What Are the Cheapest Cars in India Right Now?
In India, buying a new car doesn't have to involve spending Rs 7-10 lakh, as numerous affordable options are available. Manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki, Tata, and Renault offer hatchbacks with modern features, safety equipment, and both petrol and CNG powertrains.
What Are the Cheapest Cars in India Right Now?
Buying a new car in India does not necessarily mean spending Rs 7-10 lakh. Several manufacturers continue to offer affordable hatchbacks with petrol and CNG powertrains, automatic gearbox options and essential safety features at relatively accessible prices. Some entry-level cars are also equipped with features such as six airbags, electronic stability control and reverse parking sensors.
From the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso and Alto K10 to the Renault Kwid and Tata Tiago, buyers have multiple options to consider. Those looking for a slightly higher driving position can also explore affordable micro-SUVs such as the Tata Punch.
Here is a look at some of the cheapest cars available in India in November 2026, their current ex-showroom prices, recommended variants, claimed mileage, safety equipment and key features.
Which is the cheapest car in India?
The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is currently the cheapest car in India, with an starting ex-showroom price of Rs 3,49,900. It is positioned as an entry-level hatchback but gets a tall-boy design, which gives it a slightly different appearance from conventional small cars.
It is powered by a 998cc, three-cylinder petrol engine producing 66.6 PS and 89 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, while an AGS automatic option is also available. The S-Presso offers a claimed fuel efficiency of up to 25.30 kmpl in petrol form.
Variant to pick: S-Presso LXi (O) MT
At Rs 3,82,400, the LXi (O) is a more practical choice than the entry-level variant. It gets an air conditioner, power steering, dual airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability programme with hill-hold control and reverse parking sensors.
The higher variants add features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, steering-mounted controls, electrically adjustable ORVMs and an automatic gearbox.
Safety equipment: Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP with hill-hold control, rear parking sensors and seatbelt reminders.
Ownership cost note: The S-Presso's small petrol engine and relatively high claimed mileage can help keep fuel expenses under control. Maruti Suzuki's extensive service network is another consideration for buyers looking for an affordable ownership experience.
What are the other cheapest cars in India?
Apart from the S-Presso, buyers can consider the following affordable hatchbacks:
| Car | Starting ex-showroom price | Claimed mileage |
| Maruti Suzuki S-Presso | Rs 3.49 lakh | Up to 25.30 kmpl |
| Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 | Rs 3.69 lakh | Up to 24.90 kmpl |
| Renault Kwid | Rs 4.53 lakh | Up to 22.3 kmpl |
| Tata Tiago | Rs 4.76 lakh | Up to 20.09 kmpl |
| Maruti Suzuki Celerio | Rs 4.69 lakh | Up to 26.68 kmpl |
1. Maruti Suzuki Alto K10
The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 is another affordable option for first-time car buyers. It is powered by a 998cc, three-cylinder petrol engine producing 67.1 PS and 89 Nm of torque. Buyers can choose between a five-speed manual and an AGS automatic transmission. The petrol version offers a claimed mileage of up to 24.90 kmpl. Maruti Suzuki also offers a factory-fitted S-CNG version.
Starting price: Rs 3,69,900
Variant to pick: Alto K10 LXi (O) MT
Priced at Rs 3,99,900, this variant is worth considering for buyers who want an affordable car with essential equipment. It gets six airbags, ABS with EBD and reverse parking sensors. The higher VXi variants add convenience and infotainment features.
Safety equipment: Six airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors and seatbelt reminders.
Key features: Compact dimensions, 998cc petrol engine, manual and AGS gearbox options, CNG availability and a relatively easy-to-drive city-friendly package.
2. Renault Kwid
The Renault Kwid is another option in the affordable car segment. It has a slightly crossover-inspired design, with a raised stance, body cladding and distinctive styling. The car is powered by a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine producing 69 PS and 92.5 Nm of torque. It is available with a five-speed manual and an AMT gearbox.
The claimed fuel efficiency is up to 22.3 kmpl, depending on the variant and transmission.
Starting price: Rs 4,52,900
Variant to pick: Kwid RXL
The RXL is worth considering for buyers who want a more accessible entry into the Kwid range without paying for the more expensive Climber variants. Check the latest variant-wise dealer quotation before booking.
Safety equipment: Six airbags, electronic stability control, rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring system and rear-view camera are among the safety features offered in the updated range, with availability depending on the variant.
Key features: 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, power windows, steering-mounted controls and a semi-digital instrument cluster.
Ownership cost note: Renault offers a standard warranty of three years or 1,00,000 km, whichever comes first. Buyers should also consider the availability of authorised service facilities in their city.
3. Tata Tiago
The Tata Tiago is an option for buyers who want a slightly more spacious hatchback with a focus on safety equipment. It is offered with petrol and CNG powertrains, along with manual and automatic transmission choices.
The petrol version uses a 1.2-litre engine producing 86 PS and 113 Nm. The CNG version is also available for buyers looking to reduce their fuel expenses.
Starting price: Rs 4.76 lakh
Variant to pick: Tiago Pure
The Pure variant is a sensible option for buyers who want more convenience features without moving to the top-end trim. It offers equipment such as a digital instrument display, steering-mounted audio controls, rear AC vents and power windows.
Safety equipment: Six airbags are standard, along with ABS with EBD, corner stability control, reverse parking sensors, ISOFIX child-seat mounts and three-point seatbelts with reminders for all seats.
Key features: Digital instrument cluster, rear AC vents, touchscreen infotainment in higher variants, wireless smartphone connectivity, automatic climate control in select trims and a choice of petrol and CNG powertrains.
Which is the cheapest automatic car?
The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXi (O) AGS is one of the most affordable automatic cars available in India. It is priced at Rs 4,77,400 (ex-showroom), making it a relatively accessible option for buyers who regularly drive in city traffic. It uses the same 998cc petrol engine producing 66.6 PS and 89 Nm, paired with a five-speed AGS transmission. The claimed fuel efficiency is up to 25.30 kmpl for the petrol range, although the automatic variant's figure should be checked separately before purchase.
The S-Presso's AGS gearbox is an automated manual transmission (AMT), rather than a conventional torque-converter automatic. It offers clutch-free driving convenience, although gear shifts can feel different from those of a conventional automatic.
The Alto K10 VXi (O) AGS is another option, starting at Rs 4,97,400. Buyers can therefore choose between the two based on their preferred styling, features and budget.
Which cheap car is the safest?
For buyers prioritising crash-test performance in the affordable segment, the Tata Punch is a strong option. Tata Motors identifies it as a five-star Bharat NCAP-rated subcompact SUV.
It is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine producing 88 PS and 115 Nm. The model is also available with a factory-fitted CNG option. The Punch's safety package includes dual airbags, ABS with EBD, corner stability control, rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child-seat mounts and a high-strength steel body structure. Equipment varies across variants.
Starting price: Rs 5.75 lakh
Variant to pick: Punch Pure
The Pure variant is worth considering for buyers who want the Punch's SUV-like stance and its safety credentials without moving to the more expensive trims. Buyers should check the exact safety equipment fitted to their selected variant.
The Tata Tiago is another affordable option worth considering, particularly because it offers six airbags as standard across its range. However, the number of airbags alone should not be treated as a substitute for a verified crash-test rating.
Which is the cheapest CNG car?
The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso LXi (O) CNG is among the cheapest factory-fitted CNG cars available in India. Its official ex-showroom price starts at Rs 4,64,400. It uses a 998cc petrol engine adapted to run on CNG and is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. The S-Presso CNG is a practical option for buyers who have access to CNG stations and cover considerable distances every month.
The S-Presso also gets a factory-fitted CNG system, which means buyers do not need to depend on an aftermarket conversion kit.
Variant to pick: S-Presso LXi (O) CNG
At Rs 4,64,400, it is the entry-level factory-fitted CNG option in the S-Presso range. It offers essential equipment, including dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP and reverse parking sensors.
The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 LXi (O) CNG is another alternative, priced at Rs 4,84,400.
What should buyers consider before purchasing a budget car?
While the starting ex-showroom price is an important factor, it should not be the only consideration when purchasing an affordable car. Buyers should calculate the total ownership cost, including:
- On-road price: Registration charges, road tax, insurance and other applicable expenses increase the final purchase price.
- Fuel expenses: Compare petrol and CNG running costs based on your monthly driving distance.
- Maintenance: Check scheduled service intervals, replacement parts and labour charges.
- Insurance: Compare renewal premiums and consider the cost of comprehensive coverage.
- Resale value: Research the used-car market and resale demand for the model.
- Safety: Check the availability of airbags, ESC, ABS, ISOFIX and independent crash-test ratings.
For buyers with limited budgets, choosing a slightly higher variant with essential safety equipment can be more worthwhile than purchasing the cheapest base variant.
FAQs
1. Which is the cheapest car in India in November 2026?
The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is currently among the cheapest cars in India, with an official starting ex-showroom price of Rs 3.49 lakh.
2. Which is the cheapest automatic car in India?
The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXi (O) AGS, priced at Rs 4.77 lakh (ex-showroom), is one of the most affordable automatic options.
3. Which is the cheapest CNG car in India?
The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso LXi (O) CNG, priced at Rs 4.64 lakh (ex-showroom), is among the cheapest factory-fitted CNG cars.
4. Which is the safest affordable car in India?
The Tata Punch is a strong choice for buyers prioritising crash-test performance, with its five-star Bharat NCAP rating. The Tata Tiago also offers six airbags as standard.
5. What is the cheapest SUV in India?
The Tata Punch is among the cheapest SUVs in India, with prices starting at Rs 5.75 lakh (ex-showroom).
6. Which affordable car offers the best mileage?
The Maruti Suzuki Celerio offers a claimed petrol mileage of up to 26.68 kmpl, making it an option worth considering for buyers prioritising fuel efficiency.
7. Is it better to buy a petrol or CNG car?
A petrol car is generally more suitable for buyers with limited monthly running or inadequate access to CNG stations. A factory-fitted CNG car can be more economical for people who drive frequently and have convenient access to CNG refuelling facilities.
8. Are ex-showroom prices the final prices of cars?
No. Ex-showroom prices do not include road tax, registration, insurance and other applicable charges. Buyers need to pay these additional expenses to get the final on-road price.
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