Rs. 5 lakh is an ideal budget for someone looking to own a car for the first time with their savings. Or, someone who does not want to spend much on his first car and wants to gain driving skills first before buying a larger car. Or, someone who already has a big car, but wants an affordable fuel-efficient car for day-to-day commutes. Such buyers often find perfect cars in the used car market. This is why, only a few cars are priced under Rs. 5 lakh in the new car market. If you are looking to bring home a car under Rs. 5 lakh, here are the options available in the market.

Also Read – Cars Under 10 Lakhs

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

Maruti Alto as a name inherits a long illustrious legacy which began from the legendary Maruti 800, the first Maruti car. Like the Maruti 800, the Maruti Alto is a unanimous choice of most Indians looking for a time-tested affordable hatchback. This is partly because it is the most affordable car coming from the largest and most trusted carmaker in India. At the same time, whether it is the mileage or maintenance cost, everything about the Alto is economical. Other than the economical character, every aspect of the Alto fits well in urban settings. With a compact size, it does not take up much space on roads and is easy to manoeuvre. Moreover, for a small car, it is significantly spacious for a small family and its suspension absorbs most of the jerks and bumps from the roads.

Maruti Alto K10 Specifications & Key features

• Engine: 1-litre Dualjet petrol engine
• Transmission: 5-speed MT & 5-speed AMT
• Mileage: 24.39 – 24.90 km/l (petrol) & up to 33.85 km/kg (CNG)
• Airbags: Dual front airbags
• Fuel Type: Petrol & CNG
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Hatchback
• 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Keyless entry
• Steering-mounted controls

Maruti Suzuki S-Presso

As a larger sibling of the Alto, the Maruti S-Presso is an interesting take on the hatchback segment. While its SUV-esque design might not be to everyone’s taste, the 180 mm ground clearance of the S-Presso is segment-leading and even higher than that of more expensive cars such as the Hyundai i20 and Tata Altroz. With this, not only does the S-Presso cross bumps with ease but also offers a high-riding experience. Moreover, it is more spacious than both its rivals, Maruti Alto and Renault Kwid. Meanwhile, it is underpinned by the HEARTECT platform as most Maruti cars are. Therefore, it delivers adequate ride comfort at low speeds, however, at higher speeds, you can feel the unevenness of roads inside the cabin. All the same, like its sibling Alto, it fits the bill as a city-friendly car with an appreciable economical character.

Maruti Suzuki S-Presso Specifications & Key features

• Engine: 1-litre Dualjet petrol engine
• Transmission: 5-speed MT & 5-speed AMT
• Mileage: 24.12 – 25.30 km/l (petrol) & 32.73 km/kg (CNG)
• Airbags: Dual front airbags
• Fuel Type: Petrol & CNG
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Hatchback
• 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Front power windows
• Semi-digital instrument cluster

Renault Kwid

The stylish French hatchback, Renault Kwid is the most attractive car in its segment. As a matter of fact, it was the Kwid which introduced an SUV-inspired design in budget hatchbacks and later Maruti rolled out the S-Presso with the same philosophy. Along with good looks, the Kwid offers a few more features in competition with the S-Presso, such as rear power windows, a rear parking camera, electric ORVMs, and a tachometer. While such features add to the convenience, what ensures comfort in the Kwid is well-appointed interiors and easy handling which makes it a breeze to drive in the city. Moreover, with its well-proportioned fluidic silhouette and compact dimensions, the Kwid feels relatively more planted at higher speeds, facilitating more confidence while overtaking on highways.

Renault Kwid Specifications & Key features

• Engine: 1-litre petrol engine
• Transmission: 5-speed MT & 5-speed AMT
• Mileage: 22 km/l
• Airbags: Dual front airbags
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Hatchback
• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• All four power windows
• Keyless entry

Summary

Budget cars are engineered for a specific purpose because they are bought for specific requirements. In urban areas, where parking spaces are hard to find, these cars with their compact dimensions are a big relief. They are also agile to drive, saving your energy for harder tasks. With that being said, what makes them ideal city commuters is their economical character, which means you do not worry about fuel expenses before taking them out for a long drive. If your use case requires a budget car, this list of best cars under Rs. 5 lakh will educate you and help you make an informed decision.

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