Best Cars Under 10 Lakh in India 2025: Affordable Yet Feature-Packed Rides

Are you planning to buy a new car in 2025 but don’t want to break the bank? Well, you're in luck. The Indian automotive market has evolved significantly in the past few years, and now it offers some incredible options for under ₹10 lakh. Whether you're a first-time car buyer or someone looking for a reliable second car, the sub-10 lakh segment is buzzing with choices — from fuel-efficient hatchbacks to feature-loaded compact SUVs.

In this blog, we’ll cover the best cars under ₹10 lakh in India in 2025, highlight their key features, performance, mileage, safety, and also discuss documents and paperwork needed to make your purchase hassle-free.

Why ₹10 Lakh is a Sweet Spot for Indian Car Buyers

Before diving into the list, it’s important to understand why the ₹10 lakh price range is so crucial in India.

It balances affordability with features.
Great variety in body types – hatchbacks, sedans, and compact SUVs.
Most cars under ₹10 lakh come with solid fuel economy.
You can now get advanced safety features like 6 airbags, ABS, and ESC in this price range.
Options for both petrol, diesel and even CNG/EV variants.

Top Picks: Best Cars Under ₹10 Lakh in 2025

Here’s a breakdown of the top-performing and value-for-money cars in this budget.

1. Tata Punch EV (Expected Launch Q2 2025)

Price: Starting from ₹9.99 lakh (ex-showroom)
Type: Electric Micro SUV
Range: Approx. 300-350 km per charge
Why It’s Great:
- India’s most affordable EV SUV
- Compact and urban-friendly
- Gets fast charging option
Ideal For: Eco-conscious city drivers

2. Maruti Suzuki Swift 2025

Price: ₹6.5 – ₹9.5 lakh
Fuel Type: Petrol & Strong Hybrid
Mileage: 25-30 km/l (Hybrid)
What’s New:
- Refreshed design
- Strong hybrid engine for insane mileage
- SmartPlay infotainment system
Ideal For: Budget buyers who prioritize mileage

3. Hyundai Exter

Price: ₹6 – ₹9.99 lakh
Type: Compact SUV
Engine: 1.2L Petrol / CNG
Highlights:
- Sunroof, cruise control even in mid variants
- 6 airbags as standard
- Funky design
Ideal For: Young families & urban explorers

4. Tata Altroz CNG

Price: ₹7.5 – ₹9.3 lakh
Type: Premium hatchback
Fuel: Petrol/CNG
USP:
- Twin CNG cylinder layout (No boot space compromise)
- Strong build quality (5-star GNCAP)
- Loaded with features: touchscreen, cruise, rear AC vents
Ideal For: City + occasional highway users

5. Renault Kiger

Price: ₹6 – ₹9.9 lakh
Type: Compact SUV
Engine: 1.0L Turbo Petrol
Why It Stands Out:
- Great performance with turbo engine
- Spacious cabin & boot
- Sporty design with SUV stance
Ideal For: Performance enthusiasts under budget

6. Maruti Suzuki Fronx (Sigma & Delta variants)

Price: ₹7.5 – ₹9.8 lakh
Body Style: Crossover SUV
Engine: 1.2L petrol & 1.0L Turbo (select variants)
Pros:
- Futuristic styling
- High ground clearance
- Maruti reliability + NEXA network
Ideal For: Long-term buyers looking for resale value

Honorable Mentions

Citroen C3 Turbo – A unique French design with good driving dynamics.
Kia Sonet Base Variants – You may find HTE or HTK petrol variants within budget.
Honda Amaze (Facelift 2025) – For those who still love sedans.

Features You Can Expect Under ₹10 Lakh in 2025

Gone are the days when budget cars meant compromise. Here's what you can expect now:

Safety:
- Dual/6 airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Reverse camera & parking sensors
- Electronic Stability Control (in some variants)
Infotainment:
- 7 to 10-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Steering-mounted controls
Convenience:
- Push-button start
- Cruise control
- Keyless entry
- Rear AC vents

Best Fuel Options Under ₹10 Lakh

Petrol: Ideal for low to moderate usage
CNG: Best for city driving and fuel savings
Diesel: Rare in this segment now
Electric (EV): Good for city use, growing infra
Hybrid: Mileage king (like new Swift)

On-Road Price vs Ex-Showroom Price: What to Know

While car prices are listed as ex-showroom, you must also account for:

RTO registration charges
Insurance
Road tax
Fastag
Optional accessories

This could increase the price by ₹50,000–₹1 lakh easily.

Essential Documents for Buying a Car in India (2025)

Here’s a list of important documents you'll need:

For Personal Car Purchase:

Aadhaar Card & PAN Card (Identity & Address Proof)
Passport-size Photos
Driving License (not compulsory but helps)
Bank Statements / Salary Slips (for car loan, if applicable)
Form 60/61 if PAN not available

For Registration:

Temporary Registration Certificate (from dealer)
Valid Insurance Policy
Pollution Certificate (PUC)
Invoice of the vehicle

Tips to Make the Most of Your ₹10 Lakh Budget

Go for base/mid variants of higher models instead of top variants of small cars.
Look for festive or year-end offers from dealers.
Opt for CNG or Hybrid if running cost is a concern.
Avoid too many accessories from showroom – get them from aftermarket for cheaper rates.
Take a test drive of 2-3 shortlisted cars before making a final decision.

Final Words

Choosing the best car under ₹10 lakh in India in 2025 is easier than ever thanks to the diversity of options. From smart hybrids like the new Swift to EVs like the Tata Punch EV, buyers now have plenty of tech, safety, and style — without overspending. The trick lies in matching your usage with the right body type and fuel option.

If you're looking for a stylish compact SUV — Hyundai Exter or Renault Kiger are great. Want mileage? Go for Swift Hybrid or Altroz CNG. Going electric? Tata Punch EV is a future-ready choice.

Which car are you considering? Have any questions? Drop them in the comments!

Friday, 16 May 2025