Amit Saraswat 
When we speak of top cars, it is always followed by a set of questions to determine the usage of the end user and the priority of multiple aspects before narrowing down to the vehicle. Hence, it is not easy to pick the outright best cars for all segments of the automotive landscape. However, in this article, we have compiled a list of our top 6 handpicked cars that will set you back by INR 10 lakh in the Indian automotive market.
Tata Tiago EV
The Tata Tiago EV is currently one of the most affordable electric vehicles in the country. In case you want to travel around the city without leaving a carbon footprint, the Tiago EV is the most sensible model out there. Its XT medium-range variant will set you back by INR 9.29 lakh ex-showroom. The medium-range Tiago EV packs a 19.2kWh battery pack, which offers a certified range of 250km.
If that sounds modest to you, Tata gives you the option to upgrade to the long-range variants, which come with a 24kWh battery pack and offer a range of 315km on a single charge. The Tiago EV XT long-range retails at INR 10.24 lakh, marginally exceeding the 10 lakh price bracket. Speaking of the Tiago EV XT features, it packs power windows, full wheel covers, electrically adjustable side mirrors, digital instrument cluster and automatic climate control.
Citroen C3 Turbo Shine
The Citroen C3 turbo is one of the most affordable fun cars one could have in the Indian market. What makes it even more appealing is its butch SUV styling and spacious interior. With the recently launched Shine variant, Citroen also fixed the lacklustre spec sheet with a couple of nifty additions. The Citroen C3 Shine variant retails at INR 8.80 lakh ex-showroom and offers punchy performance and a comfortable ride.
Powering the C3 turbo is a 1.2L 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine, which produces 110PS of power at 5500rpm and 190Nm of torque at 1750rpm. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual transmission only, which is likely to be soon joined by a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
Honda Amaze
While the Maruti Suzuki Dzire continues to dominate the sub-compact sedan segment, the Amaze is the only sedan to offer a sophisticated CVT transmission. In case you are looking for a comfortable automatic sedan for your nuclear family, the Amaze fits the bill perfectly. The Amaze VX CVT retails at INR 9.71 lakh ex-showroom and its Elite special edition will set you back by INR 9.86 lakh.
Powering the Amaze is a 1.2L naturally-aspirated petrol engine that comes mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 7-step continuously variable transmission (CVT). The engine produces 90PS of power at 6000rpm and 110Nm of torque at 4800rpm. It offers features like detachable wireless phone charger, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay; 15-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, tail lights and fog lights; and auto AC. Surprisingly, the CVT variants do not offer cruise control, which is on offer with the manual transmission variants.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx bridges the gap between the conventional hatchback and boxy SUV body styles we are used to. It is based on the Baleno and that is evident from its dimensions and interior design. However, Maruti Suzuki offers a unique exterior design with the Fronx, which looks aggressive and sporty. In case you fancy a high riding stance without falling in the flock of sub-compact SUVs, the Fronx could be the perfect option for you.
The Fronx 1.2L Delta Plus retails at INR 8.72 lakh and 9.27 lakh for manual and AMT transmission options, respectively. It borrows the 1.2L naturally-aspirated petrol engine from the Baleno, offering the same 90PS of power and 113Nm of torque. Speaking of Fronx Delta Plus’ key features, it offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, electrically adjustable side mirrors, keyless entry with push-button start/stop and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Hyundai i20
For those looking for a premium experience under INR 10 lakh, the Hyundai i20 is the go-to choice for such a set of buyers. The Hyundai i20 offers a premium interior with high-quality plastics and soft-touch materials used all around the cabin. With the update, however, Hyundai removed features such as split folding rear seats and rear centre armrest, which is a bit of a letdown.
The Hyundai i20 Asta(O) manual variant retails at INR 9.98 lakh ex-showroom. In case you want an automatic, you can pick the i20 Sportz CVT, which retails at INR 9.38 lakh. Powering the i20 is a 1.2L naturally-aspirated petrol engine that puts out 83PS of power and 114Nm of torque. The CVT variants offer a higher 88PS of power output while the torque output remains the same.
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios continues its long-standing rivalry with the Maruti Suzuki Swift. However, the recently launched Grand i10 Nios facelift brought in welcome additions, making it more value for money than the Swift. The Nios now offers features like 6 airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system and a wireless phone charger.
The Grand i10 Nios Asta retails at INR 7.95 lakh with the manual and 8.51 lakh with the AMT. Powering the Grand i10 Nios the same 1.2L normal petrol engine that’s in the i20. It produces 83PS of power and 113Nm of torque.
