Top Cars In India Under 10 Lakhs

1. Maruti Suzuki Swift 2024

The Swift has been one of the company’s best-selling models making it a very important car in the product portfolio. Maruti has regularly managed to sell more than 15,000 units per month and the Swift is one of the few driver’s cars left in the segment. Since its launch, more than 29 lakh units of the car have been sold in the country. In recent years, its only challenger has been Maruti’s more premium hatchback – the Baleno, which was updated in 2022. 

The Baleno offers more practicality with a better cabin, and boot space and also uses a more powerful engine. But in comparison with the Swift, it isn’t as much fun to drive. The other strong performer in the segment – the Hyundai i20, got a lot more expensive with the generation change in 2020 and as a result, fell down the sales chart. This kept the demand for the third-gen Swift, which was launched in 2018, high. That being said, it was time for the Swift to get a generation change which would help keep buyers interested. And finally, in 2024, Maruti has launched the fourth-gen Swift in the country. 

While the design of the car has been tweaked, it feels more like an evolution of the third-gen car rather than an all-new product. The new car is 20 mm longer and 10 mm shorter in height than the outgoing one. However, the width and wheelbase are identical to the old car. The boot space is slightly lesser (265 litres vs 268 litres), but the minimum kerb weight has increased. 

The big change comes in the engine department. The car is available with a new Z-Series 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol unit that puts out 81 BHP and 112 Nm. This is 1 cylinder, 8 BHP and 1 Nm lesser than the K-series engine of the outgoing car. Coming to transmissions, like before, there is a 5-speed MT and 5-speed AMT to choose from.

Maruti Suzuki has invested Rs. 1,450 crore in developing the new Swift, including localising the new Z-Series engine.

Maruti Swift Price & Brochure

The Maruti Swift is available in five variants – LXi, VXi, VXi (O), ZXi and ZXi+. Prices start at Rs. 6.49 lakh and go all the way up to Rs. 9.65 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). This is more than its closest rival – the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios (Rs. 5.92 – 8.56 lakh) and not far behind the Baleno (Rs. 6.66 – 9.88 lakh). Still, the Swift seems to have gotten off to a good start. Bookings opened on May 1, 2024, and Maruti claims that in just 8 days, it had managed to get 10,000 bookings.

2. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

he Hyundai Grand i10 Nios is a compact hatchback that has garnered significant popularity in the Indian market for its stylish design, feature-rich cabin, and commendable performance. Here’s an in-depth review:

Design and Exterior

The Grand i10 Nios stands out with its modern and sporty design. The front fascia features a cascading grille flanked by boomerang-shaped LED DRLs, giving it a distinctive look. The sharp creases along the body, diamond-cut alloy wheels, and sleek tail lamps further enhance its visual appeal. It’s a compact car but boasts a substantial road presence.

Interior and Comfort

Step inside, and the Grand i10 Nios impresses with its well-appointed and spacious cabin. The quality of materials is top-notch for this segment, with a dual-tone dashboard adding a premium touch. The seats are comfortable and offer good support, making long drives pleasant. Rear seat space is ample for a car of this size, with decent legroom and headroom.

Features

Hyundai has equipped the Nios with a host of features. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is intuitive and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other highlights include wireless charging, rear AC vents, a cooled glove box, and a multifunction steering wheel. Safety features are robust, with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera being standard on higher trims.

Performance and Efficiency

Under the hood, the Grand i10 Nios offers a choice between a 1.2L Kappa petrol engine and a 1.2L diesel engine. Both engines are refined and deliver smooth power delivery, making city driving effortless. The petrol engine provides a mileage of around 20 km/l, while the diesel engine offers about 25 km/l, making it one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its class. The ride quality is comfortable, with the suspension setup well-tuned for Indian roads.

Conclusion

Overall, the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios is an excellent choice for those looking for a stylish, feature-packed, and efficient hatchback. It strikes a fine balance between performance, comfort, and affordability, making it a top contender in the compact car segment in India.

3. Tata Punch

The Tata Punch is a compact SUV that has made a strong impression in the Indian automotive market, known for its rugged design, spacious interior, and impressive feature list. Here’s a comprehensive review:

Design and Exterior

The Tata Punch boasts a bold and muscular design that stands out in the compact SUV segment. The front end features a high-set bonnet, split headlamp setup with LED DRLs, and a prominent grille with the Tata logo. The side profile is characterized by squared wheel arches, cladding, and stylish 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, giving it a robust look. The rear end is equally appealing with wrap-around LED tail lamps and a sculpted tailgate, completing its tough, urban SUV aesthetics.

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the Punch offers a well-designed and practical cabin. The dashboard layout is modern, with a dual-tone finish and textured materials that enhance the premium feel. The seats are comfortable, with good cushioning and support, suitable for long drives. The Punch excels in space management, providing ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room, especially in the rear seats. The high seating position offers excellent visibility, contributing to a confident driving experience.

Features

The Tata Punch is packed with a host of features that cater to the tech-savvy consumer. The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, powered by Harman, supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other notable features include automatic climate control, a semi-digital instrument cluster, cruise control, and a cooled glove box. On the safety front, the Punch is well-equipped with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and a five-star Global NCAP safety rating, making it one of the safest cars in its class.

Performance and Efficiency

The Punch is powered by a 1.2L Revotron petrol engine, which delivers adequate power for city commutes and occasional highway drives. The engine is refined and mated to a 5-speed manual or AMT gearbox, offering a smooth driving experience. The ride quality is excellent, thanks to the well-tuned suspension that handles rough roads and potholes with ease. The Punch also offers commendable fuel efficiency, with a mileage of around 18-20 km/l.

Conclusion

Overall, the Tata Punch is a compelling choice for those seeking a compact SUV with a strong design, spacious and well-equipped interior, and excellent safety features. Its combination of style, practicality, and performance makes it a standout option in the competitive compact SUV segment in India.

4. Renault Kiger

The Renault Kiger is a subcompact SUV that has quickly gained popularity in India, offering a blend of stylish design, spacious interiors, and competitive pricing. Here’s a detailed review:

Design and Exterior

The Renault Kiger features a bold and dynamic design, with a striking front grille flanked by sleek LED DRLs and headlamps positioned lower on the bumper. The sculpted hood, prominent roof rails, and sporty alloy wheels enhance its aggressive stance. The rear end is equally stylish, with C-shaped LED tail lamps and a roof-mounted spoiler, giving the Kiger a modern and urban appeal.

Interior and Comfort

The interior of the Kiger is spacious and well-thought-out, with a dual-tone color scheme that adds to its premium feel. The cabin is designed to maximize space, offering ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making long drives more enjoyable. The high driving position provides a good view of the road, enhancing driver confidence.

Features

Renault has equipped the Kiger with a comprehensive list of features. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring seamless connectivity. Other notable features include automatic climate control, a digital instrument cluster, keyless entry, push-button start, and ambient lighting. The Kiger also comes with a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and multiple airbags, ensuring a safe driving experience.

Performance and Efficiency

Under the hood, the Kiger offers two engine options: a 1.0L naturally aspirated petrol and a 1.0L turbo-petrol. The turbo-petrol engine, in particular, provides peppy performance, making it fun to drive in both city and highway conditions. The engines are paired with a 5-speed manual, AMT, or CVT gearbox, offering flexibility to suit different driving preferences. The Kiger also impresses with its fuel efficiency, delivering around 20 km/l, making it an economical choice.

Conclusion

Overall, the Renault Kiger stands out as a well-rounded subcompact SUV, offering a stylish design, spacious interiors, and a host of modern features. Its combination of performance, efficiency, and competitive pricing makes it a strong contender in the subcompact SUV segment in India. The Kiger is an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile and stylish urban SUV.

5. Maruti Suzuki Baleno

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is a premium hatchback that has carved a niche for itself in the Indian automotive market with its blend of style, comfort, and efficiency. Here’s a detailed review:

Design and Exterior

The Baleno features a sleek and modern design, characterized by its bold front grille, sharp LED projector headlamps, and distinctive LED DRLs. The sculpted lines along the body, chrome accents, and stylish alloy wheels add to its premium appeal. The rear end is equally attractive, with LED tail lamps and a subtle spoiler, giving the Baleno a sophisticated look that stands out on the road.

Interior and Comfort

Step inside, and the Baleno impresses with its spacious and well-designed cabin. The dual-tone interior, combined with quality materials, creates an upscale ambiance. The seats are comfortable and provide good support, making long journeys enjoyable. Rear seat passengers benefit from ample legroom and headroom, while the large boot space enhances the car’s practicality for daily use and long trips.

Features

The Baleno is equipped with a comprehensive list of features that enhance convenience and connectivity. The highlight is the 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system, which supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice commands. Additional features include automatic climate control, push-button start, keyless entry, and a multi-function steering wheel. On the safety front, the Baleno offers dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera, ensuring a secure driving experience.

Performance and Efficiency

The Baleno is powered by a 1.2L Dualjet petrol engine, delivering a smooth and responsive performance suitable for both city and highway driving. The engine is refined and mated to a 5-speed manual or CVT gearbox, offering a hassle-free driving experience. The Baleno excels in fuel efficiency, providing a mileage of around 22-23 km/l, making it one of the most economical cars in its segment.

Conclusion

Overall, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno is a well-rounded package that combines style, comfort, and efficiency. Its spacious interior, modern features, and reliable performance make it a top choice for those seeking a premium hatchback. With Maruti’s extensive service network and proven reliability, the Baleno remains a strong contender in its segment, appealing to a wide range of buyers in India.