Best Cars Under 40 Lakhs In India

If you are looking to buy a car with a budget of Rs 40 lakh, one thing is for sure, you will not be comfortable settling lower than your standards. Being the top-end of the Indian passenger vehicle market and almost touching the luxury car space, this price point allows you to own the best the industry has to offer. In other words, this budget is more about the desires rather than requirements. Nonetheless, when you have made up your mind to spend as much as Rs 40 lakh, it is vital to have a deep understanding of what you are going to put your money on. Therefore, this article featuring the best cars under 40 lakh will educate you about the best options available under this price point and help you make a well-informed choice.

Hyundai Tucson

When it comes to the value quotient, the Hyundai Tucson is second to none. Being the flagship of the second-largest carmaker in India, the Tucson is an outstanding all-round package from looks to powertrains and offers almost everything one expects of a car worth Rs. 50 lakh. While the eye-catching design is where its charm starts, this premium 5-seater SUV is nearly as large as the 7-seater Mahindra XUV700, and therefore packs more than enough space for 5 adults. Adding to its attraction is the touch and feel of its interiors, including the upholstery that simulates the premium feel of cars that sit in a class above. Both its engines: a comfort-oriented 2-litre NA petrol engine and a performance-oriented 2-litre turbo diesel engine are supremely refined while the diesel engine can be had with an optional all-wheel-drive system for mild off-roading. Most importantly, with a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, the Tucson is an immensely safe proposition and this instils reassurance in you as you enjoy the most premium and feature-packed car of the Korean carmaker in India.

Hyundai Tucson Specifications & Key Features

• Engine: 2-litre NA petrol engine | 2-litre turbo diesel engine
• Transmission: 6-speed AT & 8-speed AT
• Mileage: 13 km/l from petrol and 18 km/l from diesel
• Airbags: 6 airbags
• Fuel Type: Petrol & Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Mid-size premium SUV
• Panoramic sunroof
• Powered, heated, and ventilated front seats
• Level-2 ADAS safety suite

Toyota Hilux

The Indian automobile market is honoured to have the legendary Toyota Hilux on sale here. This is not just another car or a pickup truck, but an engineering marvel that has hugely contributed to industrial development across the globe. With a revered legacy of over 54 years, the Hilux is the foundation for many reputed cars such as the Toyota Fortuner and Toyota Innova. After a contemporary evolution over the years, the modern-day Hilux stands a far more versatile vehicle than its earlier generations. As an invincible pick-up truck, the Hilux with its dedicated arsenal can drive through the most unforgiving terrains like it is a walk in the park. Whereas as a nifty lifestyle car for adventure lovers, the Hilux comes with multiple premium features and optional accessories like a tent with a canopy, tonneau cover, and air compressor among others.

Toyota Hilux Specifications & Key Features

• Engine: 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine
• Transmission: 6-speed MT & 6-speed AT
• Mileage: 12.6 km/l
• Airbags: 7 airbags
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Pickup truck
• Dual-zone climate control
• Powered driver seat
• Four-wheel-drive as standard

Toyota Fortuner

Spawned from the Hilux, the Toyota Fortuner has been in India far longer than its parent car and is established as the king of SUVs in India. For its cult following, every month the Fortuner sells in more numbers than the combined sales of all its rivals and emerges as one of the best-selling SUVs. Like the Hilux, the Fortuner possesses rugged off-roading capabilities that have earned it a grand reputation. Adding to its reputation is its massive size and statesman appeal, making it an overwhelming favourite among elites. Being such a large car, the Fortuner offers spacious seating and is one of the few 7-seater SUVs that pack ample space for adults in the third row. Moreover, while it is not as feature-rich as its rivals, it is sufficiently equipped to deliver a convenient ride experience.

Toyota Fortuner Specifications & Key Features

• Engine: 2.7-litre petrol engine | 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine
• Transmission: 5-speed MT, 6-speed MT, & 6-speed AT
• Mileage: 10.3 km/l from petrol and 14.6 km/l from diesel
• Airbags: 7 airbags
• Fuel Type: Petrol & Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 7
• Body Type: Full-size SUV
• Dual-zone climate control
• Hands-free tailgate
• Cruise control

Jeep Meridian

The Indian-spec version of the Jeep Commander that is sold overseas, Jeep Meridian is a compelling package in the segment led by the Toyota Fortuner. For starters, the Meridian is no less of a champion when it comes to off-roading compared to the Fortuner. That said, where it rises above the competition is comfort, the wealth of upmarket features, and the overall plush feel of the cabin that can challenge some of the luxury cars. Moreover, unlike most off-roaders including the Fortuner that are based on the ladder frame chassis, the Meridian is underpinned by a more comfort-oriented monocoque chassis. This makes the Meridian deliver unparalleled ride comfort while perfectly preserving its beast-like alter-ego for challenging terrains. All the same, it is important to know that while the Meridian is a 7-seater, the last two seats lack comfortable space for adults and are best-suited for children.

Jeep Meridian Specifications & Key Features

• Engine: 2-litre turbo diesel engine
• Transmission: 6-speed MT & 9-speed AT
• Mileage: 16 km/l
• Airbags: 6 airbags
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 7
• Body Type: Full-size SUV
• Panoramic sunroof
• 9-speaker Alpine-tuned sound system
• Dual-zone climate control

BYD Atto 3

If you are looking for an electric car under 40 lakh then the BYD Atto 3 deserves serious consideration. This stylish Chinese EV comes from the manufacturer of the safest and most advanced batteries in the world that even renowned brands like Tesla source these batteries. With a futuristic design on the outside, the Atto 3’s interior layout is far from traditional and looks quite appealingly funky. Such interior design has never been seen in India even in luxury cars. Even on the technological front, the Atto 3 is packed to the rafters with features like rotatable touchscreen infotainment and LED-delineated speakers integrated into door handles making it feel like something from the future. As far as space is concerned, the Atto 3 can comfortably accommodate 5 adults and with a claimed range of 521 km, it frees you of range anxiety even if you want to do intercity commutes.

BYD Atto 3 Specifications & Key Features

• Battery: 60.48 kWh battery pack
• Range: 521 km
• Airbags: 7 airbags
• Fuel Type: Electric
• Seating Capacity: 5, 6, & 7
• Body Type: Mid-size SUV
• Panoramic sunroof
• Powered driver’s and front passenger seats
• Level-2 ADAS safety suite

Citroen C5 Aircross

Citroen is relatively new to India and its first car, the C5 Aircross offers a fruitful departure from its rivals that have been around for a while. The 5-seater French SUV exudes uniqueness with many characteristics. For starters, the rear seating features three individual seats that can be slid forward or back separately. This is a segment-first perk and facilitates a more sophisticated seating experience. Moreover, with an advanced suspension setup which features progressive hydraulic cushions instead of conventional bump stops, the C5 Aircross delivers an exceptionally jerk-free ride comfort that remains unharmed even over the sharpest of potholes. This combined with effortless handling and a seamless automatic transmission, helps the C5 Aircross stand out.

Citroen C5 Aircross Specifications & Key Features

• Engine: 2-litre turbo diesel engine
• Transmission: 8-speed AT
• Mileage: 18 km/l
• Airbags: 6 airbags
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Mid-size SUV
• Panoramic sunroof
• Dual-zone climate control
• Cruise control

MG Gloster

The MG Gloster is inarguably the most capable rival of the segment-leader Toyota Fortuner. This 7-seater British SUV is the more spacious offering than all its rivals including the Fortuner, and features the segment’s most spacious third row that can comfortably accommodate two adults. What makes this spacious cabin even more attractive is the well-known comfort levels of MG and the segment’s most extensive feature list that gives a great technological upper hand. All this makes the Gloster the best family SUV in the segment. While Gloster’s off-roading calibre against that of the Fortuner is debatable, what deserves a mention, is that Gloster’s 4X4 transfer case is engineered by BorgWarner, which holds a reputation in this department and has given some glorious 4X4 transfer cases that we have seen in Mahindra Thar, Mahindra Scorpio, and Tata Safari Storme.

MG Gloster Specifications & Key Features

• Engine: 2-litre turbo diesel engine | 2-litre twin-turbo diesel engine
• Transmission: 8-speed AT
• Mileage: 14 km/l
• Airbags: 6 airbags
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 6 & 7
• Body Type: Full-size SUV
• Panoramic sunroof
• Powered, ventilated, and heated driver seat with powered and heated front passenger seat
• Level-2 ADAS safety suite

Skoda Kodiaq

As the flagship SUV of Skoda Auto India, Skoda Kodiaq is a lot like its luxury siblings from Audi, and this can be easily felt in every inch of it. Dripping with Audi-like qualities, the Kodiaq accommodates you in a highly luxurious cabin that exudes an unmatchable premium vibe with overall finesse across the well-appointed and rich-looking interiors. Features are also something that make the Kodiaq feel a class above while the rock-solid build quality is an unequivocal draw of German carmakers like Skoda. Moreover, with a sporty powertrain that it shares with the Volkswagen Tiguan and Audi Q2, the Kodiaq can deliver an exhilarating drive while the all-wheel-drive system facilitates mild off-roading capabilities. The only aspect that might be bothering is the inadequate room for adults in the third row, but this is the issue with most 7-seater SUVs. However, if that is not a deal-breaker, then the Kodiaq is worth every penny of its price.

Skoda Kodiaq Specifications & Key Features

• Engine: 2-litre turbo petrol engine
• Transmission: 7-speed DCT automatic
• Mileage: 13 km/l
• Airbags: 9 airbags
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 7
• Body Type: Full-size SUV
• Panoramic sunroof
• Ventilated and heated front seats with massage function
• Three-zone climate control

Used Luxury Cars

2020 model pre-owned BMW X1

The best-selling luxury SUV in India, the BMW X1 is the entry-level SUV of the German carmaker. But there is very little that feels like entry level which is limited to some not-easily-accessible interior elements. Apart from that, this German 5-seater SUV more than deserves the tag of best-selling. While the X1 has always been at par with the luxury standards of its segment whether it is space or comfort, where it shines is its driving manners that truly are a treat for driving enthusiasts.

Since a brand-new BMW X1 costs Rs 49.50 – 52.50 lakh (ex-showroom), getting your hand at a pre-owned X1 under Rs 40 lakh sure is a pretty good deal.

2020 pre-owned BMW X1 Specifications & Key Features

• Engine: 2-litre turbo petrol engine | 2-litre turbo diesel engine
• Transmission: 7-speed DCT automatic & 8-speed torque converter automatic
• Mileage: 14.82 km/l from petrol and 19.62 km/l from diesel
• Airbags: 6 airbags
• Fuel Type: Petrol & Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Mid-size luxury SUV

2020 model pre-owned Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes sedans have always had a unique charm of their own and it is the cars like C-Class that exemplify what strikes the fancy of many luxury sedan buyers. As one of the best-selling Mercedes cars in India, the C-Class brings an appealing balance between luxury, ride comfort, and driving joy. While its suave interiors, seats, and good deal of luxury features offer a rich passenger experience, the C-Class is equipped with a mighty diesel that is more than capable of delivering an exhilarating drive.

For a better perspective, a brand-new C-Class costs Rs 57 – 62 lakh (ex-showroom), while you can comfortably bring home a pre-owned C-Class under Rs 40 lakh.

2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Specifications & Key Features

• Engine: 2-litre turbo diesel engine
• Transmission: 9-speed torque converter automatic
• Mileage: 14 km/l
• Airbags: 7 airbags
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Mid-size luxury sedan

Summary

The Indian car market has evolved to a point where it is heartening to see the quality of cars under 40 lakh. This is because, to a great degree, they simulate the characteristics of luxury cars. While the top variants of the Skoda Kodiaq, MG Gloster, and Toyota Fortuner cost above Rs 40 lakh, most variants are available under this price point. Also, under 40 lakh you can own high-quality pre owned luxury cars and the listed BMW X1 and Mercedes C-Class are just a couple of examples. All the same, it will be wise to sort out your priorities before spending nearly Rs 40 lakh. For example, if you are looking for a car for large families, then the Fortuner and the Gloster should be the first preferences for space they offer for 7 occupants. For the Jeep Meridian and Skoda Kodiaq, you must know that the last two seats are best suited for children. Likewise, the descriptions of the best cars under 40 lakh will help you select the one that resonates with your priorities.

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