Have you always dreamt of getting or buying your perfect car but always felt short on money? Do you often feel that some of the lesser priced cars might not fit your standards or your specifications demand? Well, sorry to burst your bubble but you would be happy to know that even with a maximum price point of 7 lakhs, you can get the car of your dreams without one shadow of a doubt. Maybe, you just don’t know it yet! Ergo, we’ve compiled a list of the best cars under 7 lakhs to suit your budget and satiate your senses.
Before we proceed ahead, let me warn you that opting for a good car in India within 7 lakhs is no easy feat, not because there aren’t many worthy options, but because the options are just too many. Be it petrol or diesel, there will be many variants at your disposal. They might be high on maintenance, might come with a consistent mileage, have sturdy exteriors, classy and sophisticated interiors, exciting music system, robust wheels which don’t fade away, colours that sparkle like the sun, and comfort which makes you feel like the king of the world.
Don’t be misled by the price range that is being considered here, as whatever car you do pick, it will be good value for money given the balance of specifications and the cash you will be spending. It’s about analyzing the details, planning your budgets, and then going with what you feel is right. The process of buying a car is much more than acquiring a set of wheels.
The cars under the microscope today are Maruti Ritz, Tata Indigo, Hyundai Grand i10, Tata Zest and Chevrolet Beat. These under 7 Lakhs and definitely deserve your attention:
Maruti Ritz: Price - 4.5 Lakhs to 6.6 Lakhs
A common man’s best friend, Maruti has time and time again come up with automobiles which are tailor made for the ‘Aam Aadmi’ so as to speak. One for the families, these are a bunch of budget cars which are high on mileage and consistent performance. And Maruti Ritz is no different!
Affordable to almost all sections of the society, Ritz has now become a common term in the Indian households. Maruti has clearly succeeded in bringing all the aspects of the comfort quotient within the interiors of a hatchback in the form of Ritz.
It has a new front design which gives it a unique and aesthetic appeal. Moreover, you can be rest assured about the safety quotient of this car as the control rests in the hands of the driver.
The amalgamation of an electronic brake force distribution mechanism and the anti lock braking system makes it a non-risky drive even on longer routes. The classic and comfortable interiors will definitely make you feel that you’ve spent more than you actually have.
The hatchback has been intelligently spaced inside with an impressive storage capacity. Most importantly, it has got a mouth watering mileage of 23.2 kmpl for the top diesel variants which is certainly great news for frequent travellers and office goers.
What’s Hot:
- Dynamic exterior design which makes it look ergonomically appealing
- The ever so reliable Maruti promise
- Low maintenance costs and best in class mileage
- Audio controls present in the steering wheel only in top variants though
- Provision for keyless entry
- Impressive boot space of 236 litres which can be further increased due to the 60:40 split rear seat ratio
- New and improved multi information display
- Premium SRS airbags to ensure maximum safety of the driver and the co-driver against collisions
- Stylish and comfortable seats which have been stitched in a dual tone colour scheme which looks pleasing to the eyes
- Highly efficient braking mechanism
- Coming in a tall boy design, there is enough cabin space to fit 5 people comfortably
- Consistent outright performance with a moderate acceleration
- The gearbox is slick in nature and it showcases good drivability
What’s Not So Hot:
- Handling of the car is not that good
- Driving aficionados might not be too impressed by the performance
- Exhibits some amount of body roll on longer routes
- Apart from the airbags and ABS, the overall security is not that efficient
- The automatic version doesn’t showcase a good mileage quotient
Conclusion:
When you buy a Maruti, more often than not you will definitely be getting your money’s worth. And Maruti Ritz is no different! If you want to keep a track of your budget whilst enjoying moderately good interiors and an average performance, Ritz is a credible hatchback option. For frequent travellers, its mileage will surely come in handy but don’t expect to be impressed by its drive. However, it has a good turn radius and a decent enough ground clearance of 170 mm.
General Specifications:
- 1197 cc, Petrol, 85 bhp @ 6000 RPM power
- 1248 cc, Diesel, 73 bhp @ 4000 RPM power
- Gearboxes - 4-speed, Automatic, FWD
- Gearboxes - 5-speed, Manual, FWD
- 5 seater
- Power steering
Tata Indigo eCS: Price - Rs. 4.83 Lakhs to Rs. 5.89 Lakhs
Tata Indigo might not seem a good option on the face of it, but its economic nature and consistent mileage performance will blow you away. There’s a reason why most of the taxis and cabs you see on the road are Tata Indigos or Tata Indicas.
This is because in such a reasonable pricing range, it offers you the best in class mileage and fuel efficiency and an overall comfortable ride. Design wise, Indigo eCS is very very old but that as they say, never judge a book by its cover.
Since its launch back in the year 2002, the basic rear and front design of the car hasn’t seen any substantial changes. With blacked headlamps in the front and a highly prominent grille leaden with a classic chrome strip, the exteriors aren’t half bad. The boot is something which is eye catching due to its substantial size and multi-element tail lamps.
You can get the sense of the age of the car from the interiors which include a silver centre console, huge steering wheel and a black coloured plastic dashboard.
Even though Tata was one of the first few car manufacturers who brought in compact sedans on the Indian roads, but they’ve failed in a way that they haven’t updated the car according to the rising desires of the audience and the changing times. However, it is a good overall product for the reasonable price.
What’s Hot:
- When it comes to cabin space, there can be none better than the Indigo eCS
- Top class mileage
- High grade fuel efficiency
- Low maintenance costs
- Robust and sturdy exteriors
- Can withstand a lot of physical abuse without breaking down too much
- Good value for money
- Space efficient car
- Rear seats are very comfortable for 3 people
- Ideal for longer journeys and road trips
What’s Not So Hot:
- The design is outdated and the exteriors are anything but modern
- Not pleasing on the eyes inside and outside
- Driving might not feel that pleasant and smooth
- Pedals inside the car are weirdly placed along with an oversized steeting wheel
- Gearbox is anything but smooth and easy
- Plastic interiors aren’t long lasting and don’t give a pleasing appeal
Conclusion:
If you don’t care about how your car looks from the inside and the outside and cost efficiency is all you seek, then go for the Tata Indigo eCS. Keeping only mileage and fuel efficiency under the microscope, you will definitely be satiated with what you get. Moreover, if you travel on longer routes frequently or having a taxi/cab service business, then this one becomes a no brainer really.
General Specifications:
- Engine (Petrol/CNG/Diesel): 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder, petrol / 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder bi-fuel / 1.4-litre, 4-cylinder diesel
- Power (Petrol/CNG/Diesel): 64 BHP / 55 BHP / 69 BHP
- Torque (Petrol/CNG/Diesel): 100 Nm / 90 Nm / 140 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Mileage (Petrol/CNG/Diesel): 16 KMPL / 24.6 KMKg / 25 KMPL
- Range (Petrol/Petrol+CNG/Diesel): 672 Km / NA / 1050 Km
Hyundai Grand i10: Price - 4.8 Lakhs to 6.8 Lakhs
It was the Hyundai i10 which changed conventions and the automobile norms by tapping into a market which was largely dominated by Maruti when it comes to compact cars.
This mini treat was brought up by Hyundai which changed the way we looked at smaller cars. So much so, that the Hyundai i10 has now become a common household name.
Keeping up with this very successful trend, Hyundai has again come up with a highly improved version which goes by the name of the Grand i10. Right from the roof to the C-pillar to the back headlamps, these things and many more will cement the fact that it is a totally new car.
It doesn’t resemble the i10 in any way or form, and it is grander in every sense. With impressive looks on the outside and updated interiors, Hyundai Grand i10 brings about a wholesome package which is only further complemented by a smooth and comfortable drive.
The petrol variant holds the same Kappa 1.2 engine – dual VTVT version. With an impressive peak power of 83 bhp running at 6000 rpm, the 1197 cc engine holds up pretty well.
What’s Hot:
- Credible peak torque of 114 Nm running at 4000 rpm
- Due to its smart size, you don’t need to worry about parking space
- Impressive fluidic design on the outside
- Consistent performance in city and on longer drives as well
- Comfortable seating space all around
- Boot space is very high when compared to similar cars in the market
- Pleasing interiors which carry on the Hyundai bandwagon
- Music player is laden with features such as Aux-in, USB and Bluetooth compatibility
- Automatic version is also available which is commendable given the price range
What’s Not So Hot:
- No split in the rear seats
- Higher boot space reduces some of the leg space at the back
- Mileage is not considerably high
- Car is not known for its fuel efficiency
- High maintenance costs
Conclusion:
This one’s the best one out of the lot and my personal favourite on this entire list. As you can clearly see, there aren’t many things which aren’t working for this Grand i10. A perfectionist in every sense, this Hyundai Grand i10 will be everybody’s pal. Right from cool and snazzy interiors to wholesome dynamic exteriors, from consistent performance to moderate mileage, from a pinch of comfort to efficient performance – it is considerably good on all fronts. If you don’t want to compromise on the quality one bit, this is a godsend.
General Specifications:
- 1120 cc, Diesel, 70 bhp @ 4000 RPM power
- 1197 cc, Petrol, 79 bhp @ 6000 RPM power
- 1197 cc, Petrol, 81 bhp @ 6000 RPM power
- 998 cc, LPG, 66 bhp @ 6200 RPM power
- Gearboxes - 4-speed, Automatic, FWD
- Gearboxes - 5-speed, Manual, FWD
- 5 seater
- Power steering
Tata Zest: Price - Rs. 4.64 Lakhs to 6.99 Lakhs
Surprised with another Tata edition in this list? Well, you shouldn’t be as there is none better when it comes to rugged exteriors and mileage and the game of numbers per se.
What’s the difference between this particular edition and all other Tata cars out there? It is the fact that the brand has actually given design a top consideration here unlike many other automobiles.
Introducing an entirely nascent design policy, Tata has tried to correct many of the mistakes made by their previous car editions.
Basically, the first impression is what’s changed here. When you look at this car, you not only see unparalleled fuel efficiency and performance but also a sleek design. Of course, the look hasn’t changed 180 degree as the manufacturers’ still wanted to keep some of the Tata flavour intact.
With multi-element headlamps in the front, integrated indicators and projector lamps, the car exudes a dynamic appeal. The grille at the front gives a wedge shaped look which is further complemented by the headlamps, lower air dam, fog lamps and the chrome strip.
A spacious looking cabin as always and a huge boot, this one will definitely satisfy all frequent travellers and journey enthusiasts. Apart from the chrome strips along the window bottoms, the sleek alloy wheels have given Tata Zest a whole new dimension.
When you talk about the interiors, Tata Zest is like no other Tata car; so much so, that you wouldn’t believe your eyes.
The conventional bland looking age old trademark Tata interiors have been successfully replaced by a mature and talkative design thanks to the asymmetrical AC vents placed in the centre, dual tone dashboard, 3-spoke steering wheel which is integrated with multifunctional buttons.
Moreover, the instrument cluster this time around is very easy to read and it comes with an integrated informative digital screen.
What’s Hot:
- Massive interior space will definitely come in handy
- Efficient storage space inside the cabin
- Materials used for the cabin are of high quality
- Smart design with an airy feel inside which is much needed
- Doors open wide which aids getting in and out
- Lots of legroom making it comfortable for longer journeys
- Three spoke steering wheel is comfortable to hold with built-in grips
- Adjustable steering and the seat recline and reach is adjustable too
- Good numbers in terms of mileage and fuel efficiency
- Strong exteriors and easy repairs
- Low maintenance car
- Optimum suspension which deals with bumps and curvy roads in a noiseless manner
- Presence of Corner Braking Stability and ABS keeps things safe and secure even at extremely high speeds
- Steering stays solid throughout due to dual path struts and the anti pivot system
What’s Not So Hot:
- Design elements in the rear aren’t too defined
- Thick bumper and the presence of boot integrated number plate holder gives an off-beat look
- Rear tail lamps might seem too big
- Tall centre tunnel in the middle of the cabin which might seem uncomfortable for 3 people to manage who’re sitting at the back
- Absence of rear AC vents
- The diesel variants of the car are not so driver-oriented
- Overall exterior appeal of the car is still below par when compared with the other counterparts in the market
Conclusion:
If you’re looking to bag the Tata promise and reliability without compromising on the design and interiors, Tata Zest is the one for you. Vastly improved from all its previous editions, this one will take you by surprise. Going against conventions, the prospects of classy interiors, essence of design and sleek looks have actually been given a high priority by the car developers. Moreover, it is good to drive as well be it in the city or on longer roads.
General Specifications:
- Engine (Petrol/Diesel/Base Diesel): 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder, petrol / 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder diesel / 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder diesel
- Power (Petrol/Diesel/Base Diesel): 89 BHP / 89 BHP / 74 BHP
- Torque (Petrol/Diesel/Base Diesel): 140 Nm / 200 Nm / 190 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed Manual and 5-speed AMT (only with the diesel engine)
- Mileage (Petrol/Diesel/Base Diesel): 17.6 KMPL / NA / 23 KMPL
- Range (Petrol/Diesel/Base Diesel): 774 Km / NA / 1012 Km
Chevrolet Beat: Price - 4.3 Lakhs - 6.4 Lakhs
Hands down one of the best hatchbacks in the country, Chevrolet Beat needs no introduction. With the exciting promise of Chevrolet along with its no-compromise-attitude when it comes to quality and the essence of maximum customer satisfaction, the Beat has it all.
Ever heard of the saying ‘Good things come in small packages’? Well, that’s pretty much applicable to this small yet stylish automobile. For all football fanatics out there, did you know that Chevrolet has officially released a limited Manchester United edition of the car as well? Don’t pinch yourself because it’s actually true.
With stylish and dynamic looking exteriors and a petite sleek appeal to die for, Beat hits all the right buttons due to its ergonomic design.
Apart from that, it also has a pleasant internal cabin with illuminated instrument panel, seats which hug you, headlight cluster, dual tone bumper and jewel effect tail lamps. It exudes a highly sporty appeal thanks to its bold dual-port radiator grille in the front.
The car also comes with an impressive audio system which supports USB, Aux-in using four efficient speakers.
Moreover, it also comes with an extended warranty scheme.
What’s Hot:
- Spoiler mounted LED stop lamp and tinted glass windscreen makes it unique
- Well cushioned comfortable seats which are donned with semi fabric upholstery
- Petrol variant is high on performance whereas the diesel variant is economic in nature
- Available with 2 engine options
- Compact and petite size makes driving and parking easy
- Good fuel economy
- Funky and cool interiors
- Spacious cabin with ample shoulder and head space
What’s Not So Hot:
- Limited comfort in entry level variants
- No automatic transmission
- Low boot capacity
- Varied fuel economy
- Not enough leg space
Apart from all this, Beat is also loaded with essential safety features like ABS and seat belt with load limiter. Comfortable ride, dynamic design, trendy interiors, and a smile on your face are what you get in a Beat.
General Specifications:
- 1199 cc, Petrol, 79 bhp @ 6200 RPM power
- 936 cc, Diesel, 57 bhp @ 4000 RPM power
- Gearboxes - 5-speed, Manual, Front Wheel Drive
- 5 seater
- Power steering
Final thoughts on the List
This was our take on the best petrol cars under 7 lakhs and the best diesel cars under 7 lakhs. For some of you out there, this might be your first car ever which is a big deal, don’t you think? Now that you’ve decided to go on and get one for yourself, you ought to do it right.
Higher Budget? 11 Best Cars Below 10 Lakhs That Will (Truly) Win Your Heart
Lower Budget? These Are The Best Cars You can Buy under Rs 5 Lakhs in India
Also, let us know if we have missed out on a car which you feel is awesome and under 7 lakhs.
