
A car is not just a machine on wheels but your travel buddy on late-night drives, a shield in the rain and harsh sun, and a tiny home for memories during family trips.
With more brands offering affordable models, buying a car in 2026 is easier than ever. It is time to pick a car that feels right, not just on the road, but also for your wallet.
In this list, we will discuss the Top 7 Cheapest Cars in India 2026 so you can find a pocket-friendly ride that fits comfort, budget, and daily needs.
List of the Top 7 Cheapest Cars in India
Here is the list of the 7 cheapest cars in India 2026:
| Car Name | Starting Price | Petrol Mileage (km/l) | CNG Mileage (km/kg) | Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 | Rs. 4.50 lakh | 24.39 km/l | 33.85 km/kg | Petrol / CNG |
| Maruti Suzuki S-Presso | Rs. 4.20 lakh | 24.12 km/l | 32.73 km/kg | Petrol / CNG |
| Renault Kwid | Rs. 4.70 lakh | 21.7 km/l | Not available | Petrol |
| Tata Tiago | Rs. 5.60 lakh | 19.0 km/l | 28.06 km/kg | Petrol / CNG |
| Maruti Suzuki Celerio | Rs. 5.90 lakh | 25.24 km/l | 34.43 km/kg | Petrol / CNG |
| Maruti Suzuki Eeco | Rs. 5.30 lakh | 16.1 km/l | 20.88 km/kg | Petrol / CNG |
| Renault Triber | Rs. 6.00 lakh | 19.0 km/l | Not available | Petrol |
Note: Prices are approximate starting ex-showroom values. This can vary by city and variant. Also, the mileage given can differ for different variants. Visit the showroom to know the exact price and mileage.
Apart from price, mileage, and fuel type, you should also be aware of the key features these cars offer. Here are the details about the best budget cars under 6 lakh:
1 Maruti Suzuki Alto K10
Maruti Suzuki is one of the most popular car brands in India. It is known for budget-friendly cars. It offers good mileage, low maintenance, and easy availability of service centers. These are the key features of Maruti Suzuki Alto K10:
- Very affordable entry-level hatchback.
- Excellent mileage for city driving.
- Compact size makes parking easy.
- Low maintenance and running costs.
- Available in Petrol and CNG options.
2 Maruti Suzuki S-Presso
For many families in India, Maruti is often the first car they bring home. It offers pocket-friendly prices, low running costs, and comfort that makes every daily drive feel easy. Here are some key features of Maruti Suzuki S-Presso:
- SUV-style tall boy design.
- Good fuel efficiency.
- Spacious cabin for its class.
- High driving position for better visibility.
- Available with Petrol and CNG engines.
3 Renault Kwid
Renault is a global car brand that sells stylish and modern-looking small cars in India. It focuses on comfort and features at an affordable price. Renault Kwid has the below given benefits for its owners:
- Stylish exterior with SUV-inspired looks.
- Feature-rich interior for the price.
- Large touchscreen and digital cluster (in trims).
- Decent mileage for daily use.
- Easy to drive in cities.
4 Tata Tiago
Tata Motors is an Indian company known for strong build quality and good safety ratings. Its cars are durable, reliable, and suitable for families. Here are the key features of the Tata Tiago:
- Strong build quality and safety.
- Comfortable ride with a refined engine.
- Good cabin space for passengers.
- Available in Petrol and CNG.
5 Maruti Suzuki Celerio
Maruti Suzuki is India’s most trusted car brand, known for making affordable cars that give good mileage. Here are the benefits that its Maruti Suzuki Celerio offers:
- One of the best mileage figures in the segment.
- Smooth AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) gearbox option.
- Spacious and practical interior.
- Easy to drive for daily commuting.
- Available in Petrol and CNG versions.
6 Maruti Suzuki Eeco
Maruti Suzuki is known for making reliable and affordable vehicles in India. The Maruti Suzuki Eeco is a practical vehicle mainly used by families and small businesses. It offers good space, simple features, and low running costs. These are the key features of Maruti Suzuki Eeco:
- Spacious vehicle suitable for families and commercial use
- Simple and practical design
- Low maintenance and affordable servicing
- Available in Petrol and CNG options
- Good choice for people looking for a budget-friendly people mover
7 Renault Triber
Renault is known for offering stylish and practical cars in the Indian market. The Renault Triber is a compact MPV designed for families who need space without spending too much. These are the key features of Renault Triber:
- Compact MPV with flexible seating options
- Can be used as a 5-seater or 7-seater
- Comfortable for city and highway driving
- Good mileage for a family car
- Affordable pricing with modern safety features
Petrol vs CNG Cars: Which Is Cheaper To Maintain in 2026?
The selection of the best budget cars under Rs. 6 lakh (starting price) considers factors such as running cost, maintenance, and daily usage. While both have their pros, CNG cars are generally cheaper to maintain when it comes to fuel expense, whereas petrol cars offer smoother performance and lower service effort.
1 Fuel Cost Comparison
- CNG is cheaper to run because the fuel price per kg is lower than petrol.
- A CNG car can save up to 40–50% on daily travel costs, making it ideal for people who drive long distances.
2 Maintenance Costs
- Petrol cars require lower routine maintenance and fewer component check-ups.
- CNG cars need extra care in the form of CNG kit inspection, valve checks, and filter cleaning.
- Annual maintenance cost difference:
- Petrol car: moderate service costs
- CNG car: slightly higher servicing expense, but savings on fuel compensate for it
3 Performance & Convenience
- Petrol cars offer better pickup, a quieter engine, and a smoother driving experience.
- CNG cars may feel slightly slower and need more frequent refueling. The convenience of refueling depends on the city's availability of CNG pumps.
4 Which One Is Cheaper Overall?
- For people who drive daily (30–60 km or more): Overall, CNG is a cheaper fuel because savings are higher, and they balance out the extra service cost for daily commuters.
- For occasional or low-distance drivers: Petrol is better because of its low maintenance effort and upfront cost.
Conclusion
Buying a car in 2026 is easier than ever, even if you are on a tight budget. With so many low-cost options available, you can choose a car that supports daily travel, family use, and fuel savings without spending too much.
From small hatchbacks to practical CNG models, the list of cheapest cars in India gives you plenty of choices. Think about how much you will drive, your budget, and the features you need, then pick the car that feels right for your routine and comfort.
FAQs
The cheapest cars in India 2026 include models like Maruti Alto K10, S-Presso, Renault Kwid, Tata Tiago, and Celerio. These cars offer basic features at low prices that fit small budgets.
Some of the best budget cars under 6 lakh are Maruti Alto K10, Maruti S-Presso, Renault Kwid, Tata Tiago, and Maruti Celerio. They are good choices for daily travel and city use.
Yes, most affordable cars for middle-class families are built to handle regular daily use, offer good mileage, and have low maintenance costs. Brands like Maruti, Tata, and Renault are trusted options.
Yes, if you need a simple car for daily office travel, groceries, or family needs, buying a low-cost car is a smart choice. It keeps expenses low while still giving comfort and safety.
Yes, cars like Tata Tiago and Maruti Celerio are good for families because they offer more space, safety features, and a smooth drive while staying under a 6-lakh budget.
