14 Best Small Cars in India for Budget Buyers in 2026

source: tatamotors

Today we delve into India's top small cars, their tentative prices, features, and specifications. So, if you are planning to purchase a compact car, this list of the best small cars in India will be resourceful.

Without further ado, let’s get straight into the best small cars in India! 

When buying a car in India, securing car insurance is also crucial as it is mandatory by the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. It provides financial protection against accidents, theft, and damage, safeguarding your investment.  

Having car insurance saves you from hefty traffic fines, license suspension, and even legal trouble.  

The following are the best small cars in India in 2026:

1. Maruti S-Presso | Starting ₹3.50 Lakh

source: marutisuzuki

If you are listing the best small family cars in India, you should consider Maruti S-Presso. It comes in four trims, one with a CNG kit. This model will give you features and facilities like a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, and keyless entry. Furthermore, this model will offer safety features like rear parking sensors, dual airbags, speed alerts, and a front seatbelt reminder.

Key Specifications: 

• Engine displacement:  998 cc
• Power: 55.92 - 65.71 bhp
  
• Torque: 89Nm - 82.1Nm
• Transmission: Manual / Automatic
  
• Mileage: 24.12 - 25.3 kmpl
• Fuel: CNG / Petrol
  
• Seating capacity: 4
• Body type: Hatchback 

2. Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 | Starting ₹3.70 Lakh

source: marutisuzuki

This Maruti car is a household name and known for its reliability and affordability. The Alto K10 is a compact and affordable hatchback well-suited for city driving and daily use.

Despite its small size, the car offers decent boot space and practical features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, power windows, and essential safety tech. Overall, it is a reliable and budget-friendly choice for first-time buyers or anyone looking for a simple, efficient car.

Key Specifications: 

• Engine displacement: 998cc
  
• Power: 55.92 - 65.71 bhp
  
• Torque: 89Nm - 82.1Nm
  
• Transmission: Manual / Automatic
  
• Mileage: 24.39 - 24.9 kmpl
  
• Fuel: CNG / Petrol
  
• Seating capacity: 4
  
• Body type: Hatchback 

3. Renault Kwid | Starting ₹4.30 Lakh

source: renault

Popularly known as the miniature Renault Duster, Kwid offers the performance of an SUV in the body of a hatchback. This car has a rugged-looking, SUV-esque appearance with high ground clearance and a bold stance.  

 Powering this car is a 1.0l SCe 3-cylinder petrol engine, which cranks out 54 PS of power output and 72 Nm of torque. Kwid comes in several variants, such as RXL, Neotech, RXE, RXL AMT, among others.

Key Specifications:  

• Engine displacement:  999 cc
• Power: 67.06 bhp
  
• Torque: 91Nm
• Transmission: Automatic / Manual
  
• Mileage: 21.46 - 22.3 kmpl
• Fuel: Petrol
  
• Seating capacity: 5
• Body type: Hatchback 

4. Maruti Suzuki Celerio | Starting ₹4.70 Lakh

source: marutisuzuki

Another star performer in Maruti’s line-up, Celerio, is preferred for its affordability and fuel efficiency. This hatchback feels light and easy to handle, making driving through traffic or on tight streets stress-free. The cabin is simple and practical, with enough space for daily errands and short trips with family.

Additionally, the car has low running costs, making it one of the most dependable budget-friendly cars in India. The Celerio also outshines its competitors with a stylish front design and an elegant rear door garnish.

Key Specifications:  

• Engine displacement: 998 cc
• Power: 55.92 - 65.71 bhp
  
• Torque: 82.1Nm - 89Nm
• Transmission: Automatic / Manual
• Mileage: 24.97 - 26.68 kmpl
• Fuel: Petrol / CNG
  
• Seating capacity: 5
• Body type: Hatchback

5. Citroen C3 | Starting ₹4.80 Lakh

source: citroen

With two engine options, this model again comes under some of India's most popular small cars. The fuel-efficient engines and six-speed manual transmission aim to provide the best quality rider experience. 

Some popular features include height-adjustable driver seats, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a four-speaker sound system. In addition, it ensures safety with ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and dual front airbags.

Key Specifications: 

• Engine displacement:  1198 cc - 1199 cc
• Power: 80.46 - 108.62 bhp
  
• Torque: 190Nm
• Transmission: Manual
• Mileage: 19.3 kmpl
• Fuel: Petrol
  
• Seating capacity: 5
• Body type: Hatchback

6. Maruti Wagon R | Starting ₹4.99 Lakh

source: marutisuzuki

This is another popular hatchback car from Maruti, which can be considered in a list of the best small cars. It has two engines mated with a five-speed manual. Additionally, it has gained popularity for having multiple features like a seven-inch touchscreen display, a four-speaker music system, and steering-mounted audio and phone controls. Moreover, there are ABS with EBD, dual front airbags, rear parking sensors, and a hill-hold assist for passenger safety.

Key Specifications: 

• Engine displacement:  998 cc - 1197 cc
• Power: 55.92 - 88.5 bhp
  
• Torque: 113Nm - 89Nm
• Transmission: Manual / Automatic
  
• Mileage: 23.56 - 25.19 kmpl
• Fuel: Petrol / CNG
  
• Seating capacity: 5
• Body type: Hatchback 

7. Maruti Ignis | Starting ₹5.35 Lakh

source: nexaexperiance

Ignis is a popular small car coming from Maruti, with an efficient 1.2-litre petrol engine. Additionally, it has generated fame with its unique features and facilities. Some common ones are LED projector headlamps with DRLs, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 15-inch alloy wheels and automatic climate control. 

There are also ABS with EBD and rear parking sensors for passenger safety.

Key Specifications: 

• Engine displacement:  1197 cc
• Power: 81.8 bhp
  
• Torque: 113Nm
• Transmission: Manual / Automatic
• Mileage: 20.89 kmpl
• Fuel: Petrol
  
• Seating capacity: 5
• Body type: Hatchback

8. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios | Starting ₹5.47 Lakh

source: hyundai

This automobile outperforms other small cars in India by its best-in-segment features. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios comes with a 20.25cm infotainment system, driver rear-view monitor, keyless entry, digital speedometer, voice control, and navigation system. Moreover, you can pick your preferred model from several variants, like Era, Magna, Sportz, and Asta.

Key Specifications: 

• Engine displacement:  1197 cc
• Power: 67.72 - 81.8 bhp
  
• Torque: 113.8Nm
• Transmission: Manual / Automatic
• Mileage: 16 - 18 kmpl
• Fuel: Petrol / CNG
  
• Seating capacity: 5
• Body type: Hatchback

9. Nissan Magnite | Starting ₹5.62 Lakh

source: nissan

The Nissan Magnite is a stylish subcompact SUV that blends modern design and practicality. Launched in 2020, it features a bold exterior, a spacious cabin, and advanced technology. With efficient engines and competitive pricing, the Magnite aims to provide an attractive and affordable option in the subcompact SUV segment.

Key Specifications: 

• Engine displacement:  999 cc
• Power: 71.02 - 98.63 bhp
  
• Torque: 96Nm
• Transmission: Automatic / Manual
  
• Mileage: 17.4 - 20 kmpl
• Fuel: Petrol
  
• Seating capacity: 5
• Body type: SUV 

10. Maruti Swift | Starting ₹5.79 Lakh

source: maruti suzuki

One of the top-selling small cars in India, Maruti Swift, has been a roaring success over the years. In fact, the car is now in its third-generation avatar. It runs on a BSVI-spec 1.2-litre K12B 4-cylinder petrol engine, cranking up 81 BHP of power output and 113 Nm of torque.  

Additionally, Swift rolls seamlessly on R15 alloy wheels, which takes its aesthetics up a notch. It also has rear parking sensors with a camera, crash sensor, anti-lock braking system, and hill-control assist for maximum safety.

Key Specifications: 

• Engine displacement:  1197 cc
• Power: 76.43 - 88.5 bhp
  
• Torque: 98.5Nm - 113Nm
• Transmission: Manual / Automatic
  
• Mileage: 22.38 - 22.56 kmpl
• Fuel: Petrol / CNG
  
• Seating capacity: 5
• Body type: Hatchback 

11. Maruti Baleno | Starting ₹5.99 Lakh

source: nexaexperiance

This car functions on a 1.2l VVT petrol engine that produces 84BHP of power and 140 Nm of torque. Impressive exteriors, luxurious interiors, and appealing features sum up the Baleno. Interestingly, its windows are engineered with a UV cut glass that protects you from harmful UV radiations and keeps the cabin cooler.   

When it comes to its appearance, Maruti Baleno marks its presence through distinctive project LED headlamps with LED DRLs, two-tone R16 alloy wheels, and higher ground clearance. Its variants include LXI, VXI, ZXI, and ZXI+. 

Key Specifications: 

• Engine displacement:  1197 cc
• Power: 76.43 - 88.5 bhp
  
• Torque: 113Nm
• Transmission: Manual / Automatic
  
• Mileage: 22.35 - 22.94 kmpl
• Fuel: Petrol / CNG
  
• Seating capacity: 5
• Body type: Hatchback 

12. Tata Altroz | Starting ₹6.30 Lakh

source: tatamotors

Next up on our list of the top 15 small cars in India is Tata Altroz. The marque designed this car with ALFA architecture that offers a comprehensive safety system. As a result, Altroz has also received a 5-star rating from Global NCAP. The car runs on powerful BS6 petrol and diesel engines and a 1.2l turbo engine.  

Moreover, its exteriors exemplify athletic sharpness and interio₹Step inside, and you will spot several savvy features, like a 17.78cm touchscreen interface, an infotainment system by Harman. This car has several variants, namely XE, XM, XT, XZ, and XZ Plus.

Key Specifications: 

• Engine displacement: 1198 cc - 1497 cc
• Power: 72.41 - 108.48 bhp
  
• Torque: 200Nm - 113Nm
• Transmission: Manual / Automatic
  
• Mileage: 18.05 - 23.64 kmpl
• Fuel: Petrol / CNG / Diesel
  
• Seating capacity: 5
• Body type: Hatchback 

13. Hyundai i20 | Starting ₹6.87 Lakh

source: hyundai

The Hyundai i20 is one of India’s most popular premium hatchbacks, known for looking more upmarket than many rivals while still being practical for everyday use. The car's interior is spacious and features modern tech, including a large touchscreen, a sunroof, wireless phone charging, and connected-car features.

On the road, the i20 strikes a nice balance between comfort and confidence, making it an amazing choice for both city driving and weekend trips without feeling basic or outdated.

Key Specifications: 

• Engine displacement:  1197 cc
• Power: 81.8 - 86.76 bhp
  
• Torque: 114.7Nm
• Transmission: Automatic / Manual
  
• Mileage: 16 - 20 kmpl
• Fuel: Petrol
  
• Seating capacity: 5
• Body type: Hatchback

14. Tata Tiago EV | Starting ₹7.99 Lakh

Source: ev.tatamotors.com

The Tata Tiago EV is a compact hatchback that falls in the affordable electric car segment. It comes in two battery pack options, along with a suite of premium features like automatic climate control, ABS, TPMS, fast charging, day & night rearview mirror and 2 drive modes. 

What’s more, this EV features spacious interiors, a 4 Star (Global NCAP) rating, 240 litres of boot space, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, serving as the ideal family vehicle.        

Key Specifications: 

• Battery Capacity: 19.2 - 24 kWh
• Power: 60.34 - 73.75 bhp
• Torque: 114 Nm
• Charging Time AC: 3.6H-7.2 kW (10-100%)
• Range: 250 km to 315 km
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Hatchback

On that note, we shall now conclude our list of India's best small cars. We hope this listicle offers you some clarity on which one of the small cars in India is well-suited for you. So, you can now head out to buy your preferred automobile without any worries!

Also, it is advisable to protect your car with a third-party car insurance policy, as it is mandated by law. It will cover any damage or losses your vehicle could cause to a third-party person or property in any unforeseen mishap.