• Price sensitive buyer
• Cars in this list are highly fuel-efficient
• Offer decent amount of features

The sub-Rs 7 Lakh segment is arguably the most competitive car category in India. According to research in this price range, the customer is incredibly conscious and it could be that he or she is a first time buyer when it comes to purchasing a brand-new car. Their basic requirements remain that the vehicle should be fuel efficient, offer a decent number of features and should be light on the pocket in terms of overall maintenance. But which is the best option for you? Today we highlight our ‘Top 6 picks of petrol car models under Rs 7 lakh in India’. 

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10: Rs 3.99 – Rs 5.94 Lakh

Maruti Alto K10 is superior in relation to performance over its sibling the Alto 800. For over two decades, the Alto has been the best-selling car in the country, and the Alto K10’s strong sales continue this trend. Frugal, comfortable, and reliable, the K10 makes a great new car choice if you are a first-time buyer.

Launched in 2022, the Third-Generation K10 is the first All-New Alto in a decade, featuring a new ground up design. Compared to the Alto 800’s squared-off looks, the K10 features a softer design with sleeker headlights, large front front grille, and round tail lights. In terms of features, the car offers a 7-inch Smartplay touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, digital instrument cluster, remote central locking, steering mounted media controls, and more.

Powering the 2023 Maruti Alto K10 is a 1-litre, 3-cylinder, naturally-aspirated petrol engine that makes 66 bhp with 89 Nm of peak torque. It comes mated to a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT transmission. The entry level hatchback has an ARAI-claimed fuel economy figure of 24.9 kmpl.

Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS: Rs 5.74 – Rs 8.51 Lakh

If you are on the lookout for a budget friendly new car that offers the most features then it has to be the Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS. The company recently updated the hatchback a few months ago to provide it with a refreshed exterior design. Upfront the car received upgrades like a new bumper with an enlarged grille, arrow shaped LED DRLs, new set of 15-inch alloy wheels, and LED tail lights connected via a reflector bar.

To make the hatchback more potent, the South Korean automaker added new features to the  

Grand i10 NIOS Facelift. It comes packed with equipment like an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a semi-digital instrument cluster, auto climate control, push-button start/stop, cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring system, keyless entry, wireless charging, and more.

The four-wheeler is offered with a 1.2-litre petrol engine. The motor delivers a maximum power output of 82 bhp with 114 Nm of peak torque. Transmission Options Include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT gearbox. It has a claimed mileage of 20.7 kmpl as per ARAI.

Maruti Suzuki Swift: Rs 5.99 – Rs 8.98 Lakh

Maruti Swift is known for its European appeal. Its compact size, aggressive styling and performance attracts many towards it. This is why it is a part of our list. Currently in its third-generation, the hatchback has been consistently among the best selling cars in India ever since it was launched back in 2005. Further good performance and reliability attribute to its highly popular image in the sub-Rs 7 lakh price range.

The homegrown automaker updated the Swift in 2021, giving the hatchback a mild refresh with a new chrome-accented front grille, rejigged ORVMs, and three new exterior colour options. Inside, the car provides equipment like a 7-inch Smartplay touchscreen infotainment system, connected car tech, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, steering-mounted media controls, keyless entry & go, auto climate control, a rear view camera, and more.

Maruti provides the Swift with a single petrol powertrain option. It is a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine that delivers a maximum power output of 89 bhp with 113 Nm of peak torque. The motor can be paired with a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT gearbox. Maruti claims an ARAI-certified economy figure of 22.56 kmpl.

Tata Tiago: Rs 5.54 – Rs 8.05 Lakh

The Tiago is currently the most affordable brand new Tata car you can buy. However, that does not mean it skips out on quality. The car is a refined, reliable, and a comfortable hatchback that offers a stress free driving experience. Furthermore, if safety is your priority for a new car, then you should pick the Tiago. It is the safest car in our list with a 4-Star Safety Rating from Global NCAP.

The Tiago is one of the older cars in our list due to its unhindered exterior appeal. Introduced back in 2016, it still looks quite modern as it is a clean-sheet design from Tata Motors. Key attributes like swept-back headlights, trademarked Tata grille, sporty silhouette with strong character lines, a sculpted bootlid and angular tail lights still make the car relevant in today’s time.  

In terms of features, the vehicle offers a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a digital instrument cluster, auto climate control, height-adjustable driver’s seat, a rear parking camera & sensors, 8-speaker audio setup from Harman, electric ORVMs, and more.

The Tiago comes fitted with only a single petrol powertrain. This happens to be a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine delivering a power of  85 bhp and 113 Nm torque. It is paired to a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT gearbox.

Maruti Suzuki WagonR: Rs 5.54 – Rs 7.42 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki WagonR is one of the oldest nameplates in the Indian auto market, being over 20 years old. Its combination of eye-catching price tag and low cost of ownership has made it among the most popular cars in the country. The hatchback is also our top pick if cabin space is a priority for you in comparison to its rivals. 

The Third-Generation Maruti WagonR has a much softer exterior design than its predecessors. It offers a rounded front end with angular headlights and a slim grille, slightly flared wheel arches, and long vertical taillights. However, it is still unmistakably a WagonR as it retains the tall boy proportions from its previous models. 

Inside, the 2023 WagonR provides features like a 7-inch Smartplay infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple Auto support, connected car tech, steering mounted audio controls, 4-speaker audio setup, and more.

The company offers two petrol engine options with this car. This includes a 1-litre, 3-pot naturally aspirated motor capable of producing 66 bhp with 89 Nm of peak torque. While the larger 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit delivers a maximum power output of 89 bhp with 113 Nm of peak torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT gearbox. 

The manufacturer claims an ARAI-certified mileage of 25.19 kmpl (24.35 kmpl on the AMT) for the Wagon R’s 1-litre trims and 24.43 kmpl (23.56 kmpl on the AMT) for the 1.2-litre variants.

Maruti Suzuki Celerio: Rs 5.37 – Rs 7.14 Lakh

Rounding off our list of the ‘Top 6 New Cars Under Rs 7 Lakh’ is the Celerio. While it may be less popular than its siblings, the hatchback makes for a great left-field choice. It offers a great blend of features, comfort, reliability, and frugal running costs, making it an ideal option for a new car buyer. 

Currently in its Second-Generation, the New Celerio looks markedly different from its predecessor. The vehicle has a rounded shape accentuated by swept-back headlamps, an oval front grille, slightly flared wheel arches, and a strong shoulder line that blends neatly into the angular tail lights. 

2023 Maruti Suzuki Celerio comes equipped with features like a 7-inch Smartplay infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, connected car tech, steering mounted audio controls, keyless entry & go, height adjustable driver’s seat, four-speaker audio setup, and more.

It is powered by a 1-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine that makes 66 bhp with 89 Nm of peak torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT gearbox. Celerio has an ARAI-claimed mileage of 27 kmpl, making it the most efficient new car you can buy for under Rs 7 lakh.

Conclusion

These were our choices for ‘Top 6 Petrol Cars Under Rs 7 Lakh in India’. As you can see from the mentioned models above, all of our picks offer great mileage, have an affordability factor, and get a number of features. Each has their own USP. If you are a first-time buyer and looking for something frugal and cheap, then go for the Maruti Alto K10. Opt for the Swift if you love driving or go for the WagonR if cabin space is top priority. We would recommend the Tiago if safety is a major priority when buying a new car. The Celerio is a great choice if you want to purchase something that is affordable and relatively uncommon. And if you are looking for features, then go for the Grand i10 NIOS as it offers the most at this price point.

At the end of the day, the best pick for you will be the one that suits your budget and requirement. 

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