Engines of a displacement 1000cc were once considered significant only for mid-size and luxury cars. However, the automobile industry has successfully broken this myth with a technological breakthrough. Today, 1000cc motors are used in SUVs and smaller cars such as hatchbacks and sedans.

So, if you plan on buying a new car, the task can give you a tough road ahead. Therefore, continue reading about the top 9 1000cc cars in India in 2024 to make the best purchase.

Also, remember to opt for a car insurance policy when buying your vehicle. It is mandatory as per the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 and can provide financial coverage for traffic fines, damage, accidents and theft. 

The cars in the 1000cc category boast improved efficiency and power output, resulting in the same mileage as a smaller-displacement engine with greater power.

Below is the list of India's most preferred 1000cc cars, ex-showroom prices, and key features.

1. Maruti S-Presso | Starting ₹4.26 Lakhs

The Maruti S-Presso is available in petrol and a CNG engine variant and has automatic and manual transmission options. The car has a small footprint and a 4.5-metre turn radius, making it easily navigable on congested roads.

Moreover, it has safety features like rear parking sensors, anti-lock braking system, driver and passenger side airbags, seat belt warning, engine immobiliser, etc., ensuring a safe driving experience.     

Key Specifications:

• Engine Displacement: 998cc
• Maximum Power: 55.92bhp@5300rpm
• Maximum Torque: 82.1Nm@3400rpm
• Mileage: 24.12 kmpl
• Seating Capacity: 4

2. Renault Kwid | Starting ₹4.70 Lakhs

The Renault Kwid is a compact hatchback with an SUV-like stance and excellent ground clearance. It has a single 1.0L natural aspirated petrol engine option and is available in manual and automated manual transmission (AMT) variants.

Regarding its features, the Renault Kwid has three drive modes: a multi-functioning steering wheel, adjustable front seats, rear parking sensors, manual climate control, and much more. Additionally, the car has two airbags, ABS, traction control, TPMS, hill assist, seatbelt warning, etc., thus providing a safe driving experience.   

Key Specifications:

• Engine Displacement: 999cc
• Maximum Power: 67.06bhp@5500rpm
• Maximum Torque: 91Nm@4250rpm
• Mileage: 22.3 kmpl
• Seating Capacity: 5

3. Renault Kiger | Starting ₹6 Lakhs

The Renault Kiger can be an excellent choice if you are looking for a highly fuel-efficient sub-4m SUV. This car offers two petrol engine options - 1.0L natural aspirated petrol and 1.0L turbo petrol - in automatic and manual transmission variants.

It has a 40-litre fuel tank and a 730 km driving range. Additionally, the car has a 2,500 mm wheelbase and 205 mm ground clearance, making it suitable for both highway rides and off-roading.    

Key Specifications:

• Engine Displacement: 999cc
• Maximum Power: 98.63bhp@5000rpm
• Maximum Torque: 152Nm@2200-4400rpm
• Mileage: 18.24 kmpl
• Seating Capacity: 5

4. Maruti Suzuki Fronx | Starting ₹7.51 Lakhs

The Maruti Suzuki Fronx is a compact SUV that comes in 2 petrol engines (998cc and 1197cc) and 1 CNG engine (1197cc) variants. It is also available in automatic and manual transmission options and clocks a top speed of 180 kmph.

This SUV comes with a 190 mm ground clearance, 16-inch alloy wheels and a 2,520 mm wheelbase, making it suitable for highway and off-road adventures. Moreover, it has features like cruise control, automatic climate control, height-adjustable driver seat, etc., that provide high comfort during long driving sessions.

Key Specifications:

• Engine Displacement: 998cc
• Maximum Power: 98.69bhp@5500rpm
• Maximum Torque: 147.6Nm@2000-4500rpm
• Mileage: 20.01 kmpl
• Seating Capacity: 5

5. Kia Sonet 2024 | Starting ₹7.99 Lakhs

Kia Sonet is the South Korean automobile manufacturer’s entry-level offering. It is available in 3 petrol engines (998cc, 1197cc and 1199cc) and one diesel engine (1493cc) options, along with both manual and automatic transmission variants.

With a 45-litre fuel tank capacity, 205 mm ground clearance and a 2,445 mm wheelbase, the Kia Sonet can be your perfect partner for city and off-road trips. Moreover, this SUV has features like electric adjustable front seats, ABS, automatic climate control, cruise control, etc., to facilitate a comfortable driving experience.

Key Specifications:

• Engine Displacement: 998cc
• Maximum Power: 118bhp@6000rpm
• Maximum Torque: 172Nm@1500-4000rpm
• Mileage: 17 kmpl
• Seating Capacity: 5

6. Hyundai i20 N Line | Starting ₹9.99 Lakhs

If you are looking for a hatchback, especially for daily commuting, the Hyundai i20 N Line can be a smart choice. Due to its compact size, this car offers easy manoeuvrability, which can help you effortlessly navigate congested Indian streets.     

The Hyundai i20 N Line has a single petrol engine option available in both automatic and manual transmission systems. It has three drive modes that allow you to tweak the vehicle’s performance to suit your needs.    

Key Specifications:

• Engine Displacement: 998cc 
• Maximum Power: 118.41bhp@6000rpm
• Maximum Torque: 172Nm@1500-4000rpm
• Mileage: 20.2 kmpl
• Seating Capacity: 5

7. Skoda Slavia | Starting ₹11.53 Lakhs

The Skoda Slavia has two petrol engine variants (999cc and 1498cc) and manual and automatic transmission options. Coming to features, this car has rear parking sensors, automatic climate control, power windows in the front and rear, an accessory power outlet and much more.

Furthermore, it sports safety features like driver and passenger side airbags, anti-lock braking system, front fog lights, etc., making it suitable for use on both city streets and highways.

Key Specifications:

• Engine Displacement: 999cc
• Maximum Power: 113.98bhp@5000-5500rpm
• Maximum Torque: 178Nm@1750-4500rpm
• Mileage: 18.41 kmpl
• Seating Capacity: 5

8. Skoda Kushaq | Starting ₹11.89 Lakhs

Skoda Kushaq is an entry-level SUV offered by the Czech automobile manufacturer. It comes in 2 petrol engine options (999cc and 1498cc) and is available in automatic and manual transmission systems.

The 999cc version of this SUV has a 3-cylinder 1.0 TSI petrol engine and a top speed of 170 kmph. It also has 188 mm unladen ground clearance, a 2782 mm wheelbase, and 16-inch wheels that allow it to go off-road quickly.       

Key Specifications:

• Engine Displacement: 999cc
• Maximum Power: 113.98bhp@5000-5500rpm
• Maximum Torque: 178Nm@1750-4500rpm
• Mileage: 18.09 kmpl
• Seating Capacity: 5

9. Hyundai Venue N Line | Starting ₹12.08 Lakhs

If you want a stylish and compact SUV that you can use both on and off-road, the Hyundai Venue N Line can be an intelligent choice. It has a powerful Kappa 1.0 l turbo GDi engine that produces a top speed of 165 kmph.

Moreover, this car has both manual and automatic transmission variants. It has numerous safety features like six airbags, ABS, day & night rearview mirror, TPMS, front and rear disc brakes and more.    

Key Specifications:

• Engine Displacement: 998cc
• Maximum Power: 118.41bhp@6000rpm
• Maximum Torque: 172Nm@1500-4000rpm
• Mileage: 18 kmpl
• Seating Capacity: 5 

Car buyers can take this list of 9 best 1000cc cars in India into account to bring home an affordable yet powerful model with the latest design and advanced tech. Further, one must also assess other features of these cars to ensure that they lay their hands on the best one.

Additionally, please remember to buy at least a third-party car insurance policy to ensure that you get financial coverage for damages done by your vehicle to third parties in case of unfortunate accidents.