The entry-level segment has long been the backbone of the Indian car market. In recent years, though, the prices of entry-level cars have climbed sharply due to factors such as premiumisation and compliance with stricter safety and emissions norms, hurting the segment’s sales and even nudging some buyers towards used cars. That said, the GST revision implemented in September 2025 brought major relief, lowering the tax rate and creating room for demand to recover.
If you are in the market for a brand-new car under Rs 10 lakh, we have compiled 10 of the most affordable options currently available in India. It’s no surprise that Maruti continues to dominate this space, with as many as five models in the list.
10. Tata Tigor
Starts at Rs 5.55 lakh
With prices starting at Rs 5.55 lakh, the Tata Tigor is the cheapest sedan in India and the only one on this list. While the Tigor has been around for quite a while, Tata has introduced multiple updates for the compact sedan over its lifecycle to keep it fresh. The Tigor is powered by a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine, which can be had in an 86hp petrol or a 75.5hp CNG guise. Both fuel types offer 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT options.
9. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
Starts at Rs 5.55 lakh
Prices for the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios start at Rs 5.55 lakh and go up to Rs 8.03 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 7.22 lakh.
8. Maruti Suzuki Eeco
Starts at Rs 5.21 lakh
The Maruti Eeco is the only van on this list and a dependable vehicle with a versatile use case. It comes with a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder engine that puts out 81hp and 105Nm and is offered only with a manual transmission. Fun fact: the Eeco is the most affordable rear-wheel-drive car on sale in India.
7. Citroen C3
Starts at Rs 4.99 lakh
The Citroen C3 is the entry point to the French carmaker’s line-up in India. Prices for the C3 start from Rs 4.99 lakh for the base 82hp 1.2-litre 3-cylinder naturally aspirated engine. Higher C3 variants offer a stronger 110hp 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine option, priced at Rs 7.5 lakh for the manual and Rs 9.6 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.
6. 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 mill 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, and for those seeking convenience, an AMT option is available from Rs 5.97 lakh onwards, making it a practical and affordable Maruti car.
5. Maruti Suzuki Celerio
Starts at Rs 4.70 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 start from Rs 5.61 lakh. The compact dimensions of the Celerio, coupled with its stellar fuel efficiency figures, make it an ideal urban runabout.
4. Tata Tiago
Starts at Rs 4.69 lakh
Updated for 2026 and beyond, the Tiago remains the cheapest Tata car you can buy. As part of the update, the hatchback underwent a major revamp inside and out, and it packs more features, too. Under the bonnet, the Tiago comes with the same 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine in 86hp petrol and 75.5hp CNG versions, both of which are available with 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT options. The latter makes the Tiago the only car on this list to offer a CNG AMT powertrain. With a strengthened bodyshell and 6 airbags as standard, the Tiago also scores high on safety.
*Pre-update Tiago mileage figures.
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 3.70 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 for the Alto K10, starting at Rs 4.95 lakh. There is a CNG variant available, too, 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. Though the carmaker terms it as a ‘mini SUV’, 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.
All prices are ex-showroom, India.
Dipan Sur
Uday Singh
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Rivan RS 
