Best Cars in a budget – Affordable Today, Reliable for Years to Come….
Buying a car is not just a short-term decision—it’s an investment that should stand strong for the next 7–10 years. If you’re shopping with a budget under ₹10 lakhs, you’ll be surprised by the variety of options in 2025. From hatchbacks to micro SUVs and even CNG-powered vehicles, there are several cars that offer a low cost of ownership, reliable performance, and wide service support.
Here’s a full list of the best cars under ₹10 lakhs in India that you can confidently own for the long haul.
Also note that we have only mentioned those cars whose top models comes under the range of ₹10 lakhs 9ex-showroom). However Tata Altroz top model is going above the budget but as Altroz is the latest launched among all that’s why it should be considered.
1. Maruti Suzuki Swift
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Price: ₹6.49 – ₹9.64 lakh
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Fuel Type: Petrol/CNG
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Mileage: 24.8 km/l, 32.58km/kg (CNG)
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Highlights:
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Brand-new 3-cylinder Z-series engine
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Updated design and comfort
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Proven long-term reliability and low service costs
- Maruti large dealership network
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2. Maruti Suzuki Baleno
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Price: ₹6.70 – ₹9.92 lakh
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Fuel Type: Petrol / CNG
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Mileage: 22.35 km/l (Petrol), 30.61 km/kg (CNG)
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Highlights:
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Premium interior
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Smooth AMT option
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Excellent resale value and after-sales support
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3. Toyota Glanza
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Price: ₹6.90 – ₹10.00 lakh
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Fuel Type: Petrol / CNG
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Mileage: 22.35 km/l (Petrol), 30.61 km/kg (CNG)
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Highlights:
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Toyota reliability with Maruti platform
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Extended warranty options
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Low maintenance + premium ownership experience
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4. Tata Punch
We can avoid buying Tata Punch for now as we will soon be getting a updated version of the same during the festive season. But if safety is your priority and you can’t wait till then, you may consider buying the same.
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Price: ₹6.20 – ₹10.32 lakh
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Fuel Type: Petrol/CNG
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Mileage: 20.1 km/l, 24 km/kg(CNG)
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Highlights:
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5-star Global NCAP safety
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Rugged micro-SUV stance
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Durable build and improving Tata service network
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5. Hyundai Exter
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Price: ₹6.21 – ₹10.21 lakh
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Fuel Type: Petrol / CNG
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Mileage: 19.4km/l, 27.1 km/kg(CNG)
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Highlights:
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Features like sunroof, digital cluster, 6 airbags
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Excellent city usability
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Low service cost, solid Hyundai reliability
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6. Tata Altroz – Best Car to pick
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Price: ₹6.89 – ₹11.49 lakh
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Fuel Type: Petrol / Diesel / CNG
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Mileage: ~20–23 km/l
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Highlights:
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Strong build with 5-star safety
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Option for diesel engine (rare in segment)
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Stylish interiors and practical boot
- Have the best automatic gearbox in the segment i.e. DCT
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7. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
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Price: ₹5.98 – ₹8.62 lakh
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Fuel Type: Petrol / CNG
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Mileage: 17.5km/l, 27 km/kg(CNG)
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Highlights:
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Compact yet premium
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Ultra-smooth 1.2L engine
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Reliable for urban commuting and long-term peace of mind
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8. Maruti Suzuki WagonR
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Price: ₹5.79 – ₹7.62 lakh
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Fuel Type: Petrol / CNG
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Mileage: 24.35 km/l, 34.05 km/kg(CNG)
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Highlights:
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India’s most practical budget family car
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Outstanding mileage, easy to drive
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Extremely affordable to maintain
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9. Maruti Suzuki Alto K10
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Price: ₹4.23 – ₹6.21 lakh
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Fuel Type: Petrol / CNG
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Mileage: 24.39 km/l (Petrol), 33.4 km/kg (CNG)
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Highlights:
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Ultra-low running cost
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Ideal for first-time or city-centric users
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Very low service costs and massive reach of service centres
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10. Maruti Suzuki Celerio
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Price: ₹5.64 – ₹7.37 lakh
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Fuel Type: Petrol / CNG
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Mileage: 25.24 km/l, 34.43 km/kg (CNG)
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Highlights:
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Compact, efficient, and fuel-friendly
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Good boot space
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Long-term reliability with Maruti support
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Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose for Long-Term Ownership?
Here’s a quick breakdown based on specific long-term needs:
Requirement | Top Choice(s) |
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Low Maintenance & Reliability | Swift, Baleno, WagonR, Glanza |
Best Resale Value | Swift, Baleno, Glanza, Grand i10 Nios |
High Mileage (CNG Options) | WagonR, Celerio CNG, Exter CNG, Baleno CNG, Glanza CNG |
Best for Safety | Tata Punch, Altroz, Exter, Baleno |
Diesel Engine Option | Tata Altroz (rare in this price range) |
Feature-Rich Compact SUV Feel | Exter |
Budget City Car | Alto K10, Celerio, WagonR |
Spacious & Stylish Hatchback | Baleno, Altroz, Glanza |
Pro Tip for Buyers:
When looking for long-term ownership, consider extended warranty packages, maintenance plans, and CNG options (if running is high). Stick with brands that have wide service reach, and don’t skip regular servicing.
Still unsure?
Drop your usage details (daily running, location, family size, fuel preference), and I’ll help you shortlist your ideal car with the best long-term value under ₹10 lakhs!
Also Read: Top Selling Cars in May 2025 in India