Not able to choose the best car within your budget? Here are my top choices in four different budget categories, just for you.
When it comes to cars these days, there are a plenty of choices. Hatchbacks, sedans, MUVs, SUVs, coupes, etc. – and a wide variety of choices under each of these segment too. And it is really difficult to decide which car you should buy, isn’t it? Here’s a quick breakdown of my favourite cars from four different budget categories (hope this helps you make a decision):
Additional Reading: India’s Top 7 Cars Of 2017
Budget – 5 Lakhs
Maruti Suzuki Alto
Price: Starts at Rs. 2.67 Lakhs (Ex-showroom Chennai for Alto 800 standard)
C’mon, who doesn’t love the Alto? The Maruti Suzuki Alto is for the budget-conscious lot who don’t want to compromise on style and a peppy performance. The design is commendable. The mileage is great – expect between 25 to 33 kmpl from this mini car. And the best part is that it is affordable too.
Renault Kwid
Price: Starts at 2.78 Lakhs (Ex-showroom Chennai)
Hello, kiddo! This entry-level hatchback is immensely popular in its segment. It’s lightweight; it’s got an SUV-like appearance; it’s got top-class features, and it’s the fastest car in its segment. This little kid has surely found a place in my heart (not yet in my garage though but someday soon, maybe!).
Tata Tiago
Price: Starts at Rs. 3.29 Lakhs (Ex-showroom Chennai)
It’s chic. It’s a value-for-money option. But the question is does it stand up to competition? Well, if it didn’t, then it wouldn’t have made it to my list of favourites. I think that the Tiago has just the right amount of everything – styling, interiors, performance, etc. – needed to fare well in its segment. A quality product from Tata with a decent price tag, ideal for price-conscious Indian buyers.
Maruti WagonR
Price: Starts at Rs. 4.30 Lakhs (Ex-showroom Chennai)
Another popular Maruti product, the WagonR is a hot favourite among Indian consumers in the small hatchbacks segment. I mean, who wouldn’t fall in love with that tall-boy design and smooth performance, right? I feel that the WagonR is the perfect ride for small families who do not want to spend a bomb on a car. What do you think?
Additional Reading: Top 5 Cars With Great Resale Value In India
Budget – 10 Lakhs
Maruti Suzuki Dzire 2017
Price: Starts at Rs. 5.38 Lakhs (Ex-showroom Chennai)
It was one of the best selling cars last year. And why wouldn’t it not be? New design language, lots of smart features, AGS option, and equipped with safety features even in the standard variants, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire 2017 is surely going to rule its segment. And the affordable price tag makes this sub-4 metre compact sedan a great catch for the price-conscious lot.
Volkswagen Polo
Price: Starts at Rs. 5.42 Lakhs (Ex-showroom Chennai)
The best thing about the VW Polo is that it can take on everything you throw at it – it is one hell of a powerful little hatch. Sporty, spacious, fuel-efficient, and packed with great features, the VW Polo is a smart buy if your budget is within Rs. 10 lakhs.
Hyundai Elite i20
Price: Starts at Rs. 5.29 Lakhs (Ex-showroom Chennai)
The Hyundai Elite i20 is a great buy under the 10 lakh bracket! We’re not just saying this because it’s one good-looking premium hatch, but also because of the tonnes of great features it comes with. I totally love the car’s fluid aesthetics, its spacious and comfy interiors, the smooth yet powerful driving experience it offers, and its fuel efficiency.
Additional Reading: Most Popular Cars In India 2016
Budget – 15 Lakhs
Renault Captur
Price: Starts at Rs. 10 Lakhs (Ex-showroom Chennai)
The Renault Captur caught a lot of attention at its launch last year, thanks to its unique styling and the optimum combination of good driving dynamics and comfort. With the Captur, Renault managed to tick all the boxes required for this compact SUV to stand up against competition within its segment. Kudos, Renault!
Honda City
Price: Starts at Rs. 8.92 Lakhs (Ex-showroom Chennai)
Still a classic! And still a favourite of many! The Honda City is indeed a legacy. Last year the City got a nip and tuck job but a great one at that. It now boasts a more premium look (as compared to the older models) and variety of other features, especially in the cabin area. The City has always been a strong seller for Honda and I’m sure it will stay the same. Personally, I have always been, still am, and will always be in love with the Honda City.
Hyundai Creta
Price: Starts at Rs. 9.29 Lakhs (Ex-showroom Chennai)
The Creta is a great combination of style, features, quality and performance. The thing I like most about the Creta is that it is perfectly build for urban India. It is indeed an all-rounder SUV. This good-looking car also packs excellent diesel/petrol engines and offers a comfy drive in busy city conditions. My final take on the Honda Creta – it’s a tad bit pricy but totally worth it.
Additional Reading: Should You Buy A Car If You’re Living In Mumbai?
Budget – 20 Lakhs
Jeep Compass
Price: Starts at 15.18 Lakhs (Ex-showroom Chennai)
Combine a sporty design with a solid build and great off-roading capability and you’ll get the Jeep Compass. If you’re looking for a new set of wheels which will give you good fuel efficiency and a power-packed driving experience (especially for the road trips out of the city), then the Jeep Compass is a great buy within the Rs. 20 lakh bracket.
Additional Reading: Important Things To Remember Before Buying/Selling A Second-Hand Car
Remember there a great many options under each budget category mentioned above. I’ve just listed my favourites under each budget category. Base your car buying decision on your budget, your needs, and your preferences.
Bonus Read: Car Loan Eligibility
So, you’ve decided on which car you’re going to buy, huh? Need help financing? BankBazaar’s got great offers on Car Loans.
(Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the writer’s own.)