Best Small Cars in India

Small cars are the bread and butter of most mainstream carmakers in India. We love our small cars and there’s a strong reason why India is the biggest market for small cars in the world. It is no secret that our cities are packed and for a country obsessed with the question ‘kitna deti hai?”, small cars are the best out there. Throw in the affordability factor and along with these two requirements, the best small cars in India once again prove that they are irreplaceable. 

Well, with so many options for small cars around, it is not exactly easy to pick a small car today. Maruti Suzuki alone sells over 10 small cars in India and that itself indicates how big the market is. There are various other carmakers in the picture and to be fair, almost all mainstream brands have a small car as their entry-level offering. So looking at small cars under Rs 10 lakhs in India, the choices are endless. But that is where we come in. Keep on scrolling and you will come across the best small cars in India along with everything else you need to know.

Also Read – Cars Under 10 Lakhs

List of Best Small Cars in India

List of Top Small Cars in India

Renault Kwid

Renault’s response to Maruti Suzuki’s entry-level hatchbacks came in the form of the Kwid in 2015. Ever since that, the Kwid has managed to win back some market presence from the hugely dominating Alto models and recently, the S-Presso. There are two engine options on offer: 0.8-litre, three-cylinder and 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol. A five-speed manual and an AMT are the gearbox options. The variants on offer are RXL, RXL (O), RXT, Climber, and Climber (O). Kwid’s winning traits are its styling and ride quality. 

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 – Manual vs Automatic Transmission

Renault Kwid Key Features

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

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

The Alto K10 got a major update recently and it has transformed into a cute little hatchback that also packs in a punchy engine. 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. It is surprisingly fun to drive, rides well and more importantly feel upmarket in comparison to its predecessor. The 800cc engined Alto is still available today although the K10 is a much better choice. 

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 Celerio

The Celerio is another Maruti Suzuki model that got a major overhaul recently. It now features a completely revamped styling from the outgoing model. It is also a much better car now with more features. A 1.0-litre K10C four-cylinder petrol engine is used in the Celerio and it develops 68PS and 89Nm coupled to a five-speed manual unit or an AMT unit. There are four variants on offer:  LXi, VXi, ZXi, and ZXi+ and it is priced from Rs.5.25 – 7.00 Lakh. 

Maruti Suzuki Celerio Specifications

• Engine: 1.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine
• Transmission: 5-speed manual/ AMT
• Fuel Type: Petrol/CNG
• Fuel Economy: 24-35 km/l
• Airbags: 2 
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Hatchback

Also Read – 5 seater cars

Maruti Suzuki Celerio Key features

• Engine push start/stop 
• Door request switch with smart Key
• Hill hold assist

Tata Tiago

Ever since its launch in 2016, the Tiago has been one of the best-selling Tata models and a car that really put Tata on the fight with Maruti Suzuki. Good looks, a practical and spacious cabin and a good crash test rating (4 stars) are the talking points of the Tiago. Power (86PS and 113Nm) comes from a 1.2-litre petrol engine mated to both manual and AMT gearbox. There are six variants on offer: XE, XM, XT(O), XT, XZ and XZ+ with prices ranging between Rs.5.45 – 7.90 Lakh.

Tata Tiago Specifications

• Engine: 1.2-litre petrol
• Transmission: 5-speed manual /AMT
• Fuel Type: Petrol /CNG
• Fuel Economy: 20.09 – 26.00 kmpl
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Airbags: 2 
• Body Type: Hatchback

Also Read – Hatchback vs Sedan

Tata Tiago Key Features

• 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Projector headlights
• 8-speaker Harman Sound System

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

The Wagon R happens to be one of the roomiest cars in its segment. That is thanks to its proportions and mainly the tall stance that opens up so much headroom. It comes with two engine options – 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre petrol engines. The former develops 68PS and 89Nm while the latter develops 89bhp and 113Nm. The Wagon R is priced from Rs 5.47 – 7.20 Lakh. 

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Specifications

• Engine: 1.0-litre, 1.2-litre k-series dual jet petrol
•   Transmission: 5-speed manual/ AMT
•   Fuel Type: Petrol/CNG
•   Fuel Economy: 23-34 km/l
•   Airbags: 2 
•   Seating Capacity: 5
•   Body Type: Hatchback

Also Read – CNG Cars In India

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Key features

• 7-inch Smart Play touchscreen infotainment system
• Hill hold assist
• Steering-mounted audio and phone controls

Maruti Suzuki Ignis

The Ignis is Maruti Suzuki quirkiest car on sale in India and it is one of the best small cars in India. The Ignis, unlike usual Maruti Suzuki offerings, feels a notch more premium thanks to its well-built cabin and styling. The Ignis makes use of a 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine pushing out 84PS and 113Nm of torque. This engine comes paired with a five-speed manual or AMT gearbox. The Ignis is available in four variants: Sigma, Delta, Zeta, and Alpha.

Maruti Suzuki Ignis Specifications

• Engine: 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine
• Transmission: 5-speed manual/ AMT
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Fuel Economy:  20km/l
• Airbags: 2 
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Hatchback

Maruti Suzuki Ignis Key features

• Automatic climate control
• Smart Play touchscreen system
• Push start/stop

Maruti Suzuki Swift

The Swift is arguably one of the most important and the best small cars in India. It is still one of the top-selling cars in India and that has been the case ever since it was launched in 2005. The Swift still remains one of the most fun-to-drive small cars in India with a beautiful chassis that rotates with a dab of brakes. Under the hood is a 1.2-litre K12 engine which develops 91PS and 113Nm of torque and comes coupled with a five-speed manual or an AMT.

Maruti Suzuki Swift Specifications

• Engine:  1.2-litre K12 dual jet
• Transmission: 5-speed manual/ AMT
• Fuel Type: Petrol/CNG
• Fuel Economy: 20-30 km/l
• Airbags: 2 
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Hatchback

Maruti Suzuki Swift Key features

• Smart Key 
• Coloured Multi-information Display
• Automatic Climate Control

Tata Altroz

The most affordable premium hatchback is also one of the best small cars in India. The Altroz is a well-engineered product with a striking design and a good chassis that also happens to be safe with a 5-star crash test rating (GNCAP). It is also one of the few hatchbacks in India that still offer a diesel engine. The engine options include 1.2-litre petrol, 1.2-litre turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel. The former develops 86PS and 113Nm while the diesel puts out  90PS and 200Nm. Gearbox options include a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic

Tata Altroz Specifications

• Engine: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel, 1.2-litre turbo petrol 
• Transmission: 5-speed manual/6-speed automatic
• Fuel Type: Petrol/Diesel
• Fuel Economy: 18.33 to 23 kmpl
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Airbags: 2
• Body Type: Hatchback

Also Read – Best Diesel Cars In India

Tata Altroz Key Features

• Semi-digital instrument cluster
• Ambient lighting 
• Cruise control

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

The most popular premium hatchback in India, the Baleno is one of the best-selling cars in the country. It offers the most value in the segment considering the features it packs along with the recent facelift which made the Baleno even more competent. Only one engine option is available, a 1.2-litre Dual Jet petrol engine that is rated for 90PS and 113Nm mated to a 5-speed manual or a five-speed AMT. The engine packs mild-hybrid tech and hence offers class-leading efficiency figures as well. 

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Specifications

• Engine: 1.2-litre petrol with mild-hybrid tech
• Transmission: 5-speed manual/AMT
• Fuel Type: Petrol/CNG
• Fuel Economy: 22.3 to 30.61 kmpl
• Airbags: Up to 6
• Seating Capacity:5
• Body Type: Hatchback

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Key Features

• Heads-up display
• 360-degree camera 
• Arkamys music system

Hyundai i20

The feature loaded Hyundai i20 is one of the most expensive small cars in India. But that price gets you a stylish hatchback that offers goodies from a segment above. The i20 also features potent engine options and a dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The 1.2-litre petrol develops  83PS/114Nm and comes paired with a 5-speed manual or a CVT. The diesel is a 1.5-litre unit, 100PS/240Nm with a 6-speed manual option. Meanwhile, the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine – 120PS and 172Nm coupled to either a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT gearbox. 

Hyundai i20 Specifications

• Engine: 1.2-litre petrol, 1.5-litre diesel, 1.0-litre turbo petrol 
• Transmission: 5-speed manual/7-speed DCT/6-speed iMT/6-speed manual
• Fuel Type: Petrol/Diesel
• Fuel Economy: 19.6 to 25.2 kmpl
• Airbags: Up to 6
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Hatchback

Also Read – Cars With Sunroof

Hyundai i20 Key Features

• LED projector headlamps
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Fully digital instrument cluster
• Sunroof
• 4 wheel disc brakes
• 360-degree camera

Best Small Cars in India Summary

The 10 cars featured in this list are special in their own ways. The Kwid and the Alto K10 are the best budget hatchbacks available today. All cars from Maruti Suzuki’s stable offers the most value and deliver the best fuel economy without any competition. Whereas, if safety ranks high as a requirement, the Tiago and Altroz are one of the safest cars in India and have already been crash tested with good scores as well.

 If the budget is not a problem, the i20 certainly delivers on its promise of a premium hatchback with premium features. All the cars in this list are important for a market like India where the best small cars are always a hot segment. 

FAQs about Small Cars

Q. Which is the best small car for daily use?

Any small hatchback from this list with an automatic gearbox would be a good choice and the new Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 AMT would be the best choice.

Q. What small car is the best value for money?

The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 offers the best value in the entry-level space while the Maruti Suzuki Swift and Maruti Suzuki Baleno offer the best value in the segments above. 

Q. Which is the best AMT small car in India?

The Maruti Suzuki Celerio AMT might be a good option as it offers good fuel economy and value.

Q. Which small car is best for long drives?

Any premium hatchback would be a good option for frequent highway use and the Hyundai i20, specifically, the i20 NLine might be a good option.

 

Q. Which is the best small car in India?

At present, the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 is the best small car in India. 

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