Tata Punch to Kia Sonet: 5 Most Affordable Cars with Air Purifiers in India

With air pollution becoming a major concern across several Indian cities during winter, having cleaner air inside your car's cabin is becoming increasingly important. While an in-cabin air purifier cannot eliminate all pollutants, it can help filter certain airborne particles and improve cabin air quality.

Air quality usually deteriorates during winter due to changing weather conditions, lower wind speeds, increased emissions and festive celebrations. People who spend considerable time commuting in their cars may therefore consider models equipped with a built-in air purifier.

Several carmakers in India now offer this feature, although it is generally restricted to selected variants. Here is a look at the five most affordable cars in India that come with a factory-fitted air purifier, along with their prices and variants.

The Tata Punch is currently the most affordable car in this list to offer a built-in air purifier. The feature is available in the Adventure and Accomplished trims of the micro SUV. The air purifier is integrated into the infotainment system, allowing occupants to access the feature from the touchscreen. The Punch is also among the few cars in India to offer this feature at a price below Rs 10 lakh.

The variants equipped with the air purifier are priced between Rs 7.77 lakh and Rs 10.97 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Maruti Suzuki Brezza is another compact SUV that offers a built-in air purifier. However, the feature is limited to the top-spec ZXI+ variant. The updated Brezza also gets a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which incorporates the air purifier function. The feature adds to the convenience of occupants, particularly during periods when outdoor air quality deteriorates.

The variants equipped with the built-in air purifier are priced between Rs 11.26 lakh and Rs 13.55 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Kia Sonet is known for its feature-rich cabin, compact dimensions and multiple engine and transmission options. It also offers a built-in air purifier in selected variants. The feature is available in the HTX, GTX+ and X-Line trims. The air purifier is integrated into the infotainment system and allows occupants to access the function through the touchscreen.

The Kia Sonet was once among the most affordable cars in India to offer an in-cabin air purifier. However, the Tata Punch now offers the feature at a lower price point. The variants equipped with the air purifier are priced between Rs 11.60 lakh and Rs 14.36 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Tata Nexon is another popular compact SUV in India that offers a built-in air purifier. The feature is available in the Fearless+ trim range and is integrated into the touchscreen infotainment system. Apart from the air purifier, the Nexon offers several convenience and technology features, depending on the variant. Buyers looking for a compact SUV with additional cabin features can consider the relevant Fearless+ versions.

The Tata Nexon Fearless+ variants equipped with the air purifier are priced between Rs 12.42 lakh and Rs 14.70 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Honda Elevate is the fifth SUV in this list to offer a built-in air purifier. The recently launched facelifted version of the SUV continues to focus on practicality, cabin comfort and everyday usability. The air purifier is available in selected variants and adds another convenience feature to the SUV's cabin. Buyers looking for a midsize SUV with this feature can consider the corresponding Elevate trims.

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The variants equipped with the built-in air purifier are priced between Rs 13.93 lakh and Rs 18.40 lakh (ex-showroom).

A built-in air purifier can be a useful addition, especially for people who regularly drive in areas with high pollution levels. However, buyers should remember that it does not make the cabin completely pollution-free. Its effectiveness depends on the filtration technology, filter condition, cabin sealing and regular maintenance. Keeping the windows closed in heavily polluted areas and replacing the cabin air filter at the recommended intervals can also help maintain better cabin air quality.

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Buyers should also check the exact variant and feature availability before making a purchase, as the air purifier is not offered across the entire range of these models.