Electronic Stability Control or ESC is a life saver. ESC counters oversteer or understeer in corners, or a loss of traction on slippery surfaces by braking individual wheels and even reducing engine power until stability and driver control is restored. The good news is the technology will become mandatory on Indian cars by 2023. But what are the most affordable options, read under Rs 10 lakh, with ESC already on sale? Read on to find out.
9. Volkswagen Ameo TDI DSG Highline Plus: Rs 9.99 lakh
Volkswagen’s compact sedan scores high on safety. Dual airbags and ABS are standard on the Volkswagen Ameo, and the sole diesel-automatic version on sale also comes with the additional safety net of ESC to rein in the engine’s power.
8. Maruti Suzuki Ciaz 1.5 AT Delta: Rs 9.80 lakh
The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz received a new 1.5-litre petrol engine last year that is offered with manual and automatic gearbox options. What’s nice to know is that all versions of the automatic come with ESC as standard.
7. Volkswagen Polo GT TSI: Rs 9.60 lakh
The Volkswagen Polo is one of the safest hatchbacks on sale in India having been rated 4 stars by Global NCAP. While all Polos feature dual airbags and ABS as standard, the automatic Polo GT TSI comes with the added safety of ESC.
6. Hyundai Venue 1.0 DCT S: Rs 9.35 lakh
Hyundai’s new compact SUV been future proofed in many ways. Aside from its connectivity features, the Hyundai Venue features a new-age 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that can be had with a dual-clutch automatic transmission. DCT versions get ESC and hill-start assist as standard.
5. Ford Aspire Titanium AT: Rs 8.96 lakh
Ford’s competent compact sedan got a makeover last year. Dual airbags and ABS are standard across the range though the automatic version goes one up on the other versions with ESC and Hill Start Assist. The Ford Aspire received a 3 star rating from Global NCAP in the past.
4. Ford Figo Titanium AT: Rs 7.70 lakh
The Ford Figo got a much-needed update this year. The car has received more features, new engines and even new gearboxes. However, as before, the Figo automatic impresses by offering ESC for not too much money.
3. Ford Freestyle Titanium+ MT Petrol: Rs 7.44 lakh
There’s yet another Ford on the list. In addition to the standard fit dual airbags and ABS, the Freestyle cross-hatchback in Titanium+ trim gets ESC. The Freestyle also features Active Rollover Protection.
2. Datsun Go+ T: Rs 5.67 lakh
The only seven-seater on this list, the Go+ has become one of the most affordable cars in our market to come with ESC thanks to a recent update. Datsun had introduced a facelift last year that had made dual front airbags and ABS as standard and added a number of creature comforts and styling changes.
1. Datsun Go T: Rs 4.83 lakh
A new addition to the list, the Datsun Go is the most affordable car in India with electronic stability control. Notably, dual airbags and ABS were also made standard on the Datsun Go facelift launched in 2018.
All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi as on June 6, 2019
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
