Best Cars Under 15 Lakh

When you are out buying a car, there’s a lot to consider. From looks to performance, various segments come with their distinct approaches, in a bid to check all the boxes. While there are several options to consider, with a good budget of under 15 lakh, buyers can unlock the key to exploring feel-good luxury, exhilarating performances, top-notch safety and family-oriented options all existing in a highly competitive space. But to bring home the best, it is crucial to know what and where to look. This is why we bring to you ten of the most popular options across segments in a price-ascending manner, to help you pick the best. From sedans to midsize SUVs, the 15 lakh price bracket is as exciting as it gets.

Kia Sonet

The affordable compact SUV from the house of Kia, the Sonet carries forward the brand’s vision both outside as well as inside. With its latest facelift working wonders, the Sonet now offers a sleeker, bolder and much more confident look that makes the entire package feel a bit more modern.

On the inside, the all-new Kia Sonet also impresses with ample top-notch features such as an electric sunroof, ventilated seats, digital instrument cluster, air purifier, climate control, 360-degree camera and intuitive ADAS. Considering the SUV’s humble price tag, the Sonet offers the premium Kia experience for a budget that does not burn a hole in your pockets. With its compact body, the Sonet eases through the city turning heads everywhere it goes. Overall, the Sonet offers great value as a premium compact SUV, with equally impressive mileage. Priced between Rs. 7.99 to 15.69 lakh (Ex-Showroom), the Kia Sonet is a superb option for those looking to bring home a feature-packed compact SUV that is high on style.

Kia Sonet Specifications

• Engine: 1-litre turbo-petrol engine (120PS.172 Nm), a 1.2-litre petrol engine (83PS.115 Nm) and a 1.5-litre diesel engine (116PS/250 Nm).
• Transmission: 6-speed iMT/7-speed DCT, 5-speed manual, 6-speed iMT/AMT
• Mileage: Up to 18.83 kmpl for petrol and Up to 22.3 kmpl for diesel
• Airbags: 6 as standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol and Diesel
• Body Type: Compact SUV
• Seating Capacity: 5

Tata Nexon

Hailed as one of India’s best-selling SUVs, the Tata Nexon has a truly alluring vibe. With a facelift adding to the Nexon’s charm, the SUV now comes with a futuristic and contemporary look that elevates the overall promising package of the Nexon. 

The Nexon carries forward its new-age avatar with a cabin that feels premium, spacious and hi-tech. With features such as a touch control panel, 2-spoke illuminated steering, ventilated seats, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a touch infotainment system, the Nexon offers one of the best in-cabin experiences in the segment. The strongest USP of the Nexon however, is its exceptional safety and durable build quality that is way ahead of what the competitors offer. For a price ranging between Rs. 8.15 to 15.60 lakh (Ex-Showroom), the Nexon is worth every penny, especially considering the robust safety-first approach.

Tata Nexon Specifications

• Engine: 1.2-litre turbo petrol (120PS/170 Nm) or a 1.5-litre turbo diesel (115PS/260  Nm) engine 
• Transmission: 5-speed manual/6-speed manual/6-speed AMT/7-speed DCT (Petrol) and 6-speed manual/6-speed AMT (Diesel)
• Mileage: Up to 24.08 kmpl for diesel and Up to 17.44 kmpl for petrol
• Airbags: 6 as standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol, Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Compact SUV

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Diligently improving upon its shortcomings, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza is one of the most evolved compact SUVs of recent times. Currently, in its second generation, the Brezza has truly come a long way, offering contemporary, muscular and sporty looks that are enhanced by distinctive styling. 

The Brezza impresses with its premium and feature-packed cabin that is now topped with the latest goodies including paddle shifters, an electric sunroof, a 360-degree camera, a heads-up display, premium sound, and a floating touch infotainment system. However, the biggest ace up the Brezza’s sleeve continues to be its petrol engine which returns impressive mileage with even CNG trims available for maximum savings. Overall, the Brezza offers the best of what Maruti has in line, for a price that is competitive and affordable. Priced between Rs. 8.34 to 14.14 lakh (Ex-Showroom), the Maruti Suzuki Brezza is bred for the city and has a high value-for-money quotient that attracts those who are in for maximum practicality with a spoonful of modernity.

Maruti Suzuki Brezza Specifications

• Engine: 1.5-litre petrol engine (103PS/137 Nm)
• Transmission: 5-speed manual/6-speed AMT.
• Mileage: Up to 19.8 kmpl
• Airbags: 2 as standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Compact SUV

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

The MUV that has been in the game for over a decade now, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is the first choice of millions looking to buy a car that’s spacious, efficient and practical. Adorned with balanced yet modern looks, the Ertiga offers a balanced look that is classic and functional.

On the inside, the Ertiga comes with a decent list of features onboard a truly spacious cabin that intelligently incorporates storage spaces and convenience features. The pro of the Ertiga however, is its highly efficient engine petrol engine that comes with mild-hybrid tech for maximum savings. In terms of mileage, the Ertiga does extremely well returning up to 20.51 km/l.  And with CNG trims on offer, the Ertiga is truly one of the most fuel-efficient and practical 7-seater cars on the market.  With its affordable and value-for-money package, the Ertiga is a win-win, especially considering its price that falls between Rs. 8.69 to 13.03 lakh (Ex-Showroom). Overall, the Ertiga is best suited for buyers who are comfortable not having too many contemporary features onboard, to score high in terms of affordability, practicality and savings.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Specifications

• Engine: 1.5-litre petrol engine (103PS/168 Nm) with mild-hybrid
• Transmission: 6-speed manual, 6-speed torque converter automatic
• Mileage: Up to 20.51 km/l for petrol and 26.11 km/kg for CNG
• Airbags: 2 as standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol and CNG
• Body Type: MUV
• Seating Capacity: 7

Kia Carens

Kia’s first MUV offering for the Indian market, the Kia Carens offers unmatched comfort onboard a package that is loaded to the brim with top-notch features. Adorned with bold and captivating looks, the Carens look super stylish and premium.

The inside is where the Carens truly shine with an in-cabin space that makes passengers in every row feel at home. Topped with intuitive features such as ventilated seats, ambient mood lighting, 10.25-inch touch infotainment, 12.5-inch LCD instrument cluster, second and third-row diffused AC vents and much more, the Carens is miles ahead, at least in terms of overall in-cabin feel. With a mileage of up to 21 km/l for diesel and 17.9 km/l for petrol, the Kia Carens offers diverse transmission and engine combinations that are suited for every need. For a price that ranges between Rs. 10.45 to 19.45 Lakh (Ex-Showroom), the Kia Carens is a well-packaged blend of features, comfort and style with no compromise whatsoever.

Kia Carens Specification

• Engine: 1.5-litre petrol (115PS/144 Nm), 1.5-litre turbo-petrol (160PS/253 Nm) and 1.5-litre diesel (115PS/250 Nm) 
• Transmission: 6-speed Manual, 6-speed iMT, 7-speed DCT, 6-speed AMT
• Mileage: Up to 21 kmpl for Diesel and Up to 17.9 km/l for Petrol
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol and Diesel
• Body Type: MUV
• Seating Capacity: 7

Kia Seltos

Good-looking, feature-rich, practical and capable. The Kia Seltos comes as a dynamic SUV that offers a little something for everyone. With an all-new facelift adding to the charm, the Seltos now looks even more assertive and captivating.

On the inside, the Seltos continues to impress with a plethora of top-notch features such as a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, 10.25-inch touch infotainment and instrument cluster, heads-up display, climate control, premium audio and much more. The Seltos also comes equipped with Level-2 ADAS and a wide range of safety features, making it a complete package. Suited for those looking for a blend of classy looks, ample features and great performance, the Seltos for a price ranging between Rs. 10.90 to 20.30 lakh (Ex-Showroom), is an exciting SUV that shouldn’t be ignored.

Kia Seltos Specifications

• Engine: 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol (115 PS/ 144 Nm),1.5-litre turbo-petrol (160 PS/ 253 Nm), 1.5-litre diesel (116 PS/ 250 Nm)
• Transmission: 6-speed Manual, CVT, 6-speed iMT, 6-speed Torque Convertor, 7-speed DCT
• Mileage: Up to 17 kmpl Petrol Manual, 17.9 kmpl Petrol automatic, 20.7 kmpl diesel manual 
• Airbags: 6 as standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol and Diesel
• Body Type: SUV
• Seating Capacity: 5

Hyundai Verna

Considered to be one of India’s best-selling sedan cars, the Hyundai Verna has a massive fan following thanks to its impressive performance and superb driving dynamics. With its sixth generation currently dominating the market, the sedan comes with an evolutionary exterior that is the pinnacle of Hyundai’s polarising yet futuristic design language. 

On the inside, the Hyundai Verna brings a premium cabin layout that feels modern yet pragmatic. Topped with a host of exciting features, the Verna boasts a 10.25-inch touch infotainment and digital instrument cluster, a smart electric sunroof, ventilated seats with both heat and cool functions and Level 2 ADAS with a 5-star safety rating. With the best-in-segment wheelbase coupled with the largest-in-segment boot, the Verna is spacious and practical in every sense. With exciting DCT and CVT automatics onboard, the Hyundai Verna is a pick for those looking to enjoy thrilling performance onboard a premium package. Priced between Rs. 11 to 17.42 Lakh (Ex-Showroom), the Hyundai Verna is an unignorable contender in the 15 lakh price bracket.

Hyundai Verna Specifications

• Engine: 1.5-litre turbo petrol (160PS/253 Nm) or a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated (115PS/144 Nm) petrol engine 
• Transmission: 6-speed manual/7-speed DCT (1.5 Turbo) and 6-speed manual/CVT (1.5 NA)
• Mileage: Up to 20.6 km/l for petrol
• Airbags: 6 airbags as standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Sedan

Hyundai Creta

Ever since the Hyundai Creta hit the market in 2015, it has been one of the best-selling SUVs in India. Now with its latest facelift taking over the market, the Hyundai Creta has become even more bold, charismatic and extraordinary. With Hyundai’s new parametric design language, the Hyundai Creta looks dapper in its new avatar.

On the inside as well, the Creta takes the premium approach up a notch with integrated infotainment and cluster screens, dual-zone climate control, smart panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats along with all-new Level 2 ADAS and upgraded safety features. Powered by three engine choices coupled with multiple transmission options, the Hyundai Creta is an unmatched segment runner. Priced between Rs. 11 to 20.15 lakh (Ex-Showroom), the all-new Hyundai Creta is quite a charm, especially for those looking to enjoy the best that Hyundai has to offer onboard a package that looks modern, drives well and feels stunning.

Hyundai Creta Specifications

• Engine: 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol (115 PS/ 144 Nm),1.5-litre turbo-petrol (160 PS/ 253 Nm), 1.5-litre diesel (116 PS/ 250 Nm)
• Transmission: 6-speed Manual, CVT, 7-speed DCT, 6-speed AT
• Mileage: Up to 17.4 kmpl Petrol Manual, 18.4 kmpl Petrol automatic, 21.8 kmpl diesel manual and 19.1 kmpl diesel automatic
• Airbags: 6 as standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol and Diesel
• Body Type: SUV
• Seating Capacity: 5

Mahindra Thar

An SUV that has been omnipresent throughout India for decades, the Mahindra Thar is truly an icon. A cult in every way and a king of offroad performance especially for the price, the Thar impresses with its rugged, sporty and go-anywhere look that is muscular and assertive.

The Mahindra Thar, despite being an off-road powerhouse, does well with a decent list of features. But the real strength of the Thar lies in its power-packed turbo engine that offers unmatched 4×4 and offroad capabilities. The Mahindra Thar with its electronic/mechanical locking differential and advanced transfer case is an absolute off-road king, perfect for the explorer inside you. Available for a price ranging between Rs. 11.25 to 17.60 Lakh (Ex-Showroom), the Thar could be your key to the adventure lifestyle.

Mahindra Thar Specifications

• Engine: 2-litre turbo-petrol engine (152 PS/300 Nm), a 2.2-litre diesel engine (132 PS/300 Nm)
• Transmission: 6-speed Manual, 6-speed Automatic, 6-speed torque convertor automatic
• Mileage: Up to 15.2
• Airbags: Dual Front Airbags as Standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol and Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 4

Skoda Slavia

Recently completing its glorious second year in the market, the Skoda Slavia has gathered a lot of love owing to its exhilarating performance and a feature-packed premium cabin. Tastefully blending the old-school sedan charm with a contemporary style, the Slavia wears Skoda’s classic design language with a spoonful of modern touches and a tapered coupe silhouette that is rather appealing.

Inside, the Slavia offers a premium cabin filled to the brim with features such as an eight-inch virtual cockpit, ventilated seats, immersive touch infotainment, an electric sunroof, and much more. The real thrill of owning a Slavia, however, lies in its power-packed, exhilarating and peppy turbocharged engines that are a bliss to drive. The engines are not only fun to drive but also efficient, with the smaller one returning up to 20.32 km/l and the larger one returning up to 19 km/l. Priced between Rs. 11.53 to 19.13 Lakh (Ex-Showroom), the Slavia is a great pick for those looking to bring home a blend of sheer performance and feel-good luxury.

Skoda Slavia Specifications

• Engine: 1.0 (115PS/178 Nm) and 1.5-litre (150PS/250 Nm) turbo petrol engines
• Transmission: 6-speed manual, 6-speed torque convertor (1.0 litre), 7-speed DCT (1.5 litres)
• Mileage: Up to 20.32
• Airbags: 2 as standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Sedan

Best Cars Under 15 lakh In India Summary

The 15 lakh price point is an intensely competitive space in the Indian automotive market, that makes buying a car under a budget of Rs 15 lakh a mammoth task. With a plethora of options aggressively priced to cater to potential buyers, picking an option that checks all the boxes can be challenging. But when you know where and what to look for, buying a new car is as easy as a child’s play. This is why we helped you pick the best car in India for a budget of under 15 lakhs, with ten value-oriented options spread across the segment, so that you can pick the best, without the hassle of trying out every option.

FAQ about Cars under 15 Lakh