Best Car Under 20 Lakhs

[Reney Shammo]

Hellothere, I turn 18 in about 3 weeks and I'm looking for a first car that is also a good enthusiast car, I'm one of the emotional guys when it comes to Automobiles so driving feels / emotional connect is very important.

My suggestion: Buy the newest Grand i10 or Swift that you can find. If you get a WagonR 1.2L, go for it (it's a fun breadbox). Learn the basics of driving, don't go out on the highway yet and read up on our many driving advice articles.

I feel too many ideas (enthusiast, VAG cars, VTEC etc.) picked off the forum and other conversations. Not belittling your knowledge or requirements - but at this stage you are, I'd keep it simple. Something that is reliable, cheap to maintain and decently fast.

That's what I did nearly 2 decades ago. A used 10-year-old M800 and one that was extremely well used over the next few years between the 4 of us roommates/friends for long holiday road trips, girlfriend (prospecting) adventures and whatnot And whatever we threw at that car, monthly expenses stayed at a bare minimum. And I shifted to a Vento diesel after that, with a full understanding of what I wanted from my "proper" first car.

While the MK1 Octavias and Jettas understandably appeal to you, those may not be ideal first cars for someone who is just about to qualify to be behind the wheels. Same with Gypsy too, though it can give loads of fun, it's best enjoyed after you have clocked enough miles/years under your belt. As a first car, it's best avoided.

Best wishes to you as you learn the ropes of driving. Don't want to be a spoilsport nor sound philosophical, but there's a long way ahead in your life and keep the adrenaline in check as GTO suggested. Live to Drive and Drive responsibly

I think everybody here has driven the most prominent point home. Start off on a lower-powered car (preferably under the 70-80hp mark). I am 20 now and I started off on a Chevrolet Spark. Drove it around for a year and 3-4K km (along with a Renault Kwid) and it's only now that I extensively get to drive the Jetta.

Secondly, don't go for attention hogs like the Jetta, Octavia Mk1 etc. These cars can be very demanding in terms of maintenance. Even running repairs such as suspension and a clutch overhaul will quickly see them transform into money pits like a college student for you. Even the Maruti Baleno. It might be a very reliable car, but even pristine examples are more than a decade old today and will demand some attention here and there. Some parts (SGP) aren't cheap either.

These to me represent the perfect combination of affordability, reliability, space and even safety. The Honda Jazz especially makes a strong case for itself. Quality interiors and good looks which appeal to the opposite sex too

If you still think you have the time to devote to an automobile and want to treat it as a project car, I would suggest picking up a Suzuki Zen MPFI. When you have had enough fun getting to grips with the 1.0 lump, you can go ahead and plonk a 1.3 G13B from the Esteem in it. An 85hp engine in a 700 odd kilo car. The only reason why it isn't on my primary recommendation list is safety.

On the inside as well, the Swift offers exciting features such as keyless entry, a 7-inch touch infotainment system and automatic climate control. Powered by a 1.2-litre DualJet petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual or AMT automatic transmission. Being a true Maruti prodigy, the Swift returns excellent mileage of up to 22.56 km/l with its petrol engine, with even CNG trims on offer that raise the bar when it comes to savings. With prices ranging between Rs. 5.99 to 9.03 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the Swift is one of the most promising hatchbacks in the market.

The Tata Punch has proven to be an unparalleled success with over 1.5 lakh units sold in just 15 months of its launch; a feat that no other competitor has ever achieved. What makes the Tata Punch a supremely popular car is its SUV-inspired looks, great utility, affordable price tag and best-in-class ground clearance.

An all-rounder in all aspects, the Renault Kiger is practical, premium, affordable, and quite good looking. With several awards to its name, the Renault Kiger comes as a modern-day SUV that is loaded with features like wireless charging, a digital instrument cluster, floating touch infotainment, cruise control etc.

An SUV that helped Nissan reclaim its lost charm, the Magnite is charismatic, bold, spacious and dynamic. Offering simple yet assertive looks along with intelligently incorporated SUV-inspired touches, the Magnite offers a host of modern features on the inside including a first-in-segment digital instrument cluster, 360-degree camera, cruise control and much more.

With either a 1-litre naturally aspirated petrol or a peppy 1-litre turbo petrol engine on offer, the Magnite also offers a CVT automatic; which is a rare sight in this budget. With several storage spaces intelligently incorporated across the SUV and a low turning radius, the Maginte is one of the most practical SUVs in India with a price that ranges between Rs. 6 to 11.27 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

One of the latest micro-SUVs to have entered the segment, the Hyundai Exter offers a truly exciting and completely refreshing package. Equipped with several segment-first features such as a dashcam, sunroof, footwell lighting and wireless charger, the Exter impresses with its dynamic performance, great safety, compact body and affordable pricing.

Practical, comfortable, spacious and safe, the Tata Tigor could be your perfect partner. As a compact sedan, the Tigor plays well with its spacious interiors that are topped with ample features onboard a package that offers elegant yet stylish looks. With a build-to-last bodyline, the Tigor shines as a promising option in its segment.

Offering impressive features such as a 7-inch touch infotainment system, a premium audio set-up, rain-sensing wipers, a fully digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control and much more, the Tigor checks all the boxes. Powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual or AMT automatic, the Tigor returns up to 19.60 km/l of mileage with even CNG trims on offer. With prices ranging between Rs. 6.30 to 8.95 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the Tata Tigor is a great pick.

Offering premium features such as a new instrument cluster, footwell lighting, rear AC vents, wireless charging, a cooled glove box, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and much more, the Hyundai Aura is well-loaded in terms of features. Powered by a supremely refined 1.2-litre petrol engine mated to a 5-speed manual or AMT automatic, the Hyundai Aura returns a decent mileage of up to 17 km/l, with even CNG trims on offer. For a price of Rs. 6.49 to 9.05 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the Hyundai Aura scores well in almost every aspect.

The gold standard of premium hatchbacks, the Tata Altroz is an exceptionally well-built product that is cherished for its perfect 5-star safety, a host of premium features, and a power-packed engine combo that offers great driving dynamics. All this comes together in a package that is adorned with muscular yet modern looks.

Topped with features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a semi-digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting, and even a single-pane sunroof, the Altroz impresses in every way. The strongest aspect of the Altroz however, is its multidimensional powertrain that comes with three engine options including a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated unit, a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol unit and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. Other than the manual there is also a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic for the naturally aspirated petrol engine, which is an absolute bliss to drive around a rather surprising offering in the premium hatchback segment. With prices ranging between Rs. 6.60 to 10.74 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the Altroz is truly an all-rounder, with even CNG trims on offer.

The latest launch from Maruti, the Fronx has been a raging success, thanks to its distinct crossover SUV stylings, affordable price and a premium approach. With a premium cabin layout, impressive features and truly exceptional mileage figures, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is one of the most practical and exciting options in the segment.

The 10 lakh price point is a highly competitive space in the Indian automotive market. However, despite everything, buying a car under a budget of Rs 10 Lakh is no easy task, especially with a plethora of options aggressively priced to cater to potential buyers. But with an eye that can sieve through the crowd, you can be assured of a purchase that will never disappoint. This is why we helped you pick the best car in India for a budget of under 10 lakhs, with ten value-oriented options spread across the segment, so that you can pick the best, without the hassle of trying out every option.

See details of the best available cars under 15 Lakh in India for Jul 2024. Today, popular cars like Mahindra XUV 3XO, Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor, Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Mahindra XUV700, Tata Punch etc. are available in India under 15 Lakh. We have hand-picked top selling cars under 15 Lakh with information like on-road price, variant details, reviews, images, and specifications.

While both the old and new regimes have merits and demerits, it can be cumbersome for taxpayers to pick the best-suited tax regime. Here is a simplified assessment of both regimes to answer a few pertinent questions.

The Government of India introduced a new optional tax rate regime for individuals and the Hindu undivided family (HUF) starting from April 1, 2020 (FY 2020-21). Consequently, Section 115 BAC was to the Income Tax Act, 1961 (the Act) that prescribed reduced tax rates for individual taxpayers and HUFs who forgo specified tax deductions or exemptions.

It is to be noted that the old tax regime has enough room for claiming deductions against various allowances forming part of salary (e.g., HRA, LTA, etc) and also for specified investments/ expenses such as Public Provident Fund (PPF), National Pension Scheme (NPS), repayment of housing loan, payment of tuition fees, etc.

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