Introduction
Buying your first new car is one of the most exciting milestones in life. Whether it’s for daily office commutes, family drives, or those long weekend trips, your first car becomes more than just a vehicle – it’s a companion on the road.
With so many new car prices in India climbing upwards, finding a reliable and feature-packed option under ₹10 lakh might feel tricky. But the good news is, 2025 has given us some fantastic cars under 10 lakh that balance style, safety, mileage, and affordability.
In this blog, we have handpicked the top 10 cars under ₹10 lakh for first-time buyers, giving you full details of their car prices, engines, features, mileage, pros, and cons. This will help you compare models easily before booking your dream ride.
1. Maruti Suzuki Swift – The Evergreen Hatchback
Ex-showroom Price: ~₹6.49 lakh*
Engine & Power: 1.2L petrol, ~80 bhp, manual & AMT options
Mileage: ~22-25 kmpl
Seating: 5
The Maruti Swift continues to be the first choice for many new buyers because of its proven reliability, fuel efficiency, and low maintenance. It’s sporty, easy to drive in city traffic, and backed by Maruti’s massive service network.
Why first-time buyers love it:
- Fuss-free ownership
- Excellent mileage
- High resale value
Cons: Basic features in entry-level trims.
2. Hyundai Exter – SUV Style in a Small Package
Ex-showroom Price: ~₹6.20 lakh onwards
Engine & Power: 1.2L petrol, 82 bhp, manual/AMT
Mileage: ~18-20 kmpl
The Hyundai Exter is a micro-SUV that brings rugged looks at hatchback prices. Tall stance, bold design, and SUV-like appeal make it perfect for buyers who want something different from regular hatchbacks.
Why first-time buyers love it:
- SUV feels at an affordable price
- Hyundai’s feature-loaded cabin
- Good ground clearance for Indian roads
Cons: Top trims easily cross ₹10 lakh.
3. Tata Punch – Built Tough, Feels Safe
Ex-showroom Price: ~₹6.13 lakh onwards
Engine: 1.2L petrol, 86 bhp
Mileage: ~19-20 kmpl
The Tata Punch has made its mark as one of the safest and sturdiest cars in its segment. It’s built tough, offers SUV-like clearance, and feels very solid on Indian roads.
Why first-time buyers love it:
- 5-star safety rating (earlier versions)
- Rugged design, perfect for mixed road conditions
- Comfortable seating
Cons: Base trims are limited in features.
4. Nissan Magnite – Big Car Feel, Small Car Price
Ex-showroom Price: ~₹6.14 lakh onwards
Engine Options: 1.0L petrol (NA & turbo)
Mileage: ~18-20+ kmpl
The Nissan Magnite has changed the compact SUV game by offering bold design and practical features at an aggressive price point. Its turbo engine variants give extra performance, making it fun to drive.
Why first-time buyers love it:
- Great value for money
- Turbo engine for enthusiasts
- Stylish compact SUV appeals
Cons: Nissan’s service network is limited compared to Maruti/Hyundai.
5. Renault Kiger – Stylish & Updated
Ex-showroom Price: ~₹6.30 lakh onwards
Engine Options: 1.0L petrol (NA & turbo)
Mileage: ~18-20 kmpl
The recently facelifted Renault Kiger (2025) now looks sharper, with fresh styling and added features like ventilated seats in higher trims. It’s youthful, stylish and well-priced.
Why first-time buyers love it:
- Eye-catching looks
- Feature-rich at a budget
- Spacious for a small SUV
Cons: Smaller dealer reach in smaller towns.
6. Tata Altroz – Safe & Spacious Hatch
Ex-showroom Price: ~₹6.89 lakh onwards
Engine Options: 1.2L petrol (NA & turbo)
Mileage: ~18-20 kmpl
The Altroz is Tata’s premium hatchback with a strong focus on safety and cabin space. It feels solidly built and offers good comfort for family buyers.
Why first-time buyers love it:
- 5-star safety rating (earlier NCAP test)
- Spacious cabin
- Premium interiors
Cons: Higher entry price than other hatchbacks.
7. Maruti Suzuki Baleno – Premium Practicality
Ex-showroom Price: ~₹6.74 lakh onwards
Engine: 1.2L petrol, ~88 bhp
Mileage: ~20-22 kmpl
The Baleno is Maruti’s premium hatch, offering more space and features than the Swift. It’s smooth to drive, fuel-efficient, and extremely popular in India.
Why first-time buyers love it:
- Spacious and practical
- Smooth drive
- Strong resale value
Cons: Top trims are close to ₹10 lakh.
8. Hyundai i20 – Premium Hatch with Modern Features
Ex-showroom Price: ~₹7.51 lakh onwards
Engine: 1.2L petrol
Mileage: ~16-18 kmpl
The i20 is known for its modern interiors and premium design. While its starting price is a little higher, the base and mid variants still fall under the ₹10 lakh mark.
Why first-time buyers love it:
- Premium cabin feel
- Hyundai’s reliability
- Advanced features in mid trims
Cons: Entry price is higher than others.
9. Tata Tiago – The Affordable Starter
Ex-showroom Price: ~₹5 lakh onwards
Engine: 1.2L petrol + CNG options
Mileage: ~19-21 kmpl (petrol), 26+ km/kg (CNG)
The Tiago is one of the most budget-friendly cars for new buyers. With CNG options, it’s extremely cost-effective to run.
Why first-time buyers love it:
- Lowest entry price on this list
- CNG option for savings
- Compact yet practical
Cons: Base trims are basic in features.
10. Maruti Suzuki WagonR – Tall-Boy Favourite
Ex-showroom Price: ~₹5.79 lakh onwards
Engine Options: 1.0L & 1.2L petrol, CNG option
Mileage: ~20-24 kmpl (petrol), 32+ km/kg (CNG)
The WagonR is India’s tall-boy classic. It’s easy to get in and out of, very fuel efficient, and offers unbeatable practicality for city driving.
Why first-time buyers love it:
- Spacious cabin despite compact footprint
- Excellent mileage
- Wide Maruti service network
Cons: Conservative design and average highway stability.
Buying Tips for First-Time Car Buyers
- Set your priority: Mileage, safety, features, or style — decide what matters most.
- Check on-road price: Always compare new car prices on-road, not just ex-showroom.
- Test drive: Feel the car in traffic and on highways before booking.
- Insurance & resale: Factor in long-term value, especially for Maruti and Hyundai models.
- Fuel type: If your daily running is high, consider CNG for savings.
Conclusion
There has never been a better time for first-time buyers to choose from so many cars under 10 lakh. From budget-friendly hatchbacks like the Tiago and WagonR, to SUV-style models like the Punch, Magnite, and Exter, and premium hatches like the Baleno, Altroz, and i20, there’s something for everyone.
Your decision should depend on what matters most: affordability, fuel efficiency, features, or safety. Whatever you choose, these new cars ensure you start your driving journey with style, comfort, and peace of mind.
Comparison Table – Top 10 Cars Under ₹10 Lakh 2025
| Car Model | Starting Price (Ex-showroom) | Engine | Mileage (claimed) | Transmission | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maruti Suzuki Swift | ₹6.49 L | 1.2L Petrol (80 bhp) | 22–25 kmpl | Manual / AMT | Balanced city + highway use |
| Hyundai Exter | ₹6.20 L | 1.2L Petrol (82 bhp) | 18–20 kmpl | Manual / AMT | SUV styling at hatchback price |
| Tata Punch | ₹6.13 L | 1.2L Petrol (86 bhp) | 19–20 kmpl | Manual / AMT | Rugged build, safety-first buyers |
| Nissan Magnite | ₹6.14 L | 1.0L Petrol (NA/Turbo) | 18–20+ kmpl | Manual / CVT | Budget SUV with turbo option |
| Renault Kiger | ₹6.30 L | 1.0L Petrol (NA/Turbo) | 18–20 kmpl | Manual / CVT | Stylish compact SUV |
| Tata Altroz | ₹6.89 L | 1.2L Petrol (NA/Turbo) | 18–20 kmpl | Manual / DCA | Safety & space |
| Maruti Suzuki Baleno | ₹6.74 L | 1.2L Petrol (88 bhp) | 20–22 kmpl | Manual / AMT | Practical premium hatch |
| Hyundai i20 | ₹7.51 L | 1.2L Petrol | 16–18 kmpl | Manual | Premium hatch, features |
| Tata Tiago | ₹5.00 L | 1.2L Petrol / CNG | 19–21 kmpl (Petrol) / 26+ (CNG) | Manual / AMT | Budget & CNG option |
| Maruti Suzuki WagonR | ₹5.79 L | 1.0L / 1.2L Petrol + CNG | 20–24 kmpl / 32+ (CNG) | Manual / AMT | Practical city car |
You can also explore trusted car service workshops near you to keep your new car running smoothly.