Top 6 small cars to consider in India's budget range for 2023

Looking for a small car that fits your budget in 2023? Check out our top picks for affordable and reliable rides in India!

Top 6 small cars to consider in India's budget range for 2023
Top 6 small cars to consider in India's budget range for 2023

Take a look at Best 6 small cars available in India in the price range of Rs. 03.54 Lakh - Rs. 05.99 Lakh. The most popular small cars include Maruti Alto (Rs. 03.54 Lakh), Renault KWID (Rs. 03.54 Lakh), Tata Tiago (Rs. 05.53 Lakh), Maruti Wagon R (Rs. 05.55 Lakh), Tata Punch (Rs. 05.99 Lakh), and Maruti Swift (Rs. 5.99 Lakh). Top makers of small cars include Maruti Suzuki, Tata, Hyundai, Renault, Citroen, and others.

1. Alto

  • The hatchback retailed for between Rs 3.54 lakh and Rs 5.13 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) towards the end of its lifecycle.
  • It was offered in four trim levels: Std (O), LXi (O), VXi, and VXi+. There was also a CNG kit available for the base model L (O) trim.
  • Four colour options were available: Uptown Red, Silky Silver, Granite Grey, and Solid White.
  • Engine and Transmission: The 0.8-liter petrol engine in the Maruti Alto 800 produced 48 PS and 69 Nm of torque and was mated to a five-speed transmission. The output dropped to 41PS and 60Nm in CNG mode. Its claimed petrol mileage was 31.59 km/kg for CNG and 22.05 km/l for petrol.
  • The entry-level hatchback from Maruti has a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Front power windows and keyless entry were also options.
  • Rear parking sensors, dual front airbags, and ABS with EBD are all safety features.
  • Rivals: The Renault Kwid was opposed by the Alto 800. 

2. KWID

  • The most recent update is that in April, Renault Kwid is offering discounts up to Rs 67,000.
  • Price: The base-model Renault hatchback ranges in price from Rs. 4.70 lakh to Rs. 6.33 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
  • Kwid comes in five trim levels: RXE, RXL, RXL (O), RXT, and Climber.
  • Colours: The Kwid is available in Ice Cool White, Metal Mustard, Fiery Red, Outback Bronze, Moonlight Silver, Zanskar Blue, Ice Cool White with Black roof, and Metal Mustard with Black roof, six monochromatic colours and two dual-tone colours.
  • Engine and Transmission: A 1-liter petrol engine (68PS/91Nm) powers the vehicle's propulsion system. It is mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic manual transmission (AMT).
  • The Kwid offers a 14-inch set of black wheels, a four-way adjustable driver's seat, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Additionally, it has manual AC, electric ORVMs, and keyless entry.
  • Safety features include a traction control system, hill start assist, electronic stability programme (ESP) and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors are additional safety features.
  • Rivals: The Maruti Suzuki Alto, Maruti Suzuki Alto K10, and Maruti Suzuki S-Presso are competitors of the Renault Kwid. The Climber model competes with the Tata Punch.

3. Tiago

  • Price: The ex-showroom Delhi price range for the Tiago is between Rs 5.54 lakh and Rs 8.05 lakh.
  • It comes in six general variations: XE, XM, XT(O), XT, XZ, and XZ+.
  • Five colour options are available for the Tiago from Tata: Midnight Plum, Daytona Grey, Opal White, Arizona Blue, and Flame Red.
  • Its boot has a capacity of 242 litres.
  • Tata's small hatchback is powered by a 1.2-liter petrol engine with 86 PS and 113 Nm of torque, mated to either a five-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed automatic gearbox. This engine only has a five-speed manual transmission and produces 73PS and 95Nm when operating on CNG. It offers a 20.01 kmpl fuel efficiency.
  • Tiago has projector headlights with LED DRLs, a rear defogger with wiper, and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has an eight-speaker audio system, a cooled glove box, and automatic climate control.
  • Dual front airbags, rear parking sensors, ABS with EBD, and cornering stability control are all included for passenger safety.
  • Competitors: The Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Waggon R, and Citroen C3 are competitors of the Tata Tiago.
  • Consider the Tata Tiago EV if you're looking for an electric hatchback.

4. Wagon R

  • Latest Update: In April, Maruti will offer the Waggon R with benefits totaling up to 54,000. In related news, the Global NCAP recently tested the Maruti Waggon R for crashworthiness. 
  • Price: Ex-showroom Delhi, the Waggon R costs between Rs. 5.55 lakh and Rs. 7.43 lakh.
  • There are four main variants available: LXi, VXi, ZXi, and ZXi+. The LXi and VXi trims offer a CNG option.
  • The following colours are available: Met Magma Grey Plus Black, Prime Gallant Red Plus Black, Prime Gallant Red, Poolside Blue, Solid White, Nutmeg Brown, Silky Silver, and Magma Grey. It is also available in two dual-tone and six monotone colour options.
  • Waggon R's 341-liter boot offers plenty of storage space.
  • Two engine options are available: a 1-liter unit (67PS/89Nm) and a 1.2-liter unit (90PS/113Nm). Both a five-speed manual and a five-speed AMT are available with these engines. Only the 1-liter engine (57PS/82.1Nm) and five-speed manual transmission are included with the CNG kit.
  • The Waggon R's fuel economy statistics are as follows:
  • 1 litre gasoline MT: 23.56 kmpl
  • Petrol AMT per litre: 24.43 kmpl
  • 1.2-liter petrol engine: 24.35 kmpl
  • 1.25-liter petrol 25.19 kmpl AMT
  • 1 litre CNG-petrol: 34.05 km/kg
  • Features include a four-speaker audio system, a seven-inch touchscreen display, and steering-mounted phone and audio controls.
  • Dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and hill-hold assist (only on AMT models) are all included as standard safety features.
  • Rivals: The Maruti Waggon R competes against the Citroen C3, Tata Tiago, and Maruti Celerio.
  • The Waggon R EV from Maruti will be available in the company's electric lineup.

5. Punch 

  • Latest Update: The Punch now offers improved fuel efficiency thanks to the BS6 phase II update.
  • The micro SUV is available for purchase for between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 9.47 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
  • There are four trims available: Pure, Adventure, Accomplished, and Creative. Additionally, both the Adventure and Accomplished trims come in the new Camo edition.
  • Seating Capacity: A five-seat version of the Punch is available.
  • 366 litres are available in the boot of Tata's compact SUV.
  • The Punch's 1.2-liter petrol engine (86PS/113Nm) is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox as standard, with a five-speed AMT available as an option. The CNG versions produce 77PS and 97Nm using the same engine and five-speed manual transmission.
  • Ground Clearance: The micro SUV from Tata has an 187mm ground clearance.
  • Features include a semi-digital instrument panel, automatic climate control, automatic headlights, connected car technology, and cruise control. The Punch also has a seven-inch touchscreen display.
  • Dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear defoggers, rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, and ISOFIX anchors are all included for safety.
  • Rivals: The Mahindra KUV100 NXT and Maruti Ignis are the Tata Punch's rivals. It also competes with a few trims of the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger given its price.
  • 2023 Tata Punch EV: Tata has declared that the Punch EV will be its upcoming electric product.

6. Swift

  • Recent Update: In April, Maruti is offering discounts of up to Rs 54,000.
  • Price: The ex-showroom Delhi price ranges from Rs. 6 lakh to Rs. 9.03 lakh.
  • The LXi, VXi, ZXi, and ZXi+ are the four main variants of the Swift. There is also a CNG option available for the VXi and ZXi trims.
  • Colours: Maruti offers it in six monochromatic exterior colors as well as three dual-tone exterior colors: Solid Fire Red with Pearl Midnight Black Roof, Pearl Metallic Midnight Blue with Pearl Arctic White Roof, Pearl Arctic White with Pearl Midnight Black Roof, Metallic Magma Grey, Pearl Midnight Blue, Pearl Arctic White, Metallic Silky Silver, Solid Fire Red, and Pearl Metallic Lucent Orange.
  • It has a 268-liter boot that it can fit in.
  • The hatchback's 1.2-liter Dualjet petrol engine produces 90 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic manual transmission. The CNG versions have the same engine, producing 77.5PS and 98.5Nm, and only have a five-speed manual transmission. Additionally, the hatchback has an idle start/stop feature that improves fuel efficiency.
  • The Swift has a height-adjustable driver seat, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, auto air conditioning, and LED headlights with LED DRLs.
  • Dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC) with hill-hold control, and rear parking sensors are all included in terms of safety.
  • Rivals: The Maruti Swift competes with the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, but the Renault Triber is also a viable substitute.

Here are Swift's alleged fuel economy figures:

  • 22.38 kmpl for a 1.2-liter MT
  • 22.56 kpl for the 1.2-liter AMT
  • MT CNG 30.90km/kg

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