The Indian government has proposed the third revision of its vehicle emission regulations, also called the Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms. According to the CAFE-3 proposal, passenger vehicles falling under the M1 category, which includes cars with up to 9 seats (including driver) and a kerb weight of up to 3,500kg, will have to adhere to stricter emission standards. 

However, a clause of the proposed norms suggests some relaxation to small cars under 4 metres in length with an engine capacity of up to 1200cc and an unladen kerb weight below 909kg. The draft norms suggest that manufacturers with such cars will be able to claim a reduction of 3.0 grams CO₂ per kilometre per car, with a cap of 9.0 grams of CO2  per km, in every reporting period. Although this exemption is still under draft, here are some cars that could benefit from the new CAFE 3 rules, if it is enforced as is.

Maruti Suzuki S-Presso

Length: 3.56m; Engine: 998cc; Kerb weight: up to 775kg

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is the most affordable car on sale in India following the GST price cut in September, and it is one of the cars that will benefit from the new CAFE-3 norms. The S-Presso has a length of 3,565mm, an unladen kerb weight that ranges between 736kg and 775kg and is powered by a 1-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine, making it eligible for the relaxations. Currently, the S-Presso is priced between Rs 3.50 lakh and Rs 5.25 lakh. 

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

Length: 3.53m; Engine: 998cc; Kerb weight: up to 754kg

The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 is another entry-level hatchback that falls under the small petrol car category, which is going to benefit from the CAFE-3 regulations. It is the lightest car in terms of kerb weight in this list, which ranges from 730kg to 754kg for the petrol trims. It has a length of 3530mm and is powered by the same 1-litre petrol engine as the S-Presso. It is priced between Rs 3.70 lakh and Rs 5.45 lakh. 

Renault Kwid

Length: 3.73m; Engine: 999cc; Kerb weight: up to 782kg

The Renault Kwid is the only non-Maruti car in this list, which will reap benefits if the proposed CAFE-3 norms are implemented nationwide. This hatchback measures 3,731mm in length, gets a 69hp 1-litre petrol engine and has an unladen kerb weight of 732kg to 782kg. The Kwid is the most affordable Renault offering in India, with prices ranging between Rs 4.30 lakh and Rs 5.99 lakh.

Maruti Suzuki Celerio

Length: 3.69m; Engine: 998cc; Kerb weight: up to 835kg

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio is one of the most fuel-efficient petrol cars in the country with a claimed mileage of up to 26kpl. If the CAFE-3 draft is enforced, it is one of the cars in India that will benefit from it, as it measures 3,695mm in length, is powered by the same 69hp as the S-Presso and Alto K10 and weighs between 810kg and 835kg. Prices of this Maruti Suzuki hatchback range between Rs 4.70 lakh and Rs 6.73 lakh. 

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Length: 3.65m; Engine: 998cc/1197cc; Kerb weight: up to 860kg

The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is one of the most popular cars in India, as evidenced by the fact that 18,970 units of the hatchback were sold and dispatched in October 2025, making it the fourth bestselling car of the month. The Wagon R is also one of the models that will benefit from the proposed norms. It has a kerb weight that ranges between 825kg and 860kg, a length of 3,655mm and offers two petrol engine options, both of which are under 1,200cc. These include a 68.5hp, 998cc petrol and a 91hp, 1,197cc petrol engine options. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R prices currently range from Rs 4.99 lakh to Rs 6.95 lakh.

Maruti Suzuki Ignis

Length: 3.70m; Engine: 1197cc; Kerb weight: up to 865kg

The Ignis is Maruti Suzuki’s only offering from the Nexa chain of dealerships that will benefit from the proposed CAFE-3 norms. An 83hp, 1,197cc petrol engine powers the Ignis. This 3,700mm long hatchback has a kerb weight that ranges between 840kg and 865kg, depending on the chosen variant. All of this makes it eligible for a relaxation in terms of carbon emissions if the CAFE-3 proposal is accepted as a statute. The Maruti Suzuki Ignis is priced from Rs 5.35 lakh to Rs 7.55 lakh. 

All prices are ex-showroom, India

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