Top 5 Cars Under 10 Lakhs in India 2025

If you’re looking to buy a new cars below 10 lakh India, you’re in for a treat. The Indian car market offers some fantastic options that blend comfort, performance, and features without breaking the bank. In this article, we explore the top 5 cars under 10 lakhs rupees, carefully selected for their value, reliability, and driving experience. Whether you prioritize safety, engine performance, or feature-rich packages, this guide will help you make an informed choice.

Special Mention

While the main list highlights the top 5 cars under ₹10 lakhs in India for 2025, it’s worth giving a special mention to the Tata Punch and the newly updated Tata Altroz Facelift 2025.

Build Quality and Comfort

The Tata Punch is known for its solid build quality and high safety ratings, earning a 5-star rating from Global NCAP. It offers a comfortable cabin with a high driving position, ideal for Indian road conditions. Similarly, the Altroz Facelift 2025 now features improved cabin materials and enhanced ergonomics, making long drives more comfortable for both drivers and passengers.

Powerful Engine and Driving Fun

Both the Punch and Altroz come with refined engine options suitable for city and highway driving. The Punch offers peppy performance in city traffic, while the Altroz delivers a more planted feel with its wider stance and balanced dynamics, especially in the facelifted version.

Maintenance and Ownership Experience

Tata Motors has improved its after-sales service network, making ownership of vehicles like the Punch and Altroz more hassle-free. Both models are known for their low running costs and reliable performance, offering great value over time.

For the full reviews, check out our detailed blogs on Tata Punch and the Tata Altroz Facelift 2025.

1. Hyundai Exter: The Underrated Gem

You might be wondering why the Hyundai Exter features in this list despite not being among the top-selling cars. Let me tell you, this car is absolutely fantastic and deserves your attention.

Comfort and Build Quality

The Hyundai Exter comfortably seats 4 to 5 people, making it ideal for family outings or city commuting. Hyundai has claimed that if the Exter were to undergo a crash test, it could potentially score a 4 or 5-star safety rating. The build quality and overall comfort of the car are top-notch, providing peace of mind and a premium feel at this price point.

Engine Performance: A Rare 4-Cylinder Delight

Where the Exter truly shines is under the hood. It houses a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine—a rarity in this segment dominated by 3-cylinder engines. The Tata Punch and Nissan Magnite, for instance, come with 3-cylinder engines, some turbocharged, some not. However, in a recent comparison, the Exter’s non-turbo 4-cylinder engine matched closely with turbocharged engines in terms of performance.

Having driven the Exter extensively, I can confidently say it performs exceptionally well both in city traffic and on highways. The car easily cruises at 120 km/h, which is impressive for its engine size. The manual transmission is smooth, and Hyundai’s AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) is one of the smoothest I’ve experienced, outperforming many competitors.

Feature-Packed and Practical

The Exter offers a generous list of features within the 10 lakh price bracket:

Sunroof
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Reverse parking camera
Wireless charging pad
Type-C charging port
Rear AC vents

Additionally, the 1.2-litre engine also comes with a twin-cylinder CNG option, which frees up boot space and offers great fuel economy. If you want a high ground clearance car that is practical, comfortable, and smooth to drive, the Hyundai Exter is an excellent choice.

2. Tata Punch: India’s Bestselling Compact SUV

When discussing the best under 10 lakh cars 2025, the Tata Punch naturally comes to mind as one of the bestsellers in India.

Build Quality and Comfort

The Punch stands out for its solid build quality, a trait Tata Motors has been steadily improving. Unlike some older Tata models, the Punch boasts excellent plastic quality, minimal panel gaps, and a refined finish. It comfortably seats four adults with ample headroom and legroom, making it a practical choice for families.

Engine and Performance

The Punch is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine. While the power output is not very high and the AMT transmission can be a bit jerky, the engine is reliable. However, there is no diesel variant available, which might be a downside for some buyers. A CNG variant is offered, providing better fuel efficiency and lower running costs.

Features and Value for Money

Despite some shortcomings in engine refinement, the Punch compensates with an impressive list of features:

Sunroof
Reverse parking camera
10-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Rear AC vents

The Punch’s ride quality is comfortable, and its handling is competent, making it a well-rounded package. If you’re looking for a spacious, feature-loaded, and well-built compact SUV that offers great value for money, the Tata Punch deserves serious consideration.

3. Citroen C3: The Spacious and Comfortable Underdog

The Citroen C3 might not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking about top 5 cars under 10 lakhs, but it has some unique qualities that make it worth a look.

Comfort and Driving Experience

The C3 is a very spacious car, offering a comfortable ride with good air conditioning. Its handling and ride quality make it easy to drive in both city and highway conditions. The car’s build quality is solid, although it initially lacked sufficient safety features.

Safety Upgrades and Discounts

Earlier models of the C3 received low crash test ratings due to minimal safety features. However, Citroen has since added more safety equipment, improving its safety score significantly. This makes the C3 a more appealing option in its segment.

One of the biggest advantages of the C3 right now is the attractive discounts being offered—up to Rs. 1 to 1.5 lakh off the sticker price. Such discounts can make the C3 an irresistible deal, especially considering its spaciousness, comfort, and low maintenance costs.

4. Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Fronx: Reliable Sedans Under 10 Lakhs

If you’re looking for a sedan rather than an SUV or hatchback, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire and the newer Fronx are excellent options in the sub-10 lakh segment. You can also call them best affordable cars under 10 lakh.

Space, Comfort, and Safety

Both the Dzire and Fronx offer good cabin space and comfort for passengers. The Dzire, in particular, is noteworthy for achieving a 5-star safety rating—a first for a Maruti Suzuki car. This shows that safety isn’t compromised even in budget-friendly sedans.

Engine and Fuel Efficiency

The Dzire comes with a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine. While it may not offer the punchy performance of some other cars, it excels in fuel efficiency and smooth driving. Both manual and AMT options are available, catering to different driving preferences.

Features and Driving Dynamics

The Dzire and Fronx are well-equipped with essential features and offer good handling and ride quality for their class. Considering Maruti Suzuki’s vast service network and low maintenance costs, these sedans provide an excellent balance of value, performance, and comfort.

5. Skoda Kushaq: The Turbocharged Surprise

Finally, the Skoda Kushaq is a relatively new entrant in the under 10 lakh segment but brings some standout qualities that make it a compelling choice. from Skoda this best cars under 10 lakh with great feature without losing safety

Build Quality and Comfort

The Kushaq comfortably seats four people and offers a good amount of space. It’s a comfortable car with a decent feature list that includes:

16-inch alloy wheels
Touchscreen infotainment system
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

The Skoda badge adds a touch of premium appeal, but the real highlight is the car’s engineering and driving experience.

Powerful Engine and Driving Fun

The Kushaq comes with a 1-litre turbocharged TSI engine, which is typically found in cars priced much higher, around 14 to 18 lakh rupees. Getting this engine in an under 10 lakh car is a real game changer. It delivers good power, decent fuel efficiency, and a fun-to-drive character that is rare in this price segment.

Maintenance and Ownership Experience

Skoda has introduced attractive maintenance packages for the Kushaq, including a 3-year no-maintenance package for early buyers and a 5-year extended maintenance package for others. This makes ownership more affordable by reducing service costs, which historically have been a concern for buyers of European brands.

For buyers seeking a no-nonsense car with strong performance, comfortable ride quality, and a premium feel, the Skoda Kushaq is definitely worth considering.

Making the Right Choice: Personalized Car Consultancy

With so many great options available top 5 cars under 10 lakhs, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Each car has its strengths and caters to different priorities—whether it’s the smooth 4-cylinder engine of the Hyundai Exter, the robust build and features of the Tata Punch, the spacious and discounted Citroen C3, the reliable and safe Maruti Dzire, or the turbocharged fun of the Skoda Kushaq.

If you’re still unsure about which car suits your needs best, you can book a personalized consultation with automotive experts who have driven all these vehicles. They can provide tailored advice based on your preferences, budget, and usage patterns, helping you avoid costly mistakes in your purchase.

Booking a call is simple: visit Motoroctane.com/car-consultancy, answer a few questions, and schedule your expert consultation. This service is invaluable for first-time buyers or anyone looking to make a well-informed decision.

Conclusion

Choosing the right car under 10 lakh rupees in India has never been easier thanks to the variety of options that combine comfort, safety, performance, and features. Whether you prioritize engine smoothness, build quality, safety ratings, or driving fun, there’s a car on this list for you.

The Hyundai Exter offers a rare 4-cylinder non-turbo engine with great comfort and features. The Tata Punch is a bestseller with solid build and excellent ride quality. The Citroen C3 stands out with its spaciousness and attractive discounts. Maruti Suzuki’s Dzire and Fronx bring safety and fuel efficiency to the table, while the Skoda Kushaq delivers turbocharged performance and a premium experience.

Make sure to consider your priorities carefully and, if needed, seek expert advice before making a purchase. Your perfect car under 10 lakh rupees is waiting for you, combining value, reliability, and driving pleasure in one neat package.