Best Budget Hatchback Cars Under 5 Lakhs In India

Best Budget Hatchback cars under 5 lakhs might seem like an easy segment to crack, right? After all, what needs to be done is to make an affordable car that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. The reality is far from it. Producing an affordable car is not as easy and straightforward as it looks. There’s a lot of engineering involved along with clever packaging to make a compact car on a budget. This budget is even more relevant in today’s economic scenario thanks to ever-increasing inflation. That doesn’t stop carmakers from taking this as a challenge and bringing in the best budget hatchback cars under 5 lakhs.

In the past, there were quite a number of budget hatchback cars under 5 lakhs in India but presently, the choices are limited. Part of it is also due to the increasing costs and how cars are getting dearer every passing day. In that perspective, the best budget hatchback cars under 5 lakhs in India is an important space. What we have here is a list of all cars with starting prices below 5 lakhs (ex-showroom). There are only 4 budget hatchback cars on sale right now since Datsun shut shop and left operations in India earlier this year. 

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List of Hatchbacks Cars Under 5 Lakhs

List Of Top Hatchback Cars Under 5 Lakhs In India

Maruti Suzuki Alto 800

The Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 is the most-affordable hatchback on sale in India today with a starting price of Rs 3.39 lakhs (ex-showroom). The tiny hatchback is powered by a 0.8-litre engine that produces 48 PS and 69Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the same motor has an output figure of  41 PS and 60Nm of torque in the CNG guise. The Alto is a household name in India and has been around for the last two decades.

It’s also India’s best-selling car and has sold over 38 lakh units, which speaks volumes about the Alto. Currently, in its BS6 guise, the Alto also comes with a claimed fuel economy of 21-31kmpl. The CNG variant of the Alto delivers more fuel economy in comparison. The Alto is currently available in these trims: Std (O), LXi (O), VXi, and VXi+.

Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 Specifications

• Engine: 800cc petrol 
• Transmission: 5-speed manual 
• Fuel Type: Petrol/CNG
• Fuel Economy:  22-31 km/l 
• Airbags: 2 
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Hatchback

Also Read – CNG Cars In India

Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 Key features

• Keyless entry
• Audio system with AUX
• USB and Bluetooth connectivity

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

What if you want an Alto, but want something more upmarket and fast? Maruti Suzuki has got your need covered with the brilliant Alto K10 which also got a major makeover recently. This cute little kei-like car is one of the best budget hatchback cars in India today. The new K10 is zippy, rides well, and most importantly, doesn’t feel like it’s built to cost less. The fit, finish and overall quality are more than acceptable for the price point, and the engine-gearbox combination works rather well keeping the Alto K10 on its toes.

The 2022 Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 gets a K10 1.0-litre, petrol engine pushing 67 PS and 89 Nm of torque. A five-speed manual unit or an AMT gearbox are the two transmission options on offer. 

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 Specifications

• Engine: 1.0-litre petrol 
• Transmission: 5-speed manual/ AMT
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Fuel Economy:  24 km/l
• Airbags: 2 
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Hatchback

Also Read – Best Petrol Cars In India

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 Key features

• 17.78cm touchscreen audio system
• Steering-mounted audio controls
• Digital speedometer

Maruti Suzuki S-Presso

Maruti Suzuki’s third and last offering for the affordable space is the quirky S-Presso. Just like its eccentric name, the hatchback gets a strange visual styling that features a tall stance mimicking SUVs. Although far from an SUV, the S-Presso gets good ground clearance, has a higher seating position that aids visibility and features a ton of room thanks to the tall body. 

Launched in July 2022, the hatchback is powered by a K-Series 1.0-litre petrol engine good for 68 PS and 89Nm of torque coupled to a 5-speed manual and an AMT gearbox. Maruti Suzuki claims the hatchback can deliver 25.30 kmpl for the AMT and  24.76kmpl for the manual versions. The variants on offer are Std, LXi, VXi, VXi(O), VXi+, and VXi+ (O).

Maruti Suzuki S-Presso Specifications

• Engine: 1.0-litre petrol engine
• Transmission: 5-speed manual/ AMT
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Fuel Economy:  24-32 km/l
• Airbags: 2 
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Hatchback

Also Read – Manual vs Automatic Transmission

Maruti Suzuki S-Presso Key Features

• Steering-mounted audio controls with voice control
• Hill hold assist
• Rear parking sensors
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Renault Kwid

Launched in 2015, the Kwid was Renault’s attempt to win back market space from the dominating Maruti Suzuki and its lineup of affordable budget hatchbacks. Over the years, the Kwid was able to create a space of its own, thanks to its unique styling and solid build quality.  However, what really stood out is the ride and handling characteristics of the Kwid which enables it to tackle bad roads with ease. 

A 0.8-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine and a 1.0-litre, petrol motor are the engine options on offer The smaller engine develops 54 PS and 72 Nm while the 1.0-litre engine is capable of producing 68 PS and 91 Nm. A five-speed manual and an AMT are the gearbox options. The variants on offer are RXL, RXL (O), RXT, Climber, and Climber (O). 

Renault Kwid Specifications

• Engine: 0.8-litre petrol/1.0-litre petrol engine
• Transmission: 5-speed manual/ AMT
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Fuel Economy:  22km/l
• Airbags: 2 
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Hatchback

Also Read – 5 Seater Cars In India

Renault Kwid Key Features

• 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• LED DRLs
• Electric ORVMs

Best Hatchback Cars Under 5 Lakhs Summary

It is evident that when it comes to the best hatchback cars under 5 lakhs, the choices are limited. Out of four hatchbacks available, three are from Maruti Suzuki while the last one is from Renault. As we mentioned, there were more cars available and ever since Datsun left India, the Redi-Go, Go and GO+ have been discontinued leaving us with these 4 cars. 

Out of these cars, the Alto K10 is the latest and the best hatchback under 5 lakhs. It packs in interesting features and also comes with a nippy engine. The other models in this list are also good in their own areas such as how the Kwid still offers commendable ride quality among the affordable cars in India. And if that SUV stance and extra space are to your liking the S-Presso is a great choice to consider. However, no matter which car you pick, if budget is your preference, chances of going wrong with any one of these models are almost negligible as they’ve been around long enough to prove their mettle.

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