So you’ve just settled in your job and bought a house for yourself after years and years of perseverance and hard work, and now you want your own set of wheels to check another point off your bucket list. Now your pockets might not be too deep, but then you’re full of love and that’s how you will treat your car. As they say, no one buys their ‘first car’ twice.
Given the frantic nature of the market these days and the upheaval of the competition among multiple car companies, there are thousands of car options out there no matter what money bracket you’re targeting. Ergo, there are plenty of good cars below 6 lakhs which are ready to be at your disposal. Moreover, this fight between car labels and brands is good for the general folk and the end users as the prices have been slashed, and people are getting more in less i.e. bundles of features at prices you would never imagine.
When it comes to buying new cars under 6 lakhs, one would feel spoilt for choice more often than not. The price range is neither too modest nor too extravagant.
Here we cite some of the best cars under 6 lakhs which should be good news especially for all hatchback car lovers out there. Hatchbacks are often mini cars laden with massive ounces of comfort and consistent performance as ever. Not everyone can afford Audis or BMWs or a Mercedes for that matter.
Also Read: These Are The Best Cars You can Buy under Rs 5 Lakhs in India
The cars and models that we’re going to look at today, are the new and improved Micra Active from Nissan, the eye catching Chevrolet Beat, the high on comfort Hyundai i10, the evergreen crowd favourite Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Stingray, the small but wholesome package of Honda Brio, and the performance packed Tata Indica.
Best Cars Under 6 Lakhs
Nissan Micra Active: Price - Rs. 3.50 Lakhs to Rs. 4.80 Lakhs
General Specifications:
- Engine: 1.2-litre, 3 cylinder, petrol
- Power: 67 BHP
- Torque: 104 Nm
- Transmission: 5 speed manual
- Mileage (Petrol): 19.49 KMPL
- Range (Petrol): 799 Km
You might be tempted to think this looks much like the Old Micra, but you’re mistaken! Nissan is a brand known for its innovation and excellence when it comes to automobiles. The brand is definitely following suit as per the current trends suggest, wherein companies sell 2 generations of the same car in one period. This is what this Micra Active is all about.
If you’re a sucker for softer and curvier designs, then this car will definitely satiate your senses in a wholesome manner. Essentially, this is an edition which looks rather feminine, which makes it a crowd favourite among the ladies of course. Even though the design might not be over the top amazing, but it is surely consistent by all means and wouldn’t alienate you.
What’s Hot:
- You get a sleek roundish theme when it comes to interiors whether is the gear knob or the multiple AC vents or the horn as well for that matter
- Overall car design exudes simplicity
- Cabin is highly airy in general
- There would be no sense of claustrophobia in the car as the windows are somewhat huge which will allow a lot of light inside
- Sitting on the driver’s seat will make you realize that you can see around the entirety of the car with seamless ease which is definitely a boon
- Front of the bonnet is clearly visible which assists in parking easily
- The front pillars are not fundamentally obtrusive in nature
- Front seats are comfortable essentially which means that you can plan road trips or journeys without any hesitation.
- Fits 3 people at the back easily which is surely a deal maker for families out there
What’s Not So Hot:
- Grey plastic interiors are not exactly a plus as they depict a monotonous look which is unappealing to the eyes. Even though the interiors come in beige colour as well, but it doesn’t quite float the boat.
- Visibility in the rear is handicapped in a way due to the presence of the highly thick C-pillar.
- Rear seat is surprisingly very uncomfortable which is ironical in a way as the car doesn’t lack leg space at all.
- Low under thigh support.
Conclusion:
It seems like the makers wanted Nissan Micra to be a large hatchback which is economic in nature, as you will realize when you drive it regularly. The impressive engine delivers better fuel economy than the last Micra edition which was released.
Even though you won’t enjoy driving the petrol version that much, but its extensive and improved usability in the city will impress you. Drive this Nissan as hard as you can, but it will tend to lose steam very rapidly. Moreover, the car suspension has been fine tuned to provide the maximum comfort.
Chevrolet Beat: Price - Rs. 3.94 Lakhs to Rs. 6.01 Lakhs
General Specifications:
- Engine: 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder, petrol / 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder diesel
- Power (Petrol / Diesel / LPG): 79 BHP / 58 BHP / 79 BHP
- Torque (Petrol / Diesel / LPG): 108 Nm / 150 Nm / 104 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Mileage (Petrol / Diesel / LPG): 18.6 KMPL / 25.44 KMPL / 13.3 KMPL
- Range (Petrol / Diesel / LPG): 651 Km / 890 Km / NA
Many claim that Chevrolet Beat is the new age Chevrolet Spark. Whereas the latter was supposedly known for its cuteness and a feminine touch, the designers have very well transformed the new Beat into a sporty version. The design has been appreciated by critics both for the insides and outsides.
The standout factor is the presence of elongated headlamps which start from the bumper and go all out till the front doors, which definitely gives it a unique and raw look.
The wedge shaped look of the car also adds a sense of sophistication as well. The design is simply dynamic by all means. There’s also a trademark in the form of hidden rear door handles, which are placed rather unconventionally behind the rear door windows.
What’s Hot:
- Stylish interiors which make you feel that ‘car vibe’ in a wholesome manner
- Dynamic design which is sporty in its entirety
- Analogue speedometer is aesthetically very appealing showcasing the trip details, rev and fuel levels
- Dash and door pad design is very much eye catching
- Black-silver upholstery duo looks very masculine and raw
- Legroom is pretty admirable for a small car
What’s Not So Hot:
- Rear design is highly disappointing especially when compared to the front exteriors
- Top end of the central console in the car interiors makes for an awkward space usage
- Levels of light which can enter the car cabin are extremely low which makes for a gloomy appeal
- Rear seat is not spacious at all for 3
- Height issues with the front seats which might prove problematic for short drivers
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a sporty hatchback which does you good when it comes to mileage and not that high on performance, then Chevrolet Beat is your best bet. With comfortable front seats which hug you quite literally, you can drive in a very relaxed manner. The 1.2 litre petrol engine and the 1.0 litre diesel engine provide a moderately powered experience.
Hyundai i10: Price - Rs. 4.00 Lakhs to Rs. 4.78 Lakhs
Find Car Accessories Online at low prices
General Specifications:
- Engine: 1.1-litre, 4-cylinder, petrol
- Power (Petrol): 68 BHP
- Torque (Petrol): 99 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Mileage (Petrol): 19.81 KMPL
- Range (Petrol): 693 Km
Hyundai i10 is most certainly a favourite on the list. A classic amalgamation of looks and performance, you can never go wrong with a Hyundai i10. Keeping the competition of Maruti Wagon R in check, Hyundai has decided to stay with the i10 version even though the Grand i10 cars have hit the streets. A car which is moderate in all segments, this one will definitely satiate your hatchback driving senses.
30 Best Car Air Fresheners (2017) to make your Car Smell Awesome
A car which is not too light, nor too heavy; and it also packs a punch with its decent mileage and average consistent performance. The legroom is not half bad and the interiors are pleasing to the eyes.
The boot space is not too small when compared to other smaller cars belonging to the same category. Coming laden with an impressive 1.1-litre iRDE2 engine, this car appears cohesive in every sense.
What’s Hot:
- Comes with a fluidic design which is aesthetically pleasing
- Front face is neat looking with huge lens headlamps, a trapezoidal shaped 2 piece grille and integrated fog lamps as well
- Tail lamp and headlight contours give it a balanced look
- Dual tone dashboard looks well defined
- Cabin supports a highly credible round theme
- Gearbox is console mounted which frees up ample space in the front
- Front seats are highly comfortable and supportive with integrated headrests
- Adequate legroom at the back
- Rear seats can be folded and the boot space is admirable as well
What’s Not So Hot:
- Rear seats can’t comfortably accommodate more than 2 people.
- There are no automatic variants of the Hyundai i10
- Console at the centre looks awkwardly placed as there are no instruments on it
- Seats aren’t height adjustable and the steering can be tilt-adjusted
- Absence of a dashboard integrated music system
- Exudes a shy 67 BHP which shows while driving
- Rear suspension lacks durability
- Car drives comfortably at higher speeds but gets very choppy at relatively higher numbers
Conclusion:
If you just can’t sacrifice the need of having good robust interiors along with a steady mileage count, Hyundai i10 is definitely tailor made for you. With looks that satisfy almost everybody, there’s something for everybody in this particular hatchback.
Moreover, it also comes with a decent in-city mileage and a credible boot space. The seats are comfortable enough for longer rides and road trips which is a boon for frequent travellers.
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Stingray: Price - Rs. 4.19 Lakhs to Rs. 4.76 Lakhs
General Specifications:
- Engine: 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, petrol
- Power (Petrol): 67 BHP
- Torque (Petrol): 90 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Mileage (Petrol): 20.51 KMPL
- Range (Petrol): 718 Km
What do you actually hear when you read the word – Maruti? Reliability! There’s a reason why Maruti is the most recognizable automobile brand in India as it is a family name. Families drive Maruti cars, there’s just something attached with the name itself.
And when you talk about Maruti Suzuki cars, barring Alto, Wagon R is the most driven car all around.M for Maruti, M for mileage! Coincidence? Actually not! Of course, this is the age old truth that Maruti cars are known for their mileage, cost efficient numbers and low maintenance.
And Wagon R definitely makes all the right moves there. What separates this one from the rest is the fact that it is pleasing on the eyes with its new and improved dynamic exteriors exuding masculinity of the right kind. You can claim it as the old Wagon R’s younger and cooler version.
What’s Hot:
- Highly efficient performance
- Impressive mileage – arguably the best in its class
- Low maintenance costs
- Dynamic looks with impressive exteriors
- Light in weight and easy to drive
- Presence of novel equipment
- Plastic grille at the front is translucent in nature illuminated by LEDs which looks classy
- Good looking fog lamps combined with black plastics, a new bumper with the large air dam and projector lamps
- New and improved alloy wheels, dynamic roof spoiler and a bigger chrome bar over the number plate which is embossed
- Blacked out interiors which render a sporty look
- Mounted steering control but only with the top variant of the car
- Seats are essentially comfortable in nature
What’s Not So Hot:
- Longer journeys might get tiring quickly as the ride is not that comfy entirely
- Tall dimensions of the car don’t aid driving at higher speeds and curvier roads especially
- Almost entirely unique to the original Wagon R
- Materials used for the interiors are not that great
- Boot space is not that large
- You might feel crammed for leg space if you’re tall and sitting on the backseat
Conclusion:
The doors open wide, interiors are spaced properly for 4 adults, presence of 60:40 split rear seats, low maintenance costs, good mileage numbers and the Maruti Suzuki confidence – all these reasons are enough for you to go for this one as it comes in a wholesome package of all the right things. The biggest difference between this newer version of the age old Wagon R is how you feel inside i.e. you will classier, more sophisticated, sportier and just more comfortable in general.
With other features like tilt adjusting steering wheel, wheel-integrated music controls and the optional mood lighting [all in the top model only], Maruti has given Wagon R a whole new dimension.
Honda Brio: Price - Rs. 4.19 Lakhs to Rs. 6.20 Lakhs
General Specifications:
- Engine: 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder, petrol
- Power (Petrol): 87 BHP
- Torque (Petrol): 109 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Mileage (Petrol): 19.4 KMPL
- Range (Petrol): 679 Km
No list can be complete without a Honda car in it. Honda exudes bundles of confidence, an avid sense of sophistication, a greater sense of class and the satisfaction of getting a brand which will give you the best and nothing but the best in terms of customer care, interiors quality, sturdy exteriors and dynamic looks. And Honda Brio definitely follows suit! It is a cheerful car in its entirety and a really good drive around the city. Even though it is Honda’s premier try at the sub priced hatchback segment, it has really done a great job. Especially when Honda Jazz didn’t quite live up to its billing, there was even more pressure on the creators. Well, that pressure definitely prompted them to create something memorable.
Higher Budget? 11 Best Cars Below 10 Lakhs That Will (Truly) Win Your Heart
The car gets an overall roundish design which looks complete. The presence of the single chrome bar in the grille is of a wing style which arguably is a trademark of Honda. The bumper is laden with oval shaped fog lamps and the lights look like a miniature version of the ones found in Jazz. The rising lines present give this car a unique and stylish look especially from the sides.
What’s the best part about the Honda Brio? The interiors without one shadow of a doubt! Durable and aesthetically appealing plastics, solid colours, offset centre console possessing a head unit for the music player, improved air-con vent – all of this is very refreshing especially when you consider the other cars which belong to this price band. Honda has always been brilliant when it comes to space efficiency.
What’s Hot:
- Nice and petite look on the outside
- Interiors to die for on the inside
- Large glass area which ensures maximum cabin airiness
- Storage space inside the car is very commendable
- Gear knob comes fitted with a rubber cover which makes it look cool and funky
- High powered engine especially on highways
- Gear throw is light and short and the clutch is crisp in nature
- The car will stay easily planted even at high speeds
- Handling and comfort on broken and uneven roads are at par with some of the costlier cars thanks to the suspension which is harder than the usual
- Shorter wheelbase ensures that you can pass almost all speed breakers seamlessly
- Quality of the materials used for the interiors is top class
- Height adjustable driver seat
- Good overall outside visibility aiding shorter drivers due to well positioned ORVMs and large windows
What’s Not So Hot:
- In lower priced variants, the music system has been set up much closer to the passenger than the driver
- Boot space is not that high
- The boot lip is higher than the average car which makes the process of luggage retrieval or placement a bit cumbersome
- Rear seats can only hold up to 2 medium sized adults at max
- Leg room is on the lower side which won’t work for tall people
- Rear hatch is all glass which is inconvenient
- Presence of the tail lamps with the huge glass hatch and the big sized stop lamp doesn’t quite fit
Conclusion:
With a drive to die for, Brio comes equipped with a 1.2 litre VTEC engine which successfully produces 87 BHP and 109 Nm, which is incredibly higher than the counterparts in the market today. Moreover, with an impressive 5 speed manual based transmission and a relatively low weight of 920 kgs, the car becomes a treat to drive. For both city driving and longer journeys, this one won’t disappoint you. Ergo, if you want a well balanced car which treats you well during daily traffic or travelling at high speeds on the highways, then getting the Honda Brio is a no brainer.
Also read: 30 Best Car Accessories (2017) to Make your Car look More Fabulous
At Last...
Whether you were looking to find the best petrol cars under 6 lakhs or the best diesel cars under 6 lakhs, we hope your decision making process has gotten a whole lot easier.
Getting just the right car is no child’s play as there is an ample amount of research which enters the picture. You might keep drowning in the numbers all day long, but ultimately you should go with what your heart suggests. A balance between performance and mileage, exteriors and interiors, maintenance costs and durability factors, leg space and boot space is what’s needed.
After all that has been said and done, which one would you choose?
