12 Best Cars Under 10 Lakhs To Buy In 2021 – Hatchback, Sedan, SUV

Cars that fall under the 10 lakhs price bracket targets the middle-class population that holds a large share of the market. Due to this massive customer base, automakers are trying their best to get a hold of this segment.

Therefore, cars in this range are affordable, fuel-efficient, and also provide an impressive set of features. Hence, it can be difficult for buyers to choose one when there are so many great options.

However, to make this tiresome task easier for you, we have curated some of the finest cars you can get in this range. You can take your pick from the choices of hatchbacks, sedans, and sub-compact SUVs.

Here’s our list of the best cars under 10 lakhs to buy in 2021. If you have a different budget, you can read about the best cars under 5 lakh and 15 lakh in India.

Best Cars Under 10 Lakhs (2021)

• Kia Sonet
• Tata Nexon
• Maruti Suzuki Baleno
• Hyundai Venue
• Hyundai i20
• VW Polo
• Tata Altroz
• Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza
• Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire
• Ford Figo
• Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
• Maruti Suzuki Swift

1. Kia Sonet: Best Car In Terms Of Features

Kia Sonet	Specifications
Price (ex-showroom)	Rs 6.79- 12.19 Lakh
On road price (Base Model)	Rs 7.65 Lakh (Price may vary depending on region)
Engine Options	G1.2-liter Smartstream Petrol Engine (Manual Transmission) G1.0-liter GDi Turbo Petrol Engine (iMT and DCT)   1.5-liter CRDi Diesel Engine (Manual and Automatic Transmission)
Engine Specs	G1.2-liter Smartstream- 81.8 BHP and 115 Nm of Torque G1.0-liter Turbo- 118 BHP and 172 Nm of Torque   1.5-liter Diesel- 98.6 BHP and 240 Nm of Torque (MT) and 113.4 BHP and 250 Nm of Torque (AT)
Fuel Economy	1.2-liter Petrol- 18.5 km/l 1.0-liter Turbo- 18.0 km/l

Kia Sonet is a newbie on the market and is one of the most modern and feature-packed compact SUVs on the market. Kia Motors has incorporated a special UVO feature that allows the user to start the engine, lock or unlock your car, control the climate of the cabin, and much more through a smartwatch or the app on your cell phone.

In addition, there are 57 connected features with some coolest features like over the air(OTA) map updates and AI voice commands.

Apart from this, Kia provides different engine options: a naturally aspirated petrol engine and a turbo variant for sports enthusiastic customers. Further features like a smart air purifier with virus protection, ventilated seats, multi-drive modes with traction control mode, and premium bose speakers make your ride comfortable and enjoyable.

If we talk about safety features then Kia provides dual airbags, ABS with EBD, emergency stop signal, and rear parking as standard features. However, features like six airbags, ESC, HAC, VSM, and Brake assist are available only in the top models which we feel should have been provided in a few mid variants too.

If someone is eyeing for an awesome-looking and feature-oriented car then this is the best car you can get under this budget.

Best value for money variant: Kia Sonet HTK+ 1.2L priced at Rs 8.65 lakh (ex-showroom).

2. Tata Nexon

Tata Nexon	Specifications
Price (ex-showroom)	Rs 7.28-13.23 Lakh
On road price (Base Model)	Rs 8.23 Lakh (Price may vary depending on region)
Engine Options	1.2-liter turbocharged Revotron 3-Cyl BS6 Petrol (AMT and Manual Transmission) 1.5-liter turbocharged Revotorq 4-Cyl BS6 Diesel (AMT and Manual Transmission)
Engine Specs	1.2-liter – 120 BHP and 170 Nm Torque 1.5-litre – 108 BHP and 260 Nm Torque
Fuel Economy	17 km/l for Petrol Variant 22 km/l for Diesel Variant

Tata Nexon is one of the best cars in India under Rs 10 lakhs due to its 5-star safety rating. The compact SUV was awarded a high safety rating by the Euro NCAP. Tata Nexon has always been a powerful SUV with a spacious interior.

The new BS6 compliant Tata Nexon is even more refined and powerful and gets premium features like daytime running DRL’s and a fully digital instrument console as standard across all variants.

Tata Nexon is among the very few cars in this range to offer different driving modes like Eco, Sports, and City. In addition, it’s the only car in this segment to provide the following safety features as standard:

• Electronic Traction Control
• ABS with EBD
• Roll-over Mitigation
• Emergency Brake assist
• Hill Hold Control
• Electronic Brake Pre-fill
• Brake Disc Wiping

Furthermore, higher variants also have premium features like electric sunroof, iRA technology, and much more.

Best value for money variant: Tata Nexon XM priced at Rs 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom).

3. Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Maruti Suzuki Baleno	Specifications
Price (ex-showroom)	Rs 5.98-9.30 Lakh
On road price (Base Model)	Rs 6.60 lakh (Price may vary depending on region)
Engine Options	1.2-liter VVT 4-Cyl BS6 Petrol (AMT and Manual Transmission) 1.2-liter dual-jet 4-Cyl BS6 Petrol Hybrid (Manual Transmission)
Engine Specs	1.2-liter VVT- 82 BHP and 113 Nm Torque 1.2-liter dual-jet- 90 HP and 113 Nm Torque
Fuel Economy	20 km/l for 1.2-liter VVT 23 km/l for 1.2-liter dual-jet

Maruti Suzuki Baleno is one of the best-selling hatchbacks under Rs 10 lakh in India. It uses a smooth and powerful engine which is also highly fuel-efficient. One of the main features of Maruti Baleno is its huge cabin and boot space. This car is wide and long enough for tall riders and passengers. Baleno is also a very quiet car to sit in. The cabin noise in this car is minimal, and the engine noise is also negligible. Additionally, the CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) makes the ride even smoother.

The suspension of Maruti Baleno works fine in most conditions, however, at high speed, it doesn’t inspire much confidence in the driver.

Best value for money variant: Maruti Baleno Zeta Petrol Smart Hybrid priced at Rs 8.22 lakh (ex-showroom).

4. Hyundai Venue

Hyundai Venue	Specifications
Price (ex-showroom)	Rs 6.99-11.85 Lakh
On road price (Base Model)	Rs 7.90 lakh (price may vary depending on region)
Engine Options	1.2-liter Kappa 4-Cyl BS6 Petrol (Manual Transmission) 1.0-liter Kappa Turbo 3-Cyl BS6 Petrol (DCT Automatic transmission) 1.5-liter 4-Cyl BS6 Diesel (Manual Transmission)
Engine Specs	1.2-liter- 82 BHP and 111 Nm Torque 1.0-liter- 118 BHP and 172 Nm Torque 1.5-liter- 99 BHP and 240 Nm Torque
Fuel Economy	17.5 km/l for 1.2-liter Petrol variant 18.2 km/l for 1.0-liter Petrol variant 23.7 km/l for 1.5-liter Diesel variant

Hyundai Venue is unique in its features and looks; the car has already won the ICOTY (Indian Car Of The Year) award for 2020. It comes equipped with a large front grille and sleek front LED lights, a common theme for new-generation Hyundai cars. Talking about its performance, the Turbo variant has excellent acceleration and high-speed stability. Similar to Hyundai Creta, the handling is comfortable, and the steering wheel is very responsive.

Best value for money variant: Hyundai Venue 1.0-liter DCT Turbo S priced at Rs 9.77 lakh (ex-showroom)

5. All New Hyundai i20

Hyundai i20	Specifications
Price (ex-showroom)	Rs 6.91-11.40 Lakh
On road price (Base Model)	Rs 7.86 lakh (Price may vary depending on region)
Engine Options	1.2-liter Kappa Dual VVT 4-Cyl BS6 Petrol (AMT and Manual Transmission) 1.0 Turbi GDi BS6 Petrol (DCT and iMT) 1.5 U2 BS6 Diesel (Manual Transmission)
Engine Specs	1.2-liter Petrol – 81.8 BHP and 113.7 Nm Torque 1.0-liter Turbo Petrol – 118.3 BHP and 171.6 Nm Torque 1.5-liter Diesel – 98.6 BHP and 240 Nm Torque
Fuel Economy	19.6 km/l for 1.2-liter Petrol variant 19.0 km/l for 1.0-liter Turbo Petrol variant 24.0 km/l for 1.2-liter Diesel variant

The all-new Hyundai i20 is one of the best cars under Rs 10 lakh in India in terms of versatility. It looks great, performs like a beast, and offers a comfortable ride quality in the process. The distinguishing feature of the Hyundai i20 is its handling and highway stability.  The car’s light steering makes it easy to maneuver around town.

The new Hyundai i20 might sound a bit more expensive than its previous generation, however, there are more variants and features than ever before.

Best value for money variant: Hyundai i20 Sports Plus 1.2-liter priced at Rs 7.36 lakh.

6. Volkswagen Polo: Best In Terms Of Ride Quality

VW Polo	Specifications
Price (ex-showroom)	Rs 6.16- 9.99 Lakh
On road price (Base Model)	Rs 7.05 Lakh (Price may vary depending on region)
Engine Options	1.0-liter MPI 3-Cyl BS6 Petrol (AMT and Manual Transmission) 1.0-liter TSI 3-Cyl BS6 Petrol (AMT and Manual Transmission)
Engine Specs	1.0-liter MPI – 75 BHP and 95 Nm Torque 1.0-liter TSI – 108 BHP and 175 Nm Torque
Fuel Economy	17.75 km/l for 1.0-liter MPI 18.5 km/l for 1.0-liter TSI

Volkswagen Polo is one of the best premium hatchbacks under Rs 10 lakh in India. Currently, Polo is available in three models, with the top model having the best mileage as well as performance. The Volkswagen Polo feels very comfortable and planted at high speeds and in corners. The car’s solid build quality makes VW Polo a long-lasting car as well. However, the resale value might not be as expected, also the service and maintenance costs can make a small dent in your savings.

Best value for money variant: VW Polo Comfortline priced at Rs 6.76 lakh (ex-showroom price).

7. Tata Altroz: Safest Hatchback In India Under 10 lakh

Tata Altroz	Specifications
Price (ex-showroom)	Rs 5.84- 9.59 Lakh
On road price (Base Model)	Rs 6.53 Lakh (Price may vary depending on region)
Engine Options	1.2-liter – 3 Cyl Revotron BS6 Petrol (Manual Transmission) 1.2-liter – 3 Cyl I-Turbo BS6 Petrol (Manual Transmission) 1.5-liter – 4 Cyl Revotorq BS6 Diesel (Manual Transmission)
Engine Specs	1.2-liter petrol- 84.8 BHP and 113 Nm of Torque 1.2-liter turbo petrol – 118.3 BHP and 140 Nm of Torque 1.5-liter diesel- 88.7 BHP and 200 Nm of Torque
Fuel Economy	19 km/l combined

Tata Altroz is the safest Indian hatchback. It’s awarded a five-star safety rating in the Global NCAP crash tests. Altroz is one of the best premium hatchbacks and provides an excellent overall package.

It’s one of the best cars in terms of ride handling, comfort, and looks. Similar to Polo, it’s very stable while cruising on highways. In addition, it’s equipped with one of the most optimized suspension systems and is often considered the best feature of the car.

Plus, in January 2021, the Indian automaker introduced a new turbo petrol variant of Altroz for performance-oriented buyers.

Apart from this, Altroz comes loaded with premium features like cruise control, digital instrument cluster, infotainment system by Harman along with Harman speakers, Apple Carplay and Android Auto Connectivity, ambient lights, and much more.

Best value for money variant: Tata Altroz XZ priced at Rs 7.70 lakh (ex-showroom).

8. Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Maruti Suzuki Brezza	Specifications
Price (ex-showroom)	Rs 7.51-11.41 Lakh
On road price (Base Model)	Rs 8.47 Lakh (Price may vary depending on region)
Engine Options	1.5-liter K15 4-Cyl BS6 Petrol (Manual Transmission) 1.5-liter K15 4-Cyl SHVS BS6 Petrol (AMT)
Engine Specs	103 BHP and 138 Nm Torque
Fuel Economy	17.03 km/l for Petrol variant 18.76 km/l for SHVS Hybrid variant

The 2020 Maruti Brezza comes with a 1.5-liter engine with a hybrid option. Similar to its now-discontinued diesel version, the new Maruti Brezza petrol, and its hybrid option, promises to be among the best cars under 10 lakhs in India. Despite being an SUV, it is easy to drive around town and naturally on the highway as well. The SUV is particularly suited for bad roads. However, its hybrid variant is only available with an AMT. Even the base version of Maruti Brezza comes with four power windows, LED DRLs, bigger sized wheels, and dual airbags.

Best value for money variant: Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza VXI priced at Rs 8.57 lakh.

9. Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire

Maruti Suzuki Dzire	Specifications
Price (ex-showroom)	Rs 5.98-9.02 Lakh
On road price (Base Model)	Rs 6.90 Lakh (Price may vary depending on region)
Engine Options	1.2-liter Multi-jet 4-Cyl BS6 Petrol (AMT and Manual Transmission)
Engine Specs	88 BHP and 113 Nm Torque
Fuel Economy	24.12 km/l

Maruti Dzire recently received a mid-cycle upgrade which included a new facelift and a powerful yet efficient BS6 petrol engine. Dzire is best known for its smooth performance and spacious interior cabin. The driver’s seat offers great visibility, and the steering in Dzire is very light to operate. Despite its low ground clearance, Dzire easily soaks up bumps and offers a comfortable ride quality.

Best value for money variant: Maruti Suzuki VXI priced at Rs 7.04 lakh.

10. Ford Figo

Ford Figo	Specifications
Price (ex-showroom)	Rs 5.82-8.37 Lakh
On road price (Base Model)	Rs 6.70 Lakh (Price may vary depending on region)
Engine Options	1.2-liter 3-Cyl BS6 Petrol (AMT and Manual Transmission) 1.5-liter 4-Cyl BS6 Diesel (AMT and Manual Transmission)
Engine Specs	1.2-liter – 95 BHP and 119 Nm Torque 1.5-liter – 99 BHP and 215 Nm torque
Fuel Economy	19 km/l for Petrol variant 24 km/l for Diesel variant

Ford Figo is a budget hatchback from the American automaker. It is one of the most underrated cars under Rs 10 lakh in India. The hatchback comes with a six-airbag option bolstering its safety. The latest version of Figo comes with a dual-tone paint job making it more appealing. Ford Figo is one of the most powerful cars in its segment and would surely appeal to car enthusiasts. The car has decent ride quality and excellent built quality, making it a good all-around performance car.

Best value for money variant: Ford Figo 1.2-liter Petrol Titanium MT priced Rs 6.82 Lakh (ex-showroom).

11. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios	Specifications
Price (ex-showroom)	Rs 5.28-8.50 Lakh
On road price (Base Model)	Rs 6.15 Lakh (Price may vary depending on region)
Engine Options	1.2-liter Kappa Dual VVT BS6 Petrol (AMT and Manual Transmission) 1.2-liter Petrol with CNG (Manual transmission) 1.0-liter Kappa Turbo GDI BS6 Petrol (Manual transmission) 1.2-liter U2 CRDi Diesel (AMT and Manual transmission)
Engine Specs	1.2-liter Petrol- 81.8 HP and 113 Nm 1.0-liter Turbo- 98.6 HP and 171 Nm 1.2-liter Diesel- 74 HP and 190 Nm
Fuel Economy	1.2-liter Petrol- 20.7 Km/l 1.0-liter Turbo- 20 km/l 1.2-liter Diesel- 26.2 km/l

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios is one of the most budget-friendly premium cars on the market. Nios sits above the Grand i10 in Hyundai’s lineup. It’s a compact hatchback yet it has plenty of room inside. It has a peppy performance in the city and its steering is very light in operation. The ride quality of Nios is relatively softer than its rival but it is firm enough for high-speed driving.

Best value for money variant: Grand i10 NIOS 1.2-liter MT Kappa Sportz priced at Rs 6.61 lakh

12. Maruti Suzuki Swift

Maruti Suzuki Swift
Price (ex-showroom)	Rs 5.81-8.56 Lakh
On road price (Base Model)	Rs 6.70 Lakh (Price may vary depending on region)
Engine Options	1.2-liter VVT 4-Cyl BS6 Petrol (AMT and Manual Transmission)
Engine Specs	82 BHP and 113 Nm Torque
Fuel Economy	21.21 km/l

Maruti Suzuki Swift is the best-selling small car in the premium segment. Its 1.2-liter engine offers lively performance and fuel efficiency as well. Maruti Swift is fun to drive around town but it’s on the highway where it truly shines. The car feels very stable and smooth throughout the rev range. Additionally, it has very responsive steering which is light when used in the city and becomes a little stiff for easy driving at highway speed.

The car’s suspension offers relatively less comfortable ride quality than its competitors.

Best value for money variant: Maruti Swift VXI priced at Rs 6.36 lakh.

Which Is The Best Car Under Rs 10 Lakhs? Our Recommendation

On this list, each car has its own unique qualities and features. The choice of the right car depends on the individual. If a person is looking for a car with good fuel economy and easy maintenance as their priority then Maruti Swift Dzire and Swift are the best options.

Similarly, Tata Nexon and Altroz are the safest whereas Kia Sonet is feature-packed, and Maruti Suzuki Baleno being a hybrid car, is the most eco-friendly amongst all.

Still if we have to pick one we would go with Kia Sonet at it seems the most balanced car in terms of performance, looks, and features.

How would you pick the best cars under Rs 10 lakhs? Let us know in the comments below.