8 Best Cars Under 15 Lakhs In India (2021) – Sedans, Compact SUVs & More
If you are looking for the best cars under 15 lakhs then you have landed on the right page. This segment is best for the masses looking for a well-balanced car with a perfect mix of features, comfort, performance, and appearance.
However, it’s a difficult task to choose one due to increasing competition among the automakers. Masses in this segment prefer to have a car with a luxury appeal. Hence, most automakers provide various features to make their products look premium which makes the job even more tiresome.
However, we have sorted out some of the finest cars one can get under this budget. Here are the top choices you should consider.
In your free time, also check out these cars:
8 Best Cars Under 15 Lakhs In India 2021
It would not be a surprise if a person wants to own all these cars at the same time. Anyway, before we move forward, please note that we have only considered the petrol variants and the prices indicated below are ex-showroom. Also, there is no particular order on the list.
1. Kia Seltos: Best Car In Terms Of Features
| Kia Seltos | Specs |
|---|---|
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 9.95- 17.44 lakh |
| Engine Options | Smartstream G 1.5-liter MPi Petrol BS6 (Manual Transmission and IVT) Smartstream G 1.4-liter T-GDi BS6 (MT and DCT) |
| Engine Specs | 1.5-liter MPi- 113 BHP and 144 Nm of Torque 1.4-liter Turbo- 138 BHP and 242 Nm of Torque |
| Fuel Economy | 1.5-liter MPi- 16.8 km/l 1.4-liter Turbo- 16.1 km/l |
This newbie in the market has attracted many customers with its outstanding looks and features. Seltos is the first car from South Korean automaker Kia Motors in India. It is built on the same platform and engine as its cousin Hyundai Creta.
However, Kia Seltos seems a step ahead in terms of features and appearance. Plus the new logo of Kia makes this compact SUV look even more attractive.
We can say it’s one of the most stylish, comfortable, and modern sub-compact SUVs. Kia Seltos comes equipped with features like an electric sunroof, smart air purifier, Bose premium 8 speaker system, ventilated and power seats, a 10.25″ HD touchscreen with an 8″ head-up display, and much more.
In terms of ride quality, it’s more or less similar to that of Creta. However, Kia has provided all four disc brakes as standard across all variants that significantly improve braking and stability while doing so.
Cons
As of now, the issue with the car is its resale value and service network. Since Kia is not an established brand in India, its service network is not as strong and widespread as that of other competitors.
However, we hope in the next four to five years, the service network of the company will expand to the required level.
Second, Seltos scored three stars in the global NCAP crash rating, which is above average but still this rating is below what the masses had expected.
2. Honda City 5th Generation
| Honda City 5th Generation | Specs |
|---|---|
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 11.16- 14.91 lakh |
| Engine Options | 1.5-liter iVTEC DOHC BS6 Petrol (Manual Transmission and CVT) |
| Engine Specs | 118 BHP and 145 Nm of Torque |
| Fuel Economy | 17.8 km/l with MT 18.4 km/l with CVT |
Whether it be design, visual appearance, performance, or safety features, the all-new Honda City 5th Generation is one of the best cars available on the market. Last year, the Japanese automaker launched the 5th generation of this sedan, and we can say it’s one of the most premium-looking cars in its segment.
With a 118 BHP engine, Honda City is the most powerful sedan in its range and provides a punchy performance. Also, this sedan is quite spacious and provides plenty of legroom even for a fairly tall passenger.
Furthermore, it’s India’s first car to come connected with Alexa remote capability and provides other standard features like AppleCarplay, Android Auto, 17.7 cm full HD color TFT instrument cluster, etc.
Speaking of safety standards, the new Honda City scored a five-star rating on the ASEAN NCAP crash test. It’s equipped with the world’s first i-SRS airbag system for the quick deployment of airbags.
Cons
There are no drawbacks worth noticing in the sedan. The car provides excellent ride quality and an impressive overall package. However, the ground clearance of the car seems to be a bit low. The automaker had not mentioned the ground clearance on the spec sheet on its website, however, the Thai variant of the sedan has a ground clearance of 135 mm.
We assume that the ride height of the sedan would be slightly higher for the Indian variants. Still, with this ground clearance, one has to be very careful while driving on Indian roads.
3. Hyundai Verna
| Hyundai Verna | Specs |
|---|---|
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 9.28- 14.23 lakh |
| Engine Options | 1.5-liter MPi Petrol BS6 (Manual and IVT) 1.0-liter Kappa Turbo GDi Petrol BS6 (DCT) |
| Engine Specs | 1.5-liter MPi- 113 BHP and 144 Nm of Torque 1.0-liter Turbo- 118 BHP and 171 Nm of Torque |
| Fuel Economy | 1.5-liter- 17.7 km/l 1.0-liter turbo- 19.2 km/l |
Hyundai Verna is one of the most desired cars on the market and one of the best cars you can get for under 15 lakhs. This sedan from the South Korean automaker provides a smooth yet powerful performance. Verna’s handling and ride quality are of the utmost quality. In addition, Hyundai provides one of the most premium quality interiors in Verna.
Similar to Honda City, the Verna too received an update with some major design improvements in 2020. Apart from its visual makeover, Verna is equipped with features like an electric sunroof, wireless charger, Arkamys premium sound system, 20.32 cm touchscreen infotainment system, and much more.
Furthermore, if we talk about safety then Hyundai Verna scored five stars in the ANCAP crash test. It comes equipped with features like ABS with EBD, dual airbags, etc. as standard while the higher variants get 6 airbags, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), TPMS, Emergency Stop Signal, VSM, and much more in addition to the standard features.
Cons
While Hyundai Verna is comfortable and provides an amazing ride, its steering wheel is too soft which can be a concerning issue at higher speeds. Smooth steering improves the riding experience at low speeds, however, it must get optimally stiff at higher speeds for better stability.
Therefore, drivers need to be more cautious while driving at higher speeds.
4. Volkswagen Vento: One Of The Best Cars Under 15 lakhs In Terms Of Ride Quality
| Volkswagen Vento | Specs |
|---|---|
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 9.99- 13.83 lakhs |
| Engine Options | 1.0-liter TSI (Manual and Automatic Transmission) |
| Engine Specs | 108 BHP and 175 Nm of Torque |
| Fuel Economy | 17.69 km/l |
If you want to buy a car for sheer driving pleasure, then this one is perfect for you. Volkswagen Vento is as good as the reputation of European cars. In terms of ride quality, performance, high-speed stability, braking, and build quality, it’s one of the best cars in the market.
In addition, the latest edition of VW Vento looks quite bold and beautiful. If we talk about the interior, it might not be as glamorous as its counterparts, but it has a high comfort level. Furthermore, it’s sober and looks classy and has all the necessary features like an HD touchscreen, steering mounted controls, automatic climate control, and much more.
Cons
Volkswagen is a German brand and the problem with it is that not all mechanics understand the engineering behind it. So, in case your car breakdowns in any remote area, then neither you will find a service center nor a good mechanic who can fix the problem. However, the company provides a four-year Road Side Assistance service but as I said it would not be very useful in rural areas.
Secondly, the maintenance of European cars is relatively more expensive than Japanese and Korean brands. However, if you properly monitor the services then there would be hardly any difference in service cost.
5. Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Hybrid
| Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Hybrid | Specs |
|---|---|
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 8.52- 11.50 lakhs |
| Engine Options | 1.5-liter K15 Smart Hybrid BS6 (Manual and Automatic Transmission) |
| Engine Specs | 103 BHP and 138 Nm of Torque |
| Fuel Economy | 20.65 km/l |
Maruti Suzuki Ciaz is currently the flagship sedan from the Indian automaker. The best thing about Maruti Suzuki is that it’s the only automaker that is providing affordable hybrid cars. Hence, it’s giving a share of contribution in controlling air pollution.
Maruti has an excellent reputation in terms of resale value, fuel-efficiency, and service and maintenance costs. In addition to these benefits, Ciaz looks quite premium and stylish. From the inside, it has good legroom and headspace for rear passengers inside the cabin.
It’s one of the best cars under 15 lakhs for those looking for a fuel-efficient and low emission car.
Cons
Ciaz has quite a powerful engine; however, it lags behind a bit when compared to other sedans in this segment. Furthermore, the automaker is often criticized for making cars with poor safety standards. However, Ciaz holds a four-star safety rating in the ASEAN NCAP crash test. Still, many buyers have doubts in their minds regarding the safety standards of Maruti’s cars.
6. MG Hector
| MG Hector | Specs |
|---|---|
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs Rs 13.49- 18.69 lakhs |
| Engine Options | 1.5-liter Turbo Petrol (Manual and Automatic Transmission) 1.5-liter Turbo Hybrid Petrol (Manual Transmission) |
| Engine Specs | 1.5-liter Turbo – 141 BHP and 250 Nm of Torque 1.5-liter Hybrid – 141 BHP and 250 Nm of Torque |
| Fuel Economy | 1.5-liter Turbo – 15.81 km/l 1.5-liter Hybrid – 15.81 km/l |
MG Hector is one of the finest-looking SUVs on the market. It looks stylish and premium inside out and comes with lots of modern features. The automaker claims it’s the first internet-connected car in India. This SUV is quite long considering its rivals like Tata Harrier, Jeep Compass, Kia Seltos, and the like.
The interior cabin is very comfortable with ample space, and Hector is available with a hybrid engine option as well. In terms of performance, both hybrid and non-hybrid variants have a turbocharger that contributes to providing amazing power delivery.
Cons
Although it’s a feature-packed SUV, there are a few issues regarding the same. The voice recognition system is not as efficient as the company claims. Sometimes, it does not understand the instructions that eventually lead to a waste of time and disappointment for the driver. Similarly, the big infotainment screen is a bit sluggish.
7. Hyundai Creta
| Hyundai Creta | Specs |
|---|---|
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 10.16- 17.87 lakh |
| Engine Options | 1.5-liter MPi Petrol BS6 (Manual and IVT) 1.4-liter Kappa Turbo GDi (DCT) |
| Engine Specs | 1.5-liter MPi- 113 BHP and 144 Nm of Torque 1.4-liter Turbo- 138 BHP and 242 Nm of Torque |
| Fuel Economy | 1.5-liter MPi- 17 km/l 1.4-liter Turbo- 16.8 km/l |
As mentioned earlier, Hyundai Creta shares the same platform and engine that of its cousin Kia Seltos. However, there are aesthetical and feature-oriented changes. One may argue regarding the design preferences; however, the new Creta looks somewhat similar to its younger sibling Venue.
The best part about owning Creta is that Hyundai has a well-established service network, unlike Kia and other new brands. In addition, service and maintenance costs are also reasonable.
Cons
The base variant of the car comes with negligible features. More importantly, one of the major concerning issues that few owners have reported is in its braking. One of the automotive publishers reported serious brake failure issues in the car. However, that issue was found in the previous generation Creta, and it seems to be a manufacturing defect with some units.
Still, such incidents taint the reputation of the brand.
8. Toyota Yaris
| Toyota Yaris | Specs |
|---|---|
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 9.16- 14.60 lakhs |
| Engine Options | 1.5-liter Dual VVT-i BS6 (Manual and CVT) |
| Engine Specs | 105 BHP and 140 Nm of Torque |
| Fuel Economy | 17.1 km/l |
Toyota Yaris was launched as a replacement for Etios. Though it’s been around 2 years since this sedan has arrived in the market, we can say somewhere it’s an underrated car. Whether it be the riding experience, safety standards, build quality or features, this car is far better and premium than its predecessor Etios.
Toyota has provided one of the most refined engines under the bonnet of Yaris. It’s so silent that sometimes you might mistake it for an electric car.
Cons
There is not much to complain about this car. It would be nitpicking but we know some owners who suggested the mileage of the Yaris could have been better.
Which One Should You Pick? Best Cars Under 15 Lakhs
All the above-mentioned cars are some of the finest ones available in the market. You can choose any one as per your needs and requirements from these SUVs and Sedans.
However, if we have to pick one then Honda City would be our choice among the sedans and Kia Seltos under subcompact SUVs.
Apart from that, there are still some of the best cars like Tata Harrier and Mahindra XUV500 in the market that you can consider in this budget. Since these cars are only available with diesel engines, we have not included them in our list.
Anyway, what do you guys think about these cars, and which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
All the above-mentioned cars have an impressive and comfortable interior, we can say there’s a close competition. However, if we have to pick out one then we would suggest going with MG Hector or Kia Seltos.
These two stand out from the crown in terms of providing a premium interior.
Well, it’s quite a tricky question as there are drivers who have achieved higher speeds than what you would find on the internet.
Based on our experience we believe Volkswagen Vento, Kia Seltos, and MG Hector are among the fastest cars here. They can easily achieve a top speed of around 185 km/h.
