Buying a new car with a budget of ₹7 lakh is no longer limited to basic hatchbacks. The Indian car market has changed significantly, and buyers can now find models offering features such as touchscreen infotainment systems, automatic transmissions, six airbags, CNG powertrains, connected technology and even SUV-inspired designs within this price range.
If you are planning to buy a new car in 2026, there are several options worth considering. From compact city cars to spacious hatchbacks, sedans and small SUVs, the choices are surprisingly diverse.
Here are 10 cars starting below ₹7 lakh, along with their important features and what makes each one interesting for buyers.
1. Maruti Suzuki Alto K10
The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 remains one of the most accessible cars in the Indian market, with the current starting price at around ₹3.70 lakh ex-showroom. It is available with petrol and S-CNG powertrain options, along with manual and automatic transmission choices.
The Alto K10 is particularly suitable for first-time buyers and city users who want a compact car that is easy to drive and park.
Key features
- Petrol and S-CNG options
- Manual and automatic transmission options
- Compact dimensions
- Easy city manoeuvrability
- Affordable entry price
- Maruti Suzuki’s extensive service network
For buyers who prioritise a low purchase price and everyday practicality, the Alto K10 remains an important option.
2. Maruti Suzuki S-Presso
Starting at around ₹3.50 lakh, the S-Presso is another affordable Maruti Suzuki offering.
Its tall-boy design gives it a different appearance compared with conventional hatchbacks, while the compact dimensions make it suitable for crowded urban roads.
The S-Presso is offered with petrol and S-CNG options, and buyers can choose between manual and automatic transmissions.
Highlights
- Tall seating position
- Petrol and CNG options
- Automatic transmission available
- Compact exterior
- Easy ingress and egress
- Budget-friendly ownership
It can be particularly appealing to buyers looking for an affordable urban car with a relatively high seating position.
3. Renault Kwid
The Renault Kwid starts at approximately ₹4.53 lakh ex-showroom in the current lineup.
One of its biggest attractions is its SUV-inspired styling despite its compact dimensions. Renault also offers features such as a 20.32cm touchscreen MediaNAV system, LED DRLs and hill-start assist, depending on the variant.
The Kwid also offers a claimed 184mm ground clearance and a 279-litre boot.
Highlights
- SUV-inspired styling
- 20.32cm touchscreen
- LED DRLs
- Hill-start assist
- 279-litre boot
- Manual and AMT options
The Kwid is an interesting choice for buyers who want a stylish and compact city car without moving into a higher price bracket.
4. Maruti Suzuki Celerio
The Maruti Suzuki Celerio currently starts at around ₹4.70 lakh. It is available with petrol and S-CNG options, along with manual and automatic transmission choices.
The Celerio focuses heavily on everyday usability and fuel-conscious ownership.
Its compact dimensions make it easy to drive in traffic, while the availability of CNG gives buyers another option for reducing fuel expenses.
Key features
- Petrol and S-CNG variants
- Manual and automatic options
- Compact dimensions
- Practical cabin
- Easy city driving
- Large Maruti service network
5. Maruti Suzuki WagonR
The WagonR starts at around ₹4.99 lakh and remains one of the most practical options in this price bracket.
Its tall body provides a relatively spacious-feeling cabin, while the availability of petrol and S-CNG powertrains gives buyers flexibility.
The WagonR can be particularly useful for families who want a compact exterior without giving up too much interior space.
Highlights
- Tall-boy design
- Spacious cabin
- Petrol and CNG options
- Manual and automatic transmission options
- Practical boot
- Family-friendly interior
6. Maruti Suzuki Swift
The Maruti Suzuki Swift starts at around ₹5.84 lakh ex-showroom.
Compared with smaller entry-level cars, the Swift offers a more premium hatchback experience, along with petrol and S-CNG options and manual/automatic transmission choices.
Its combination of compact dimensions and stronger performance makes it suitable for buyers who want a car for both city driving and occasional highway trips.
Key features
- Sporty hatchback design
- Petrol and CNG options
- Manual and automatic transmission
- Modern cabin
- Connected features depending on variant
- Good balance of city usability and highway capability
7. Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS
The Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS starts at around ₹5.60 lakh. It is available with a 1.2-litre petrol engine as well as a bi-fuel petrol/CNG option, with manual and AMT transmissions.
Hyundai has also introduced the VIBE edition, bringing features such as an 8-inch touchscreen, cruise control, rear AC vents, six airbags and a segment-first dashcam on the VIBE edition and Asta variant.
Highlights
- 1.2-litre petrol engine
- CNG option
- AMT option
- 8-inch touchscreen on selected variants
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Rear AC vents
- Six airbags
- Cruise control on selected variants
For buyers who value cabin comfort and features, the Grand i10 NIOS is one of the more feature-focused choices in this price range.
8. Hyundai Exter
The Hyundai Exter is one of the few SUV-styled models that enters this budget, with a starting price of around ₹5.81 lakh ex-showroom.
It offers petrol and CNG powertrains, along with manual and automatic transmission options.
Its upright design, higher seating position and SUV-inspired styling make it particularly interesting for buyers who don’t want a conventional hatchback.
Highlights
- SUV-inspired design
- Petrol and CNG options
- Manual and automatic options
- Five-seat layout
- Modern infotainment and convenience features
- Compact dimensions for city use
9. Maruti Suzuki Dzire
If you want a sedan under ₹7 lakh, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire is one of the most notable choices. Its entry price is around ₹6.31 lakh ex-showroom.
The Dzire offers features that were once generally associated with more expensive cars, including an electric sunroof, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, wireless charging and rear AC vents on higher variants.
Safety is also a major focus. The Dzire has six airbags, ESP, hill-hold assist, ABS with EBD and ISOFIX child-seat anchorages, and Maruti says the model has received a five-star Bharat NCAP safety rating.
Highlights
- Sedan body style
- 1.2-litre petrol engine
- CNG option
- Manual and automatic options
- Six airbags
- Electric sunroof on higher variants
- Wireless smartphone connectivity
- Rear AC vents
10. Nissan Magnite
The Nissan Magnite is arguably the most SUV-like option in this list. Its current entry-level price starts around ₹5.68 lakh, according to Nissan’s latest price listing.
Even the entry-level Visia gets six airbags, while the higher Acenta variant priced below ₹7 lakh adds features such as a touchscreen, electrically adjustable ORVMs and automatic climate control.
Nissan also offers a 10-year/2,00,000km warranty with the new Magnite, along with three years of roadside assistance.
Highlights
- SUV-inspired design
- 6 airbags
- Touchscreen infotainment on selected variants
- Automatic climate control on Acenta
- Manual and AMT options
- Strong ground clearance
- Long warranty coverage
Top Cars Under ₹7 Lakh: Price Comparison
| Car | Starting Ex-Showroom Price* | Body Type | Fuel Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maruti Alto K10 | ₹3.70 lakh | Hatchback | Petrol/CNG |
| Maruti S-Presso | ₹3.50 lakh | Hatchback | Petrol/CNG |
| Renault Kwid | ₹4.53 lakh | Hatchback | Petrol |
| Maruti Celerio | ₹4.70 lakh | Hatchback | Petrol/CNG |
| Maruti WagonR | ₹4.99 lakh | Hatchback | Petrol/CNG |
| Maruti Swift | ₹5.84 lakh | Hatchback | Petrol/CNG |
| Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS | ₹5.60 lakh | Hatchback | Petrol/CNG |
| Hyundai Exter | ₹5.81 lakh | SUV | Petrol/CNG |
| Maruti Dzire | ₹6.31 lakh | Sedan | Petrol/CNG |
| Nissan Magnite | ₹5.68 lakh | SUV | Petrol |
*Prices are starting ex-showroom figures and can vary with location, variant, taxes, offers and price revisions.
Which Type of Car Should You Choose?
Your choice should depend on how you plan to use the car.
For maximum affordability, the Alto K10 and S-Presso are worth considering. If you want a balance of compact dimensions and everyday practicality, the Celerio and WagonR are strong options.
For buyers who want a more premium hatchback experience, the Swift and Grand i10 NIOS offer more features and a more substantial cabin experience.
If an SUV-style design is important, the Hyundai Exter and Nissan Magnite are the two most obvious options in this list.
Meanwhile, buyers looking for a sedan under ₹7 lakh can consider the Maruti Dzire, particularly if boot space, family use and highway driving are important.
The ₹7 lakh budget has become surprisingly competitive in India’s new-car market. Buyers can now choose between hatchbacks, SUVs and even a sedan while getting features such as six airbags, touchscreen infotainment, automatic transmissions, CNG options and connected technology on selected variants.
However, remember that a car’s starting price does not mean the most feature-rich version will also cost below ₹7 lakh. Before booking, compare the exact variant, on-road price, insurance, registration charges, safety equipment and available offers in your city.