The entry-level hatchback segment is unquestionably the most competitive one in the Indian market. In order to succeed in this highly competitive segment, carmakers need to introduce products with competitive pricing, high fuel efficiency and low maintenance cost. Besides aforementioned things, good looks of a car might further increase its chances of doing well in the market. Here’s our list of the best cars in India under Rs 5 lakh budget –
1. Datsun redi-GO
Priced between Rs 2.40 lakh – Rs 3.50 lakh (ex-showroom), the Datsun redi-GO is among country’s most affordable cars. The hatchback is just 28,000 pricier than the Tata Nano, which is country’s cheapest car. Powering the small car is a 0.8-litre petrol engine that is capable of producing 53bhp of power and 72Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. With crossover-ish stance, best-in-class ground clearance of 185mm, a class-leading fuel efficiency of 25.17kmpl and best-in-class space for rear passengers, the redi-GO surely is quite an attractive package and that’s why it is on our list of best cars in India under Rs 5 lakh. The only thing that Nissan’s low-cost car brand Datsun needs to take care now is its after-sales, especially when you need compete with Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai. Know More
2. Maruti Alto 800 & Alto K10
The second product in our list of best cars in India under Rs 5 lakh is the Maruti Alto which has been ruling the segment for decades. Seeing competition getting really fierce due to some new players like Renault and Nissan, the company launched the updated Alto 800 in March, 2016. Priced between Rs 2.47 lakh – Rs 3.74 lakh (ex-showroom Delh price of petrol variants), the Alto 800 is currently the most affordable car in its category. The updated model received new headlamps, bumper & front grille and fog lamps. With an ARAI certified mileage of 24.77kmpl, the updated Alto 800 is about 9 per cent more fuel efficient than before. Having said that, there is no improvement in engine power output as its 796cc engine continues to produce power worth 47bhp and 69Nm of torque.
Maruti’s Alto range also has K10 model, which is powered by a 1000cc engine. It’s not just more powerful than the Alto 800, but is more spacious and feature-rich as well. In case you are looking for an affordable automatic car, you also have an option to buy the Alto K10 AMT that’s priced at Rs 4.07 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The K10 is propelled by a 998cc, three-cylinder, petrol engine that can deliver a maximum power of 67bhp and 90Nm of torque. The same engine also does duty in the WagonR and Celerio.
3. Renault Kwid
The Renault Kwid is the new benchmark in the entry-level segment as it proved everyone wrong who thought that a sub-Rs 4 lakh car cannot look good. With a mini SUV like design, several segment-first features and a class-leading mileage of 25.17kmpl, the hatchback became an instant hit in the Indian market. The recently price hike slips its down on the third position in our list of list of best cars in India under Rs 5 lakh. The Kwid becomes slightly more expensive than the new Alto 800. Power source for the Renault Kwid is a 799cc, 3-cylinder, petrol unit that is matched to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The power and torque figures of this engine stand at 53bhp and 72Nm respectively, and thus making it more powerful than its closest rival – Maruti Alto 800. Adding to it, the small car is also available with a more powerful 1.0-litre engine that is good for 67bhp and 9Nm of torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and an AMT unit. It is priced between Rs 2.65 lakh and Rs 4.57 lakh. Know More
