Top 10 Best Small Cars in India 2023

Small cars in India are the smartest choices made by families with a handful of members. Slick cars can save on fuel and can give the best output when you need to meet multiple responsibilities.

A four-wheeler is considered to be a must-have in modern families for various purposes, and the most popular small cars in India are what you need to look into. Let us delve deeper and find out the most viewed and purchased small cars with their specifications and help you to choose one of them.

10 Best Small Cars in India

There are top-class players on this list that will mesmerise you with the ideal options to choose from. Over the years, the models of small hatchback cars in India have been revolutionised with the addition of new technologies related to driving, balance, safety, and other specifications.

Choosing one such brand and a model might be a little confusing for a newbie. Car experts suggest making a list of cars based on a budget. Once you set your priorities right, use this list and compare the names of the leading car brands in India. To assist you in this aspect, here is a list of small cars in India with 10 fabulous entries.

1. Maruti Suzuki S-Presso

Like its name, it is the espresso you need in your daily life. One of the leading car manufacturers of India, Maruti Suzuki, has yet again come up with a class option for small families. This car has a sturdy and robust look that gives the feel of driving a compact SUV.

Since its launch, it has become one of the most popular small cars in India in no time. If you look closely into this model, you will find out a hybrid design the manufacturer has adopted to give a rich feel.

Specifications:

• It has a 1.0L engine that runs on petrol.
• It can generate power up to 68Ps.
• Its torque limit is up to 90Nm.
• You can choose from a 5-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual gearbox.
• It is also available in a CNG version with the same 1.0L engine capacity. Its power ranges up to 59Ps and torque up to 78Nm.
• It has a 7” touch screen inbuilt infotainment system, keyless entry, digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• It has power windows and driver-side airbags in the front portion.
• It has Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) with ABS, speed alerts, seatbelt reminders, and parking sensors.

2. Tata Altroz

One of the biggest contenders on this list, Tata Altroz, gives most small cars a run for their money. Packed with exclusive features, this entry of the world-famous Indian brand is ideal for small families. It is one of the best hatchback small cars in India in terms of power generation and aesthetic design.

It has a wider range of engine capacity options ranging from 1.2L to 1.5L. It comes in both petrol and diesel engines. The petrol unit comes with a power-packed 5-speed manual transmission torque converter which makes it a good choice for easy driving and long journeys.

Specifications:

• It can generate power ranging up to 86 to 90 Ps.
• It has a four-cylinder engine producing a maximum torque of 113-200 Nm.
• The transmission type is manual.
• It has a five-seating capacity.

 3. Maruti Suzuki Baleno

There is no doubt that Maruti has grabbed the market of compact cars offering exclusive choices to Indian families. One such example is Baleno, its brilliant compact car in India. This is the best-selling hatchback model after Swift. It has ample space for a small family to accommodate and enjoy smooth rides. Let us check its specifications first.

Specifications:

• It has a 1.2L petrol engine that generates a power ranging up to 83 Ps. It generates a torque of 113 Nm. This model also has another version of the 1.2L mild-hybrid petrol Dualjet version.
• This model has a 5-speed manual gear system or a CVT system. The Dualjet one comes with a manual gearbox.
• The new version has LED projector headlamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, and a rearview camera.
• It comes with a 7-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, push-button start, keyless entry, and auto climate control.
• It has ABS with EBD, parking sensors, ISOFIX Child seat anchors, dual airbags, and other salient safety features.

4. Hyundai Elite i20

One of the best sporty hatchback small cars in India is the Hyundai Elite i20. It has a statement design with marvellous colours to opt for. It comes in both petrol and diesel versions that fit well with Indian roads. It is an ideal compact car for small families.

Specifications:

• It has a 1.2L petrol engine that generates 83 Ps power and 114 Nm torque. Its 1.0L version can produce 120 Ps power and 172 Nm torque. It also has a 1.5L diesel engine version that can generate 100 Ps power and 240 Nm torque.
• The 1.2L petrol version can be paired with a 7-speed CVT system or a 5-speed manual gearbox. The diesel version comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
• It comes with a 10.25 touch screen infotainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
• It has LED headlamps, a sunroof, an air purifier and other modern features.
• It comes with parking sensors, 6 airbags, and electronic stability control (EBS).

5. Hyundai Grand i10

One of the most popular smallest cars in India is the Hyundai Grand i10. As its name suggests, it has the grandest features that make it a popular name in modern households. It comes in electrifying colours packed with exclusive specifications to ponder upon.

Specifications:

• It is available as an automated manual transmission (AMT) option.
• It has a spacious cabin.
• It is available in 1.2L diesel and petrol versions.
• All the versions are compliant with the Bharat Stage VI (BSVI) standards.

6. Maruti Suzuki Swift

Maruti Suzuki Swift is a giant in the domain of small hatchback cars in India. The latest models and designs are perfect for small families. Even though it has a compact design, the internal space available is quite impressive. This model has made headlines from the very first day of its launch, and the Indians are drooling at it. Let us find its impressive specifications.

Specifications:

• It comes with a 1.2L Dualjet petrol engine and can generate power of 83 Ps and 113 Nm torque.
• The car comes with a 5-speed manual, as well as 5-speed automatic gearbox versions.
• It has a 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen display compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has an exclusive 4.2 Inch colour screen display installed on the instrument cluster section.
• The safety features come with ISOFIX child seat anchors, parking sensors, ABS with EBD, dual airbags, etc.

7. Tata Tiago

Tata is a brand that households believe blindfolded. Its entry in this section of small cars in India is Tata Tiago. Tata Tiago gives the highest priority to safety issues. Most entries on this list are unable to meet the safety standards set by the international authorities, but Tata makes it happen. Let us check its specifications first.

Specifications:

• It comes with a 1.2L petrol engine that can generate 86 Ps power and 113 Nm torque.
• It comes in 5-speed manual and 5-speed automatic gearbox versions.
• The rear seats come with soft and ergonomic adjustable headrests. Hence, it is a good choice for long drives.
• This compact car offers ample internal space for comfort journey where the reclined seats are ideal for taller persons.
• It offers new fog lamps and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that can be paired with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• The car comes with automatic climate control and an 8-speaker Harman audio system. It has 4 power windows and a glovebox.
• It has 15-inch alloy wheels, dual airbags, corner stability control, parking sensors, and ABS with EBD.

8. Renault Kwid

Renault has been a new entry as a small car brand in India. Since its entry, it has been dominating this segment of the Indian car market with its excellent models. In this domain, Renault Kwid is a compact car with exclusive features. Its specifications are:

Specifications:

• It comes with two engine versions of 0.8L and 1.0L capacity. The 0.8L version can generate 54 Ps power and 72 Nm torque. The 1.0L version can generate 68 Ps power and 91 Nm torque.
• Its 1.0L version is available in a 5-speed manual and 5-speed automatic gearbox. The 0.8L is available in 5-speed manual gearbox only.
• It has manual air conditioning features, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen compatible to Apply CarPlay and Android Auto, and keyless entry.
• It has a 12V charging outlet at the rear section.
• It comes with parking sensors, ABS with EBD, and a driver-side airbag.

9. Maruti Suzuki Celerio

The biggest car manufacturer has another entry on this list. Its name is Celerio. This compact car is affordable and has the best hatchback features you can get at its price. Its performance is above average but has power packed in its engine. It can be availed of in 6 different versions. Let us check its specifications.

Specifications:

• It has a 1.0L engine with 3 cylinders that can generate 90 Nm torque and 68 Ps power when running on petrol. The 1.0L CNG version can generate 60 Ps power and 78 Nm torque.
• The engine comes with a 5-speed manual and petrol gearbox. The petrol version is available in both gearbox versions, whereas the CNG version comes with the manual only.
• It has 14-inch alloy wheels and a compact adjustable, and comfortable driver seat.
• It has keyless entry and manual air conditioning features.
• Its safety features come with ABS with EBD, parking sensors, driver-side airbags, etc.

10. Maruti Suzuki Alto

Another entry from the car giant, Maruti Suzuki Alto, is probably the best among the most popular small cars in India. Its price falls in the affordable range for small families. The redefined model designs make it a classy car to choose from. Here is the list of specifications for this compact car.

Specifications:

• It comes with a 0.8L engine with 3-cylinder valves. It comes in a petrol version, but the best part is that you can add a CNG tank. The petrol version can generate 69 Nm of torque and 48 Ps of power. The CNG version can generate 41 Ps power and 60 Nm torque.
• It has a 5-speed manual gearbox and is not available in an automatic version.
• The infotainment system comes with a 7-inch touchscreen. It can be paired with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• It has keyless entry, and power window features with parking sensors.
• It has ABS with EBD, driver-side airbags and other safety features.

Wrapping up

These are the ten best options you can choose from. A compact car in India is the best ordeal when it comes to increasing fuel prices and changes in the norms and regulations.

Now that you have a list, begin your research by setting a budget and comparing these cars. Shortlist the names and choose a handful of options. Check what all these features are and find out what you want.

Once you have a short list of preferable small car models, visit the showrooms for a test drive. The brands will be happy to explain all the features. Jot down your questions and get the best answers from professional executives.

Your prime aim will be to gather as much information as possible. Seek peer reviews to get a good idea of how these hatchback cars perform on the road. Understand the prices and look forward to the future. Consider the cost of maintaining a car on the road and delve deeper to afford a new car to meet your requirements.