Best Cars Under 10 Lakh: Today, when you want to buy a new car, whether it’s your first car or you want to replace your old one, the only question on everyone’s mind is which car to buy with a budget of Rs 1 million. Last month, I went to look at my brother’s car, and I think he was overwhelmed with so many options.
There are currently a lot of compact SUVs on the market. Everyone wants a higher seating position, an SUV look, and better fuel economy. But when you buy a car, every brand says, “Buy our car. It’s the best.”
In this article, we will introduce you to 5 cars that are definitely worth your money. The cars I will be describing are Tata Punch, Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai Ecstar. We won’t hesitate to explain the pros and cons of each of these cars, their mileage, and which car is best for whom.
What to consider before buying Best Cars Under 10 Lakh
Brother, buying a car is not like buying a cell phone. It’s a big investment and something that will stay with you for the next 5-7 years. So let’s start with some basics.
Why is a security clearance important?
You see, I didn’t take security that seriously before. However, when a friend of mine got into a minor accident, I learned how important airbags and strong vehicle bodywork are.
Now, when I look at a car, the first thing I do is check its Global NCAP rating. A 5-star rating means the car performed well in crash tests. Tata cars are far ahead in this regard. Nothing is more important than the safety of you and your family, so don’t compromise on this.
Fuel consumption and actual mileage
Although the company claims 22 km/l, the actual mileage is 16-17 km/l. Everyone knows this, right? Therefore, when I talk about cars, I only quote actual mileage after asking actual owners. Mileage is important if you have to commute within the city every day.
If you look at the fuel efficiency at the end of the month, you can see how big the difference of 2 to 3km/L is. After-sales service network
Let’s say you bought a nice car, but there’s no service centre in your city. Or the details are unknown. What is it for? This is why Maruti cars remain popular. There are service centres on every street and in every neighbourhood.
Features that actually work
Touchscreen, air conditioning, sunroof, everything is beautiful. But let’s be honest: comfortable seats, good air conditioning, and a big trunk are more convenient on a daily basis. Yes, if your budget allows, automatic climate control and cruise control are very practical for long-distance trips.
| Name of Cars | Price Range | Mileage | Engine Options | Safety Rating |
| Tata Punch | ₹5.60 – 10.55 Lakh | 18-20 kmpl | Petrol, CNG | 5-Star |
| Maruti Suzuki Fronx | ₹6.85 – 11.98 Lakh | 20-22 kmpl | Petrol, CNG | 4-Star |
| Tata Nexon | ₹7.32 – 14.15 Lakh | 17-24 kmpl | Petrol, Diesel, EV | 5-Star |
| Maruti Suzuki Swift | ₹5.79 – 8.65 Lakh | 22-25 kmpl | Petrol, CNG | 3-Star |
| Hyundai Exter | ₹5.74 Lakh onwards | 19-20 kmpl | Petrol, CNG | 3-Star |
Tata Punch – small body, big heart
Brother, I have seen the popularity of punch with my own eyes. My neighbour bought one last year, and my community now has 4-5 punch machines. The reason for its popularity is its reasonable size, safety, and SUV feel.
Last time I went to Manali with my cousin Panchi. To be honest, I was impressed with the way he climbed mountains. The 1.2L gasoline engine may look small, but it provides sufficient performance. Yes, you need to drive a little more aggressively when overtaking.
What I liked most was the high ground clearance of 187mm. You don’t have to worry about rough roads in the city or in the countryside. And a 5-star safety rating gives you peace of mind. Function and comfort
The interior space is a little small. If you are over 6 feet tall, you may have difficulty sitting in the back seat. But it’s perfect for daily commuting and a family of four.
The equipment available on the top-of-the-line model is impressive, including a touchscreen, automatic climate control, and cruise control. Personally, I liked the quick-response infotainment system.
- The company claims: 18.8 km/l.
- Actual mileage: 14-15 km/h in the city, 17-18 km/h on the highway.
- Compressed natural gas options are also available, significantly reducing operating costs. If you have a long daily commute, seriously consider the option of using compressed natural gas.
- NCAP 5 Star Global Safety Rating
- Strict SUV appearance and high ground clearance
- High quality tata construction
- CNG option is also available
- Compact size makes parking easy.
Who is it ideal for? If you’re a first-time car buyer, live in a city, or prioritise safety, the Punch is a good choice. This is a great option for young professionals and small families.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx
Maruti Suzuki Fronx is relatively new to the market, but it quickly become popular. To be honest, it is a jacked-up version of Baleno, but the styling is quite attractive. Maruti has positioned it in the crossover segment, neither a full-on SUV nor a full-on hatchback.
The interior of the car has a luxurious feel. The dashboard design is modern, and the quality of the materials is good. It has slightly more space than the Punch, and even tall people can sit comfortably in the back seat. The trunk volume is 308 litres, which is enough for weekend trips. However, you may have to make a small compromise if you have a lot of luggage.
Fronx has no shortage of technology features. Everything is available, including a 9-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, a 360-degree camera (top version), and a head-up display. It also comes with a sunroof, which young people love. My personal opinion: The sunroof is nice, but it is rarely used in the Indian heat.
Actual mileage: 17-18 km/h petrol, equivalent to 25-26 km/kg CNG. Mild hybrid technology offers a little more efficiency around town. Overall, the mileage is decent considering Maruti’s reputation.
Who is it suitable for? For young professionals or couples looking for style and functionality, the Fronx is a great choice. It is also suitable for students or beginners looking for their first high-end car.
Tata Nexon
Well, Nexon is a different story. It’s still a bestseller in the compact SUV segment, and for good reason. There are two Nexons in my family: a petrol and a diesel. So, I’m going to tell you honestly about the car.
The build quality of the Nexon is truly impressive. I hear a dull sound when I close the door, but the door seems solid. This car has saved many lives in accidents. You may have seen their videos on social media.
Nexon is available in petrol, diesel and fully electric (Nexon EV) variants. If your budget is less than Rs 100,000, consider petrol or diesel options. Gasoline: 1.2-litre turbo engine with 120 horsepower. Suitable for driving around town and on highways.
Maruti Suzuki Swift
Talking about Swift brings back nostalgia. Why is this car so popular? Because it simply works. No nonsense, reliable and user-friendly. My first driving lesson was in a Swift, and I still feel the same joy when I drive one.
The Swift’s 1.2-litre petrol engine may not sound powerful on paper, but it’s a lot of fun to drive. It’s lightweight, so it’s comfortable around town. You can easily get stuck in traffic. controllability. This is where Swift shines. The angle inspires confidence. The suspension is slightly stiff and gives a sporty feel, but it can be uncomfortable on rough roads.
Swift is really practical. It also has excellent fuel efficiency, achieving stable speeds of over 20 km/h on the highway. It can easily reach 16-18 km/h even in the city. The Swift has the lowest monthly fuel costs on this list.
Maintenance costs are also minimal. Replacement parts are readily available, and labour costs are reasonable. There are service centres everywhere, even in small towns. Swift is medium-sized. 4 people are comfortable, but 5 is something of a compromise. The trunk capacity is 265 litres, which is enough for normal use.
In the new generation, interior design has become modern. The dashboard has been refined, and a 9-inch touchscreen is now available, improving the overall quality of the cabin. The plastic is still hard in some areas, but it’s acceptable for this price range.
Hyundai Exter
Although Exter is a relatively new product on the market, Hyundai has launched it at a very competitive price. Although it is considerably smaller than the Venue, it is very feature-rich in the micro SUV segment. Exter’s USP lies in its features. It has a starting price of Rs 5.74 lakh and offers a lot of features. Key options include a sunroof, a dash cam, and a wireless charger.
The 8-inch touch screen works smoothly. Hyundai’s infotainment system is generally user-friendly, and so is it. Bluelink connected car features are also available, which is great at this price. There’s space at the front of the cabin, but the rear is a bit cramped for taller passengers.
However, it has a little more leeway than the punch. The ride is comfortable. Hyundai has tuned the suspension well for Indian roads. Potholes and speed bumps can also be passed easily without being too harsh.
The 1.2L Kappa petrol engine is smooth but not very powerful. It’s good for city driving, but overtaking on the highway requires some planning. Equipped with an AMT transmission that is useful during traffic jams. A little disappointing – Global NCAP rating is 3 stars. This seems less compared to Tata’s 5 stars. Basic safety features like dual airbags, ABS, and rear parking sensors are standard.
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