The buying criteria for a budget-segment car are highly variable. The compact SUV segment is heated up. These SUVs are available mostly under the price bracket of 15 lakhs. The sedan segment is also experiencing a boost in demand. Many Indian Car manufacturers provide multiple options for cars under 15 lakhs.
We provide you with a segment-wise description of some top Indian cars available under 15 lakhs. There might be some options that you might not expect at all.
Top Cars Under 15 Lakhs
Premium Hatchbacks and Crossovers:
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Hyundai i20:
Hyundai’s i20 is a feature-rich car. It is available with multiple gearbox options. It is available with a petrol engine which produces 83 Ps of power in manual gearbox trim. In the iVT trim it produces 88 Ps of power.
This car is also available in an N-Line trim. This variant is available with a 1.0 L turbo petrol engine which makes 120 Ps of peak power. The best part is that this powertrain is available with the option of a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
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Maruti Suzuki Baleno/Toyota Glanza:
The Baleno and Glanza have a power figure of 66 kW and a Torque of 113 Nm. These cars are available with Petrol and CNG as fuel types. First in segment Head-up display with 360-degree camera, Tilt & Telescopic steering with mounted audio control and Premium sound system (Arkyams)
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Maruti Fronx/Toyota Taisor:
Both of these are crossover cars under 15 lakhs. They share the same platform as that of Baleno. The engine option is the same as that in Baleno and Glanza. The availability of a 1.0 L turbo petrol engine sets them apart from their hatchback siblings. Their CNG variants are also available.
Compact SUV:
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Mahindra XUV 3XO:
3XO has a very versatile powertrain and gearbox portfolio.
Petrol: 82 kW and 96 kW of power on tap mated to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter gearbox.
Diesel: 85.5 kW 1.5-litre CRDe diesel mill has an option of a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed AMT gearbox.
Some important features in 3XO are, the Harman Kardon premium audio system, 65W USB-C fast charging for phones, First in Segment Level 2 ADAS and Skyroof (Panoramic Sunroof)
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Tata Nexon:
Noxon is the best-selling car in the compact SUV segment. It produces 88.2 Ps power and 170 Nm of torque from its Turbocharged petrol engine and 84.5 Ps power and 260 Nm torque from its diesel engine. It is a feature-packed car with good space and some funky exterior colour options. 5-star safety ratings has been a USP for this car.
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Kia Sonet/Hyundai Venue:
These Korean cars have been a threat to the Indian cars in this segment. Both these cars have loads of features and are available in multiple engine and gearbox options. Both these cars are available in a more powerful turbocharged engine option available with a 7-speed DCT gearbox.
The reliability of these cars is also great and people swear by their solid suspension setup.
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Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza:
This car needs no introduction. It has been in the top-selling charts since its launch. The recently updated versions of Brezza get the latest features such as 6 airbags, wireless phone charging, a sunroof, a heads-up display, a 360-surround camera and a premium ARKAMYS sound system.
Compact Sedans:
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Maruti Dzire:
This is an utterly reliable and comfortable car. It has never lost the demand. The 10.2 L K-series petrol engine makes 89.7 Ps of power and 113 Nm of torque. This engine has proven its mettle since it was introduced after the BS-6 norms kicked in. The availability of a CNG powertrain makes it a more appealing car.
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Honda Amaze:
For some time, Amaze was the only car available from Honda India when the BS-VI norms were introduced. It is a very comfortable and spacious car. Its efficient and potent 1.2 L petrol engine is also available with a CVT transmission. Honda provides a 10-year anytime warranty on this car. Amaze is due for an update yet it is a great choice currently.
Mid-Size SUV:
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Hyundai Creta/Kia Seltos:
Hyundai Creta is the car which ignited the SUV segment after the sparks made by Renault’s Duster. Seltos is a sister car of Creta and is based on the same platform as that of Creta. Both these cars are loaded with tech and features. There are an immense number of combination of engine and gearbox options. It is a value for money to have these cars under 15 lakhs. The base, E, trim in Creta, starts from Rs 10,99,900 while that of Seltos starts from 10,89,900.
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Maruti Grand Vitara/Toyota Hyryder:
The option of having a hybrid powertrain is the USP for these sister cars. The hybrid variants provide a fuel efficiency of 27.93 Kmpl. Both cars have features like ventilated front seats, 6 airbags, wireless phone charging, connected car tech and a sunroof.
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Citroen C3 Aircross:
This is the newest car in this segment. The French carmaker, Citroen, did stick to their core and made an excellent suspension setup suitable for Indian roads. This SUV glides easily over rough roads. This is the only SUV to be available with the option of a seven-seat configuration. The base, You, trim starts from Rs 9,99,000 while the top, Max Dual Tone Vibe Pack AT 5+2, trim is available at Rs 14,33,300.
Family MUV:
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Maruti Ertiga/XL6:
This is probably the best people mover in terms of 2nd and 3rd row space. Ertiga is from the Maruti’s Arena while XL6 is ate more premium 6-seat offering of Ertiga. XL6 has ventilated front seats and captain seats in the 2nd row. The 1.5 L mild hybrid petrol engine is very reliable and extremely fuel efficient at the same time.
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Kia Carens:
Feature-rich alternative for the Ertiga an XL6. It has the flexibility of having a diesel and a turbo petrol engine option. The 1.5 L turbo petrol engine in Carens produces more than 150 Ps of power. It starts from Rs 10,51,900 for its base trim.
Mid-Size Sedans:
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Honda City:
The lower-end models of Honda’s City are available for under 15 lakhs. But even those give you a taste of Honda’s i-VTEC engine, quality and comfort. The 1.5 L engine reves to its red line. You will never feel the lack of power in the engine.
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Hyundai Verna:
This is one of the most radical and futuristic car designs in India. Features like connected car tech, ventilated front seats and a premium Bose surround system are some unique selling points for Verna.
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Skoda Slavia/Volkswagen Virtus:
These cars have that European feel to them. The build quality feels tough and is made to last long. There is ample space and modern-age features in these cars. The 1.0 L engine has enough power and is fuel efficient while the 1.5 L engine is enthusiastically powerful and available with a DCT gearbox option.
Life-Style Vehicles:
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Maruti Suzuki Jimny:
The new Jimny has a 4-wheel drive with a low-range transfer box. This lightweight offroader has a 1.5 L petrol engine which produces 105 Ps of power. The interior of Jimny has an old-school charm to it.
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Mahindra Thar:
This is a serious off-roader available for more than 20 years. The Base Rear-wheel drive variant starts from Rs 11,34.999 and the AX 4-wheel drive starts from Rs 14,85,000. The new 1.5 L diesel engine made the That more affordable than ever before.
Conclusion
Finding cars under 15 lakhs means finding the right balance of features, budget, and what makes you happy. The car manufacturers in India have options available to satisfy all the needs and requirements of the customers. It is always good to buy cars based on your requirements and not on what others want you to have. Every segment has more than one option available to choose from.
