAI Mileage:
– 1.2 MT: 19.3kpl
– 1.2 Turbo AT: 18.3kpl
5. Maruti Suzuki Celerio — Starting Price: ₹4.70 lakh
The Celerio is known for its top-class fuel efficiency. Powered by a 67hp, 1.0-litre petrol engine, it also offers a CNG option and AMT convenience. Its compact footprint makes it ideal for city use.
Key Figures
• Price: ₹4.7 lakh – ₹6.73 lakh
• ARAI Mileage:
– MT: 24.97kpl | AMT: 26.68kpl
– CNG: 34.43km/kg
4. Tata Tiago — Starting Price: ₹4.57 lakh
Tiago is Tata’s most affordable car and one of the safest in the segment with a 4-star GNCAP rating. It is powered by an 86hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine and offers AMT as well as factory-fitted CNG options—including the unique CNG-AMT combination, exclusive in its class.
Key Figures
• Price: ₹4.57 lakh – ₹7.82 lakh
• ARAI Mileage:
– MT: 19.01kpl | AMT: 19kpl
– CNG: 26.49km/kg | CNG AMT: 28.06km/kg
3. Renault Kwid — Starting Price: ₹4.30 lakh
The Renault Kwid remains a stylish alternative to the Alto K10, thanks to its SUV-inspired design and feature-rich variants like the Climber. It’s powered by a 68hp, 1.0-litre petrol engine and comes with both manual and AMT gearboxes.
Key Figures
• Price: ₹4.3 lakh – ₹5.99 lakh
• ARAI Mileage: MT – 21.7kpl | AMT – 22.5kpl
2. Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 — Starting Price: ₹3.70 lakh
The Alto K10 remains one of India’s most economical cars to buy and run. It features a 67hp, 1.0-litre engine and impressively gets six airbags as standard—a major highlight at this price point. It’s available with AMT and CNG options as well.
Key Figures
• Price: ₹3.7 lakh – ₹5.45 lakh
• ARAI Mileage:
– MT: 24.39kpl | AMT: 24.9kpl
– CNG: 33.40km/kg
1. Maruti Suzuki S-Presso — Starting Price: ₹3.50 lakh
Topping the list as the most affordable new car in India, the S-Presso offers a tall-boy stance and a surprisingly spacious cabin. It uses the same 67hp, 1.0-litre petrol engine as the Alto K10 and is available in MT, AMT, and factory-fitted CNG variants. AMT prices begin at ₹4.75 lakh.
Key Figures
• Price: ₹3.5 lakh – ₹5.25 lakh
• ARAI Mileage:
– MT: 24.12kpl | AMT: 25.3kpl
– CNG: 32.73km/kg
Which Car Should You Buy?
If budget is your main priority, the Maruti S-Presso and Alto K10 are unbeatable for value.
For the best blend of space and convenience, Wagon R and Grand i10 Nios stand out.
Buyers prioritising safety should look toward the Tata Tiago.
And if you want the most fun-to-drive budget car, the Citroen C3 turbo is the clear winner.
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