Best cars under ₹10 lakh

The most frugal petrol car on this list, with six airbags as standard and the lowest running costs.

Best for: First-time buyers and city commuters · Watch out: Rear seat is tight for three

An SUV seating position and 187 mm of ground clearance at hatchback money.

Best for: Bad roads and small families · Watch out: Engine feels slow with a full load

More space and more features than the Swift for a small premium.

Best for: Families who want a hatchback · Watch out: Steering feels vague at speed

The safest compact SUV here, with a big boot and many engine choices.

Best for: Buyers who want an SUV under ₹10 lakh · Watch out: Lower variants are basic

The most upmarket cabin of any hatchback on the list.

Best for: Buyers who value comfort and finish · Watch out: Costs more than Maruti rivals

The Brezza is the sensible, low-stress compact SUV.

Best for: Buyers seeking reliable motoring · Watch out: No turbo-petrol or diesel option

The XUV 3XO punches well above its price on space and equipment.

Best for: Buyers seeking reliable motoring · Watch out: Average cabin plastics

The Sonet is the compact SUV for buyers who want luxury-car equipment in a four-metre footprint.

Best for: Buyers seeking reliable motoring · Watch out: Tight rear seat for three

The Glanza is a Baleno with a Toyota badge, a different grille and a longer standard warranty.

Best for: Buyers seeking reliable motoring · Watch out: Fewer dealers than Maruti