
Now that you’ve decided to undertake that ordeal or the journey which would lead you to find the set of wheels which personify you in every sense, you ought to do it right. With the advent of technology and the frantic nature of the automobile market these days, the age-old famous brands are coming up with newer cars every day apart from optimizing their already existing models. Not just that, new brands are also on the rise because of the fact that in a nation like ours, the demand is always more than the supply.Today we are going to write an article on the topic of Top 5 Cars Under 8 Lakhs in India
One can find millions and millions of customers for every possible price range. While some look for comfort and design, others look for performance and speed. When some might prioritize fuel efficiency and mileage, others might only be looking for classy interiors and bold exteriors. While some are brand conscious at a cellular level, others only care about how that car drives be it from a recognizable or a fairly nascent brand. Since the parameters are too many, one often feels spoilt for choice and the brainstorming and research may seem like a tedious process.
Fret not though! We’ve compiled our own list of good cars below 8 lakhs which will definitely satiate your senses and make your decision-making process a whole lot easier. The list not only contains new cars under 8 lakhs, it contains something for everybody in both petrol and diesel variants.
Top 5 Cars Under 8 Lakhs in India for the Ambitious Buyer
Finding and finalizing the best cars under 8 lakhs was no mean feat! Clearly, everyone possesses different tastes and the same factors might appeal to different people in varied ways. The list was created whilst keeping the most important factors under the microscope like the quality of interiors, highly defined and aesthetically pleasing dynamic exteriors, consistent performance, high fuel efficiency, safety features, and a lot more.
The cars under the cosh today are the eccentric and fuel efficient Honda Amaze, the new and improved Hyundai Xcent, the ever so reliable Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire, the high on power Fiat Punto and the consistent Maruti Suzuki Swift.
So if you’re still wondering if you can buy a good car in India within 8 lakhs, here’s the entire gist along with a complimentary ‘What’s hot’ and ‘What’s not so hot’ section:
Honda Amaze: Price – Rs. 5 Lakhs to Rs. 7.55 Lakhs
The newest car in town, Honda Amaze has clearly taken the automobile industry by storm having garnered its own space in the said niche effectively. There’s a reason why you can see so many Amazes on the roads today especially city roads.
One of the most wholesomely packaged city cars; you can rest assured that you’re getting a good balance of everything with the Amaze. The design has been based on the Honda Brio which clearly shows. Apart from a few minor tweaks, the front fascia looks completely identical.
Changes, however, appear as you go back with the nicely integrated boot and a rear heavy appeal. Some dynamic entities have been added to the overall car setup including the likes of ORVM integrated turn indicators, chrome grille, sharp rising body lines and a chrome bar on the boot.
That being said, the dashboard design might not appeal everyone’s eyes though as it contains an amalgamation of a variety of themes.
Overall, it rightfully cements the fact that Honda always gives comfort and driveability a top priority. When it comes to sheer driving dynamics, you wouldn’t find it any better when compared to similar cars in the automobile segment.
What’s Hot
- The car is spacious in its entirety as the wheelbase has been extended by around 6 cm over the Honda Brio
- Both rear and front seats are well designed and comfortable especially over longer routes
- There is ample leg space in the car as well
- The boot is a mammoth 400-liter version which can easily accommodate an entire family’s luggage for many days
- Best in class drive-dynamics on the road
- Low seating is provided which is ideal for shorter drivers and aids in good visibility
- Presence of large windows and a low dashboard
- Ultra responsive steering wheel and a short throw gearbox which further supplements the drive
- Highly effective and consistent engine and a stable suspension setup
What’s Not So Hot
- For diesel variants, the noise on the road creeps in while driving
- The diesel clatter is utterly noticeable during idling
- The NVH levels for diesel variants is much higher especially when compared to other counterparts in the market
- Quality of materials used for the interiors might be bit of a letdown, which is a tad ironical given it belongs to the Honda brigade
- Some of the plastics used might seem a bit too coarse
- The supposedly effective 2-DIN audio system and manual AC controls are also inferior in general
- Dashboard design is far from prolific and might not fit in
- The window-line is sharply rising though which is bad for rear passengers in general.
Specifications
- Engine: 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol / 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder diesel
- Power (Petrol/Diesel): 87 BHP / 99 BHP
- Torque (Petrol/Diesel): 109 Nm / 200 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual, 5-speed AT (only on petrol)
- Mileage (Petrol/Petrol AT/Diesel): 18 KMPL / 15.5 KMPL / 25.8 KMPL
- Range (Petrol/Petrol AT/Diesel): 630 Km / 543 Km / 908 Km
Conclusion
A decent performer in almost every segment, you won’t be disappointed if you go for the Honda Amaze. Barring a few tweaks here and there, it has simply got everything for a car in this range. With impressive looks, high-quality exteriors, fuel efficiency to die for and a highly consistent drive both on shorter and longer routes, Honda Amaze is the perfect family car out there.
Hyundai Xcent: Price – Rs. 4.66 Lakhs to Rs. 7.42 Lakhs
Hyundai Xcent just like Honda Amaze has also been based on a hatchback belonging to the same automobile envelope of Hyundai – the Grand i10. From the exteriors, it is a tad difficult to differentiate the two as they’re quite similar in all aspects. Arguably the only different factor is the chrome which surrounds the entire low air-dam. At the back, the healthy boot has been seamlessly integrated which provides a nice and neat finish to the car.
Right from the relatively larger air-dams to sleek and dynamic headlights to the tiny grille and the simple rear side which exhibits large tail lamps, the overall design of the Hyundai Xcent is smart and chic. The design is not too loud from any aspect which exudes a sense of simplicity and sophistication further complementing the dynamic design of the car. This comes as a much-needed change from the various other cars belonging to the segment which go for a more chrome based design. The inside of the car is of premium quality as well which includes a well-equipped dashboard. Moreover, it comes with a dual tone design wherein the black plastics seamlessly gel with the beige colored interiors. The seat fabrics used also brighten up the space inside the Xcent cabin.
What’s Hot
- Even though the car hasn’t been extended to the level of the Grand i10, Xcent is pretty much spacious from the inside.
- Ample leg room for rear passengers
- Materials used inside the cabin are of a high quality and are comfortable to touch and feel
- The car possesses a steering wheel on the softer side which is nice and comfy to grip and hold
- Comes with effective rear AC vents which definitely is one of the biggest USP considering the interiors of the car. Of course, the car stays respectively cooler quicker in the summer.
- The window line is flat in nature which comes as a relief especially to the rear passengers who’re on the shorter side
- Windows are relatively large in size which allows a lot of light inside the cabin making it airy
- As seen in various other counterparts, the Hyundai Xcent doesn’t suffer from the troubles of bobbing rear suspension which results in an overall relaxed drive
- Steering is extremely light and comfy to be used in the city
- Even for the various diesel variants, the NVH levels are impressively good
- Gear level has been handsomely dash-mounted which makes it much easier to use
- Clutch feels light to press on
- Engine is energetic and young in a wholesome sense
- Overall, driving aficionados will love the essence of the Xcent
What’s Not Hot
- Steering might not feel too direct especially at relatively higher speeds
- The handling of the car is not as sure-footed as you’d like it to be when you’re packing faster speeds on the highways
- The feel of the steering wheel is anything but confidence inspiring at higher speeds
- Front seats might seem a tad too firm even though the comfort factor is good enough for longer journeys
- Back angle of the rear seats is not ideal, and some might find it a tad too leaned backward
- The cabin is overall on the narrow side and is capable of supporting only 4 people comfortably in the car.
Specifications
- Engine: 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol / 1.1-litre, 3-cylinder diesel
- Power (Petrol/Diesel): 82 BHP / 71 BHP
- Torque (Petrol/Diesel): 114 Nm / 180 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed AT (only petrol)
- Mileage(Petrol/Petrol AT/Diesel): 16.3 KMPL/ NA / 22.28 KMPL
- Range (Petrol/Petrol AT/Diesel): 701 Km / NA / 958 Km
Conclusion
Witness this Hyundai marvel in all its glory and bask in the driveability of the Xcent be it city or on longer routes. With a well-balanced look on the outside further complemented by sleek interiors, this is a treat to drive in. One of the most wholesome family cars in this price bracket, you can never go wrong with a Hyundai Xcent. Just exhibit better control at higher speeds and you’re good to go!
Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire: Price - 4.85 Lakhs to 7.32 Lakhs
The less we say about the Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire, the better it will be! It is one of those rare automobiles which have become a common household name, further spreading the Maruti Swift bandwagon.
Much like an improved version of the hatchback, Swift Dzire is a credible extension with a very noticeable boot space barring other minor tweaks. Even though it seems like it was released long ago, Swift Dzire is still a car for today.
The exterior design is shaped by the trademark floating roof element, a handsomely stubby foot, and the swept-back headlights.
The interiors are comfortable and aesthetically pleasing thanks to the amalgamation of the beige and black colors which fit in perfectly. Swift used to come with an all-black interior color scheme which wasn’t as airy and comforting as the Swift Dzire.
The dashboard design hasn’t been drastically changed but it still enough to retain the simplicity and the ease of use provided by Maruti cars. Moreover, there’s also an essence of the faux-wood which adds another dimension to the inside of the cabin.
One of the best selling cars in the nation, Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire rightfully brings about a wholesome package combined with the ever so reliable Maruti service and high resale costs.
What’s Hot
- Comes with a low maintenance quotient i.e. you won’t need to spend big
- Repairs would never cost a bomb
- High resale value
- The engine is not only fuel efficient but highly responsive as well especially the diesel variants
- Types of equipment used are of high quality
- Overall ride quality of the car is admirable
- Stability of the car is credible in its entirety
- The driver seat occupies a tall seating position which comes as a treat for shorter drivers
- The steering unit is ultra responsive in nature
- Comes with a smooth short-throw style gearbox which is a treat to use
- High on fuel efficiency and good mileage numbers especially when compared to similar cars in the segment
What’s Not Hot
- For diesel variants, the clutch might seem a tad too heavy
- The overall suspension setup is more on the softer side
- Below 2000 RPM, you will notice the diesel suffer from turbo lag until the impressive torque surge kicks in
- Not enough leg room at the back
- Seating space at the rear is not what you’d expect. Much like the Suzuki Swift, the rear seating space was compromised to give the boot a bit more structure and volume.
Specifications
- Engine (Petrol / Diesel): 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder, petrol / 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder, diesel
- Power (Petrol / Diesel): 86 BHP / 74 BHP
- Torque (Petrol / Diesel): 114 Nm / 190 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual / 4-speed AT (Petrol only)
- Mileage (Petrol / Petrol AT / Diesel): 19.1 KMPL / 17.4 KMPL / 23.4 KMPL
- Range (Petrol / Petrol AT / Diesel): 802 Km / 748 Km / 983 Km
Conclusion
If you’re a frequent traveler by car, the Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire will do you well. Enjoy the comfortable and efficient drive consistently on the road. If you’re okay with a compromised rear seating space, there aren’t too many arrears in the Dzire repertoire. I would personally recommend this one if a higher mileage and fuel efficiency floats your boat.
Fiat Punto: Price – 4.99 Lakhs to 7.71 Lakhs
Fiat Punto or the mini-powerhouse as it is often termed is a higher premium hatchback, one which was released back in the year 2009 coming in both diesel and petrol variants.
However, the new and improved Punto Evo which was released in 2014 comes equipped with a wide array of changes which has increased the overall appeal of the car both from the inside and the outside.
With a face-lifted design, the overall proportions of the car are dynamic and appealing in every sense thanks to the sleek fascia, swept-back headlights, aesthetically pleasing Fiat logo and a cool bumper look with the mesh air intake. Fog lamp housing and the middle portion of the grille exhibit well-defined chrome.
The design is definitely modern and exudes a state-of-the-art sporty look and feel.
What’s Hot
- The car comes with interiors which are synonymous with the highly impressive Fiat Linea which includes a dynamic instrument cluster and an upgraded dashboard.
- Impressive storage space in the cabin
- Automatic headlamps and rain sensing wipers
- Comes equipped with rear AC vents and remote keyless entry is also possible
- Top end variants come laden with leather trim for seats, cruise control, impressive 16-inch alloy wheels and climate control as well
- Well rounded and balanced engine with consistent performance
- Impressive torque to feast on
- One of the best handling cars in the segment, the Punto Evo comes with a highly responsive and communicative steering wheel especially at higher speeds
- Suspension is well designed which makes it stable
What’s Not So Hot
- Low fuel efficiency for the petrol variants
- Shift action of the gearbox is on the heavier side
- Engine might feel strained at higher speeds
- High maintenance costs
- Base variants lack EBD and ABS
- Can be noisy at times
- No music system in the entry level variants
Specifications
- Engine: 1172 cc, Petrol, 67 bhp @ 6000 RPM power
- Engine: 1248 cc, Diesel, 75 bhp @ 4000 RPM power
- Gearboxes: 5-speed, Manual, Front Wheel Drive
- Gearboxes: 5-speed, Manual, FWD
- Engine: 1248 cc, Diesel, 90 bhp @ 4000 RPM power
- Engine: 1368 cc, Petrol, 89 bhp @ 6000 RPM power
- 5 seater
- Power steering
- Petrol Mileage 15.8 Km/L
- Diesel Mileage 21.2 Km/L
Conclusion
With a best in class pick up and acceleration, Punto Evo is tailor-made for driving enthusiasts who bask in the glory of torque and high-speed driving. The sporty exteriors exude masculinity from every sense.
Maruti Suzuki Swift: Price – 4.7 Lakhs to 7.4 Lakhs
Time for another Maruti edition, the Suzuki Swift is a terrific example of how the brand brings out cars which are tailor-made to suit the general public. Offering just the right balance between performance and price, this car has grown to be loved by the Indian masses.
A hatchback which is dynamic and aesthetically pleasing in nature comes laden with moderate power and an impressive mileage number along with comfortable interiors.
What’s Hot
- High resale value
- High fuel efficiency
- Low maintenance costs
- Comfortable seats which are adjustable in nature and classy interiors
- Sporty and dynamic exteriors
- 3 spoke steering wheel
- Smooth gear shifting
- Safety features like ABS, EBD, parking sensors, airbags, brake assist feature and security alarm system are all present
What’s Not So Hot
- Legroom at the rear is not that high
- Engine isn’t as strong and robust as you’d like it to be
- Cabin is not that spacious
- Heavy black interiors make the cabin un-airy.
Specifications
- Engines - 1197 cc, Petrol, 83 bhp @ 6000 RPM power
- Engines - 1248 cc, Diesel, 74 bhp @ 4000 RPM power
- Gearboxes: 5-speed, Manual, Front Wheel Drive
- Gearboxes: 5-speed, Manual, FWD
- 5 seater
- Power steering
Conclusion
Swift is just the type of car that you would love to drive on the Indian roads thanks to its overall performance, fuel efficiency, and sporty exteriors.
Final Conclusion
This list containing some of the best petrol cars under 8 Lakhs and the best diesel cars under 8 Lakhs, will surely act as a credible go-to reference when you decide to buy a car for yourself. Please do your researches well before you take the plunge.
And don’t forget to tell us which car from the list above caught your eye the most.
You may like our other articles in this category
10 Best Cars Under 20 Lakhs You Can Bring Home Today
Top 10 Used Cars Under $5000 Which Will Satisfy Your Needs
10 Best Used Cars Under 10000 Dollars to buy one in 2017
These Are The Best Cars You can Buy under Rs 5 Lakhs in India
Top 10 Used Cars Under $8000 (2017) You Need To Think about
6 Best Cars under 3 Lakhs in India for Those Who Want Value for Money