The entry-level segment has long been the backbone of the Indian car market. But in recent years, car prices have climbed sharply due to factors like premiumisation and compliance with stricter safety and emissions norms, hitting the segment’s sales and even nudging some buyers towards used-car options. That said, the revised GST rates announced in September 2025 have brought major relief, lowering rates and creating room for demand to recover.

If you are in the market for a brand-new car under Rs 10 lakh, we have listed 10 of the most affordable cars currently on sale. It’s no surprise that Maruti continues to dominate this space, with as many as six models in the list.

10. Hyundai i10 Nios

Starts at Rs 5.47 lakh.

Prices for the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios start at Rs 5.47 lakh and go up to Rs 7.92 lakh for the top-end Asta AMT, making it the most expensive automatic variant on this list; the hatchback is also the entry point to Hyundai’s vast line-up in India. Under the hood, the Grand i10 Nios gets a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 83hp and 114Nm; gearbox options include a 5-speed manual or an AMT. The hatchback is also available with a CNG option, which starts at Rs 7.17 lakh.

9. Maruti Suzuki Ignis

Starts at Rs 5.35 lakh.

The Maruti Ignis is part of the brand’s premium Nexa line-up, and it is priced from Rs 5.35 lakh. The Ignis is powered by a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine developing 83hp and 113Nm. Buyers can also opt for an AMT option, with prices starting from Rs 6.3 lakh. The Maruti hatchback stands out for its quirky design.

8. Maruti Suzuki Eeco

Starts at Rs 5.21 lakh.

The Maruti Eeco is the only van on this list, and apart from personal use, it can also serve utility purposes. It comes with a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder engine that puts out 81hp and 105Nm, and is offered only with a manual transmission. It is a dependable vehicle with a versatile use case. Fun fact: the Eeco is the most affordable rear-wheel-drive car on sale in India. 

7. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Starts at Rs 4.99 lakh.

The Maruti Wagon R, one of India’s bestselling cars and the longest surviving nameplates, comes with two petrol engine choices: a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder motor producing 68hp and 89Nm and a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder unit delivering 83hp and 113Nm. Prices for the Wagon R start at Rs 4.99 lakh. For those seeking convenience, an AMT option is available, with prices starting from Rs 5.97 lakh, making it a practical and affordable Maruti car.

6. Citroen C3

Starts at Rs 4.8 lakh.

The Citroen C3 is the entry point to the French carmaker’s line-up in India. Prices for the C3 start from Rs 4.8 lakh for the base 82hp, 1.2-litre 3-cylinder naturally aspirated engine. It even comes with a 110hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine option, priced at Rs 8.33 lakh for the manual and Rs 9.05 lakh for the torque converter automatic. The latter makes the C3 the most powerful car on this list, and it is quite a fun little hatchback with peppy performance and tidy handling.

5. Maruti Celerio

Starts at Rs 4.7 lakh.

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio is known for offering extremely fuel-efficient petrol and CNG powertrains. It is equipped with a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine producing 67hp and 89Nm. The Celerio has a starting price of Rs 4.7 lakh; prices for its AMT option starting from Rs 5.61 lakh. The compact dimensions of the hatchback make it an ideal urban runabout.

4. Tata Tiago

Starts at Rs 4.57 lakh.

The Tata Tiago is the most affordable car from the homegrown carmaker. While the Tiago may not be class-leading in terms of performance with its 86hp, 113Nm 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine, it outshines its rivals with a 4-star GNCAP safety rating. Tata Motors also offers the Tiago with an AMT option, with prices starting from Rs 6.31 lakh. The Tiago is available with a CNG kit as well, and uniquely, it is the only one on this list to feature an AMT option with the CNG powertrain.

3. Renault Kwid

Starts at Rs 4.3 lakh.

A direct Maruti Alto K10 rival, the Renault Kwid is priced from Rs 4.3 lakh. The Kwid scores well on features, and the Climber variant even brings some rugged appeal. The budget hatchback is powered by a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine that produces 68hp and 91Nm; it gets both MT and AMT gearbox options. However, unlike Maruti, which offers factory-fitted CNG kits, the Kwid gets it as a dealer-level fitment.

2. Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

Starts at Rs 3.7 lakh.

The Maruti Alto K10 prices start from Rs 3.7 lakh. Even as one of the most budget-friendly cars in India, it comes equipped with six airbags as standard and impresses with its frugality and drivability. The Maruti Alto K10 is powered by a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine that produces 67hp and 89Nm. Maruti also offers an AMT gearbox option, starting at Rs 4.95 lakh. There is also a CNG variant available, priced from Rs 4.82 lakh.

1. Maruti Suzuki S-Presso

Starts at Rs 3.5 lakh.

The most affordable car on sale in India is the Maruti S-Presso; the carmaker terms it as a ‘mini SUV’, but it’s a high-riding hatchback at best. However, the upright stance and shape mean it has a roomy cabin that scores well in terms of practicality. Under the hood is a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine that produces 67hp and 89Nm; it is available with MT and AMT gearbox options, as well as a factory-fitted CNG kit. Automatic variants of the S-Presso are priced from Rs 4.75 lakh. 

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