11 Best Cars Under 10 Lakhs That Will (Truly) Win Your Heart

Options make our life easier but not always, especially when all the options stand at par with each other.

This is exactly what happens when we have to take a decision while buying a car from a variety of alternatives hitting the market, and all of them competing for neck to neck with each other.

So, how do we decide which car to buy? There is the number of aspects that we need to consider before making up our mind. A few of them can be:

• Decide on your budget
• Decide for the segment you want to buy: a compact car, a Sedan or an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle)
• Look for the detailed interior and exterior features of the options available in your segments like engine power, gearbox, mileage, car handling and breaking, and other technical features.
• Check with your insurance companies and compare the insurance rates before buying the car.
• Gather prior information of the best sellers in the market by going through the market surveys, and don’t forget to ask for discounts and incentives if offered by the manufacturer.

In case you are planning to buy a new car, and your budget does not allow you to spend more than Rs.10 lakhs, you will come across a wide variety of cars within this range.

Here we have made an effort to frame a list of some good cars in India within Rs.10 lakhs which include some new cars as well. The list was prepared after a careful analysis of different features each car offers.

Best Cars under 10 Lakhs

11) Renault Lodgy

• Price : Rs 8.29 lakhs – Rs. 9.69 lakhs
• Only Diesel

Renault Lodgy comes in the MPG segment and is an updated version of Duster. Renault has kept the exterior subtle, without letting the look get boring. A lot of specifications have been made for the front which includes large head lamps, incorporated fog lamps, black bumper and a meticulous grill with lots of chrome. The interior is more spacious and airy as compared to other cars in the same segment. The front seats are more relaxed which provides adequate rest for the back and head.

There is a whole lot of entertainment features which includes media-nav features, rear parking camera, Bluetooth connectivity and parking sensors. It comes with a robust 1.5 liters, K9K Diesel engine, and is available in two variants. The car is not only sturdy but also fuel efficient and gives a mileage of 18 kmpl. The safety features have not been compromised, which is evident from the ABS (anti lock brake system) and EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) systems offered with a smooth brake pedal. It can definitely feature among the top diesel cars under Rs. 10 lakhs.

The car has few drawbacks, as it might not fascinate you with its first look owing to its mild appearance. It is also facing some concerns with clutch operations, particularly during wide turns.

10) Mahindra Scorpio

• Only Diesel
• Price: Rs.8.4 lakhs – Rs.14.5 lakhs

Mahindra Scorpio has 11 variants running on Indian roads. After being introduced in 2002, the car has gone through various face lifts and the latest model stands apart with some stunning features enhancing both the interior and the exteriors. Naturally, it is counted among the top diesel cars under Rs. 10 lakhs.

The front part of the car looks more decked up with new features like LED head lamps. New tail lamps and a spoiler make the rear looks chicer. However, not many changes have been noticed in the side profile, and it is quite similar to the older model.

A lot of modifications have been made in the interiors as it looks really special and different from those of the older models. A number of new features like rear ac vents, rain sending wipers, intellipark, defogger, rear AC vents, have been added. The new Scorpio is an appropriate balance between riding & balancing. It is a fuel efficient and a mileage of 15kmpl on the highway is provided by the 2609 cc diesel engine. It is also outfitted with various safety features like child locks, slide intrusion, anti theft warning, ABS, dual airbags and much more.

Its drawbacks include the quality of fits and finishing which is not up to the mark. The car might get bouncy on rough roads. The passengers sitting in the second row might face some leg room problem.

9) Hyundai Creta

• Price : Rs.8.87 lakhs – Rs.9.85 lakhs
• Diesel & Petrol Both

With a variety of SUV’s running on road presently, Hyundai has also ventured into this segment with its Creta. Staying true to its brand, Creta comes loaded with features, but doesn’t give a packed look. The seats are very comfortable giving good support to the back, head and neck. There is good leg room in the front which is not influenced by the wide dash-board. The rear is also well planned with good AC coverage making your journey comfortable. Ii also offers foldable arm rests and twin glass holders.

To make you're driving stress free and enjoyable, it presents you with touch screen navigations. The safety features include 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, camera aided reverse, and projector headlights to name a few. It has a sturdy engine which does not offend your ears while warming up and gives you a smooth ride on the polished roads. The car will not annoy you with its fuel competence capacity, as it offers a mileage of 16 kmpl (petrol variant), 22 kmpl (diesels variant) and 22 kmpl (automatic transmission diesel variant).

Creta is unbeatable on smooth surfaces but is not a champion on rough roads and can disappoint you. Some issues have been noticed while taking turns at high speed.

8) Honda Amaze

Price:  Rs. 5.3 lakhs to Rs 8.2 lakhs

Petrol & Diesel Both

The Japanese car makers have launched yet another model of Honda Amaze, and the enhanced model unquestionably makes it to the category of the best new cars under Rs.10 lacs. The Amaze VX CVT Petrol gives an average of 16KMPL whereas the Diesel variant Amaze VX MT provides an average of 25 kmpl. The 1.2 liter petrol model supports options of manual and automatic transmissions, whereas the diesel option comes with the option of manual transmission only.

The new face of Amaze is totally changed since it has picked up some features of Mobilio when it comes to the front grille and the head lamp. The interiors are also magnificent, with new rectangular air vents and a fresh music system. It is more spacious and airy now. The car won’t disappoint you on safety measures either, as it comes with dual air bags, and wave key couples ABS. Thus, Amaze has both excellent riding and handling features which poses a threat for its competitors like TATA Zest, Ford Figo Aspire and others in this segment. The only drawback is the clattering Diesel engine.

7) Volkswagen Polo GT  TSI

Price : Rs.8.58 lakhs

Petrol only

If you are looking for a hatchback, then Volkswagen Polo is the ideal pick for you as it is one of the cars in India below Rs.10 lakhs. 104 BHP produced by 1.2 liters turbocharged TSI motor makes it the most dominating hatchback ruling the Indian roads at the moment.

The cabin of the new model looks more enhanced than the standard one. The make quality is definitely above par, and the car gives an efficient ride at 150 km/hr.

The aluminum pedal cluster makes it a smooth drive for you, while the twin tone of the seats definitely upgrades its look and the fabric used is above average. The front console assures a lot of features to facilitate your control over various commands while driving. The safety is well checked by the anti lock brakes and the pair of air bags.

The car turns out to be little expensive for its size and coupled with high maintenance cost, it tends to lose edge over its rivals in the segment.

6) Honda Mobilio

• Price: Rs 6.49 lakhs - Rs 11.41 lakhs
• Petrol & Diesel Both

Honda’s venture into MPV segment via Mobilio brought it an unparalleled triumph, leaving its rivals like Ertiga which was dominating this segment far behind. Seven people can sit comfortably and enjoy a relaxed drive in this car. Honda has laid special stress on the styling part which is evident from the twist given in the window line, which has increased the window area making the cabin look more spacious. Mobilio also offers sufficient luggage space so that you can pack heavy and yet move light. It assures ample features both in the interior and exterior, making it a chic ride for contented customers.

However, the quality of materials used inside is certainly not up to the mark and can disappoint you. Some people may find the Ertiga more attractive as it is priced a little lower.

5) New Renault Duster

• Price : Rs. 8.5 lakhs onwards
• Petrol & Diesel Both

A high-quality highway cruiser with a six-speed gearbox, Renault Duster rules the Indian roads and the enhanced New Renault Duster is considered as one of the good new cars under Rs.10 lakhs. The speed icon is now harmonized with innovative design particulars that have augmented its premium look. The new daring look flaunts hawk eye head lamps and the fire fly fog lamps that will just captivate your attention. It boasts of an outstanding ride and handling arrangement which is enabled by the forceful diesel engine making it a strong player among its competitors. It comes with ground clearance of 210mm and an awesome grip which makes it a smooth ride on any ground. You can position it on Eco mode and boost its fuel competence. It definitely is the best pick if you are looking for something affordable in this category.

Unlike other 7 seater SUVs, Duster has a drawback since it is a 5 seater, with the third row of seats missing.

4) Volkswagen Vento

• Price : Rs. 7.85 lakhs – Rs. 12.12 lakhs
• Petrol & Diesel

A great combination of beauty and safety, Volkswagen Vento is a good car. Its space max technology gives utmost leg room in the back, and the double AC vent side cools all passengers equally. The smart controls on the steering let you master various features including taking calls through Bluetooth. The 3D effect tail lamps and the front fog lamps coupled with a sturdy body lends the car a mesmerizing look. The diesel and petrol engine give average of 21.50 kmpl and 18.19 kmpl respectively, making it a fuel proficient car. The rear parking sensors and anti-lock brakes with dual front air bags makes it a stunning yet safe beauty.

The drawback with Vento is the lack of ample features and fuel efficiency which gives its rivals in this segment an edge over it.

3) Ford Ecosport

• Price: Rs.7 lakhs onwards (Petrol)
• 8.19 lakhs (Diesel)
• Petrol & Diesel Both

Ecosport stormed into the Indian market and people rushed to buy this beauty so fast, that the company had to stop the bookings for some time to meet the ongoing demands. This was due to the superb features and detailed engineering that the car offered, which accelerated its demand in no time. The New Eco Sport is a good car below Rs. 10 lakhs and comes with the combination of robust engines and meticulous driving dynamics which catapults the car high up on the charts. It is a fuel efficient car and gives mileage of  18.88 km/l for petrol and 22.27km/l  for Diesel. The exterior that resembles an SUV is coupled with a 200 mm high ground clearance, thereby increasing its demand among the Indian consumers. The spacious interiors and ample features are among other attractions. Full emphasis on safety has also been given which can be best judged from the Electronic Stability Programme coupled with grip control system, which ensures smooth overtaking. Your safety is further strengthened with 6 air bags.

The only drawback here is that, TUV 300 has been able to outsell the Eco Sport and the Maruti upcoming iv-4 will also give it a tough competition.

2) Maruti Ciaz

• Price: Rs.7.31 – Rs. 10.28 lakhs
• Petrol and Diesel both

An appropriate replacement for SX4, Ciaz is creating waves in the market and truly deserves a high position on the list of best cars under Rs.10 lakhs. It includes all the desirable features which its ancestor failed to deliver. Its clever engineering makes it look bigger than its actual size. The interiors flaunt a classic and rich look as the material used is remarkable.

The company vouches for its diesel version which is supported by the mild hybrid technology aiming to deliver a mileage of 28.09 kmp, which is one of the most efficient ones on Indian roads. It also boasts of its camera aided reverse parking and a keyless push start coupled with other sophisticated features, which makes it Maruti’s first truly unbeatable creation in the premium segment. It certainly is among the best petrol cars under Rs. 10 lakhs.

However, you may come across a slight drawback in styling as the rear is a little similar to the City and the 1.3 liter diesel engine might not appear to be that powerful.

1). Honda City

• Price: 7.96 lakhs – Rs. 12.3 lakhs
• Petrol & diesel Both

The two City variants are doing exceptionally well for Honda. The top end petrol model equipped with the CVT and the top end Diesel City are running quite ahead in the race. The quick shifting gear box coupled with paddle shifters makes it smooth and effectual. The robust diesel and petrol engines are good enough to offer an average of 26 kmpl and 18 kmpl, making them the most fuel proficient rides on Indian roads.

You will be awestruck by the fine and roomy leather interiors, which make the car, look more attractive and suave. It is laden with many features to keep you delighted, like touch screen entertainment, camera aided reverse and a sun roof. The exteriors are equally appealing enough to grab your attention. It has an absolutely streamlined body with influential fenders which speak volumes about its robustness. All these features make it one of the best cars under Rs.10 lakhs.

It however, lacks a little focus on handling as more stress has been laid on a smooth ride for the passengers.

Hyundai Verna 2016

• Price: Rs.7.6 lakhs to 12.36 lakhs
• Diesel & Petrol Both

If you have your budget ready and can spare some time, then your wait would be worth and well justified by Hyundai’s new Verna model which is being launched late this year. With beautiful interiors and a powerful engine, Hyundai Verna stands out clearly as one of the best car.

Though it faces tough competition from its rival City, yet it offers some outstanding features that will fascinate your mind.

Verna’s diesel version is the most affordable yet sturdy pick available in the market. The car comes with plenty of features to allure you, like a multi functioning steering wheel which allows you to operate your music system and receive calls while driving. The interior is classy and airy and stunning leather upholstery just adds to the beauty of the car.

Now you don’t need to panic in case you misplaced your keys, as the Verna comes with a chic and intelligent key detector. The exteriors are distinct and graceful with fog lamps that just merge with the body, while curved headlamps and an enhanced bonnet give it a fashionable yet sturdy look.

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Conclusion

Hence, the Indian market gives you multiple options to choose from a range of sedans, hatchbacks, MUVs and SUVs depending upon your choice. All you have to do is just chalk out your needs and depending upon the flexibility of your budget, buy your dream car.

If you are a first time buyer with financial constraints then you can start your journey with a hatchback that gives you more than its size. And if you are looking for a buy to fit in your extended family as well, then you have various MUV options with extra space.

We have made the above list after a comprehensive study covering all possible aspects, so that it proves helpful to you whenever you decide to buy a car. If we have missed on some brands or some information, please feel free to put in your comments in the space given below. Your views will be highly appreciated.