Top 10 Cheapest Sedan Cars in India 2024: Tata Tigor to Maruti Ciaz

For a while now, sedans in India have fallen out of favour. The Indian car-buying population has shown a decisive preference towards SUVs and hatchbacks. The data is there to back it up: one look at the top 10 best-selling cars in India in June, 2024 list, and it’s easy to spot that SUVs occupy four out of 10 spots, while hatchbacks make up 40% of the list. The lone MPV on the list is the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. Sedans? Just the one entry in the top 10 list: the Maruti Suzuki Dzire.

Previous months indicate a similar trend, too. But to state that sedans don’t hold value anymore would be wide of the mark. Our list of the cheapest sedans in India in 2024 prove two things: sedans can still take the fight to other prevailing body styles, and that affordability in the sedan segment doesn’t equate to compromise. Budget sedans in India still have a lot to offer in terms of practicality, innovative features, performance, safety, and even efficiency.

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1. Tata Tigor (₹6.2 Lakh-₹9.5 Lakh)

There’s a lot to like about the homegrown Tata Tigor compact sedan. Thanks to its proportions, it’s an easy option to pick if city runs in dense traffic are a priority for you. It ranks high on safety, it is efficient, and practical.

The Tigor comes with a 1.2-litre petrol engine option that makes 84 bhp and 113 Nm. Transmission options for the Tigor are a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT. On the road, this translates to an ARAI-rated fuel efficiency of up to 28 kmpl. Tata Motors also offers the Tigor with a CNG option, as well as a pure electric model. Starting at ₹6.2 lakh (ex-showroom), the Tigor is the cheapest sedan on sale in India in 2024.

It’s also a well-equipped sedan. Comfort and convenience features in the Tigor include a digital instrument cluster, an 8-speaker sound system, a reversing camera, and a height adjustable driver’s seat, among others. The Tigor’s safety features are up to the mark too: ABS with EBD, dual airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and ISOFIX child seat mounts are the highlights. Despite being a sub-4-metre sedan, the Tigor’s boot space is respectable at 419 litres, which will give you enough space for a quick weekend getaway with up to five passengers. 

Tata Tigor Key Specifications

Tata Tigor Key Features

• Digital instrument cluster
• 8-speaker sound system
• Reversing camera with dynamic lines

2. Hyundai Aura (₹6.4 Lakh-₹9 Lakh)

Hyundai’s entry into the compact sedan segment is the Aura. Since its launch in 2020, the Aura’s stood out as a car that combines edgy-if-questionable styling, a comfortable and well-finished cabin, and a refined power unit.

This budget sedan gets just one petrol engine: a 1.2-litre unit that makes 82 bhp and 114 Nm. It’s paired to either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT, and efficiency figures for the Aura stand at 19.7 kmpl.  In addition to a petrol engine, the Hyundai Aura is also available in CNG form. On the features front, the Aura comes packed with a height adjustable driver’s seat, a rear seat armrest, rear AC vents, a cooled glovebox, cruise control, and a lot more. On the safety front, it’s great to see Hyundai including ABS with EBD and six airbags as standard on the Aura. There’s also a tyre pressure monitoring system, ESC, seatbelt pretensioners for the front seats, and hill-start assist, among others.

The other big bonus is the Hyundai badge itself, which will give buyers peace of mind thanks to its extensive dealer network and after-sales service.

Hyundai Aura Key Specifications

Hyundai Aura Key Features

• Automatic climate control
• Cruise control
• Cooled glovebox

3. Maruti Suzuki Dzire (₹6.5 Lakh-₹9.3 Lakh)

That the Dzire is one of Maruti Suzuki’s most popular vehicles is no secret. Its combination of space, efficiency, and practicality make it a solid budget sedan option not just to private owners, but also cab operators.

The Dzire’s 1.2-litre petrol engine makes a healthy 89 bhp and 113 Nm, and you can spec it with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT transmission. Maruti Suzuki also has the option of the Dzire S-CNG which offers improved fuel economy. On the inside, you get comfortable seats and enough head-, leg- and shoulder-room. The feature highlights include a 7-inch touchscreen that has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, cruise control, rear AC vents, auto climate control, a rear seat armrest, and even auto headlamps. On the safety front, the Dzire gets ABS with EBD, dual airbags, ESC, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and hill-start assist.

At 378 litres, the Dzire’s boot space is adequate for a few suitcases and carry-on luggage, which means quick weekend getaways with up to five aboard is doable.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire Key Specifications

Maruti Suzuki Dzire Key Features

• 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Cruise control
• Rear AC vents

4. Honda Amaze (₹7.1 Lakh-₹9.9 Lakh)

Honda’s car portfolio has shrunk sizeably in India recently, but one of its cars that have stayed in production is the Amaze compact sedan. Since the Amaze first launched in India in 2013, it’s been known as a sensible, practical and spacious sub-4-metre sedan. Of particular note is the rear seat comfort and the competent ride quality. At ₹7.1 lakh (ex-showroom) starting price, the Amaze is an exceptional and affordable sedan in its segment.

It’s available with only a 1.2-litre petrol engine which makes 89 bhp and 110 Nm. Two transmission options pair with it: a 5-speed manual and a CVT. Feature highlights include adjustable front headrests, paddle shifters on the CVT-equipped models, Honda’s connectivity app called ‘Honda Connect’ that gives you information on service intervals, offers and spares, cruise control, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment.

On the safety front, the Amaze gets dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and parking sensors as standard. 

Honda Amaze Key Specifications

Honda Amaze Key Features

• Automatic headlamps
• 7-inch touchscreen
• Cruise control

5. Maruti Suzuki Ciaz (₹9.4 Lakh-₹12.4 Lakh)

In light of other segments growing in popularity, one of the hardest hit has been Maruti Suzuki’s Ciaz. As an example, the Ciaz sold only 572 units in June, 2024, signifying a 21.64% decline month-on-month. Despite that, there’s still a lot that the Ciaz has to offer.

There’s just the one engine on offer: a 1.5-litre petrol unit that makes 103 bhp and 138 Nm. You can pair it with a 5-speed manual or a dated 4-speed automatic transmission. The Ciaz’s efficiency figure of up to 18.4 kmpl (ARAI-rated) is still respectable, though. Other highlights of the Ciaz include a spacious and comfortable rear seat, mild hybrid tech, LED projector headlamps, auto climate control, a rear seat armrest, cruise control, and even auto headlamps, among others. Safety kit includes ABS with EBD, dual airbags, ESC, ISOFIX child seat mounts, hill-start assist, and seatbelt pretensioners for the front seats.

There’s also the bonus of having the backing of Maruti’s sprawling dealer network and reliable after-sales service.

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Key Specifications

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Key Features

• LED projector headlamps
• Mild hybrid tech
• 4.2-inch colour multi-information display (MID)

6. Skoda Slavia (₹10.6 Lakh-₹18.6 Lakh)

One of the newer entries on this list, the Skoda Slavia (first launched in 2021) had the singular aim of attempting to revive the sedan segment in India. To that effect, it’s easy to see how Skoda’s thrown everything it can into making the Slavia a success.

A good-looking, modern design is the first thing you notice about it, but dig deeper and there’s a lot more to the Slavia. A 5-star GNCAP safety rating, coupled with features like 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, ISOFIX child seat mounts (and a 5-star GNCAP child safety rating), and hill-start assist make the Slavia one of the safer cars on the road. In-cabin features like ventilated and electrically adjustable front seats, cruise control, paddle shifters (with the DSG variant), and a 10-inch infotainment display make trips easier, too.

Engine options include a 1.0-litre turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre petrol. You can pair it with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG, and an ARAI-rated fuel efficiency of up to 20.3 kmpl is commendable for the Slavia. Additionally, a boot space of 521 litres means that there’s more than enough room for most of your luggage for five people on board.  

Skoda Slavia Key Specifications

Skoda Slavia Key Features

• Digital driver’s display
• Ventilated front seats
• 10-inch touchscreen infotainment

7. Hyundai Verna (₹11 Lakh-₹17.4 Lakh)

One of the cars that have been around the longest (first launched in 2006), the Hyundai Verna is one of the most comnpetent midsize sedans around.

Hyundai introduced the sixth-generation Verna in 2023, which sharpened its design inside and out, and made it a lot more feature-rich. Five-star GNCAP safety rating aside, the Verna gets ABS with EBD, six airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, ESC, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and even pretensioners and force-limiter seat belts for the front seats. Comfort and convenience features include ventilated, heated, and electrically adjustable front seats, cruise control, a cooled glovebox, and even a voice-activated sunroof.

It gets the option of a pair of 1.5-litre engines, one of them being turbocharged and the other naturally-aspirated. The former makes 157 bhp and 253 Nm, while the NA unit puts out 113 bhp and 144 Nm. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual, an iVT, and even a 7-speed DCT, with fuel efficiency of up to 20.6 kmpl. Once you factor in a boot space of 528 litres, it’s hard to give the Hyundai Verna a miss.  

Hyundai Verna Key Specifications

Hyundai Verna Key Features

• Heated and ventilated seats
• Powered driver’s seat
• ADAS

8. Volkswagen Virtus (₹11.5 Lakh-₹19.4 Lakh)

For all intents and purposes, the Volkswagen Virtus and the Skoda Slavia are cut from the same cloth, with a few differences. Nevertheless, the Virtus deserves its spot on this list as a thoroughly capable sedan.

It gets a five-star GNCAP safety rating, along with ABS with EBD, six airbags, ESC, a speed-sensing auto door lock feature, ISOFIX child seat mounts, hill-start assist, and quite a few more safety features. In terms of space, the Virtus has enough room for up to five passengers and a boot space of 521 litres, which is ample.

It is interesting to note that the Virtus gets cylinder deactivation tech on the 1.5-litre engine variants. What this essentially means is that the engine can switch off two of its four cylinders when there’s less load on the engine, and helps return better fuel efficiency. This is a unique addition and quite valuable, especially on longer journeys.

Volkswagen Virtus Key Specifications

Volkswagen Virtus Key Features

• Cylinder deactivation tech on 1.5-litre engine
• Ventilated seats
• Digital driver’s display 

9. Honda City (₹11.8 Lakh-₹16.3 Lakh)

There’s a lot to like about the Honda City. Now in its fifth generation (it first launched in 1998), the City comes across as a car that’s instantly recognisable, offering good interior space and neutral driving dynamics.

It’s available with only one engine option: a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol unit that makes 119 bhp and 145 Nm. There’s a 6-speed manual or a CVT to choose from, and the City returns a healthy efficiency of up to 18.4 kmpl. As part of a refresh in 2023, the City now comes equipped with ADAS. This includes features like collision mitigation braking, lane departure mitigation and keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high beam assist. Aside from that, it also gets an electric sunroof, auto headlamps, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless smartphone integration, among others.

The City also comes packed with a lot of safety kit. Six airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, a lane watch camera, hill-start assist, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and a tyre pressure monitoring system are some of the highlights. Planning a long trip in the City? Its 506-litre boot space is sure to come in handy.

Honda City Key Specifications

Honda City Key Features

• 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• ‘LaneWatch’ feature displays live rear view on infotainment screen
• LED headlamps

10. Honda City Hybrid eHEV (₹19 Lakh-₹20.5 Lakh)

As part of a push to showcase its hybrid tech, Honda launched the City Hybrid eHEV in 2022. In essence, it’s still got everything that a regular petrol-only City would have, with the addition of an electrified powertrain to boost fuel efficiency.

An ARAI-rated 27.1 kmpl for the City Hybrid eHEV unsurprisingly makes Honda’s sedan the most  efficient among its rivals. With performance not the focus for the City Hybrid, the 1.5-litre petrol engine’s 97 bhp and 127 Nm output is understandable. Aside from that, the City Hybrid gets comfort and convenience features like a rear centre armrest, rear AC vents, automatic headlamps, a sunroof, and a height adjustable driver’s seat.

On the safety front, the big highlight is the inclusion of ADAS on the City Hybrid. This includes features like forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. There’s also ABS with EBD, six airbags, traction control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and hill-start assist, to name a few.

The inclusion of hybrid tech has pushed the City’s price well above its regular ICE-powered sibling’s. However, as a way to showcase the future of mobility, it’s hard to fault the City Hybrid. 

Honda City Hybrid eHEV Key Specifications

Honda City Hybrid eHEV Key Features

• Sunroof
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane keep assist

Conclusion

Sedans in India have an uphill battle if they’re to overturn the advantage enjoyed by SUVs and hatchbacks currently. That said, this list proves that the sedans on offer today pack in plenty in terms of practicality, features, performance, space and even efficiency.

It’s also clear to see that the more affordable sedans on sale don’t compromise on equipment and other key aspects as much as you’d expect. At this rate, it’s not inconceivable to think that sedans could return to their former glory in the near future.

FAQ

Q. Which is the cheapest sedan car in India?

The Tata Tigor is one of the cheapest sedans in India. It has an ex-showroom (Delhi) price ranging between ₹6.2 lakh and ₹9.5 lakh.

Q. Which sedan car has the best fuel economy?

The Honda City Hybrid eHEV is the sedan with the best fuel economy. It has an ARAI-rated efficiency of 27.1 kmpl.

Q. Which prime sedan cars are under ₹10 lakh?

Under ₹10 lakh (starting price, ex-showroom), the sedans on sale are the Tata Tigor, Hyundai Aura, Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Honda Amaze, and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.

Q. Are cheap sedans economical on fuel?

Yes. Cars like the Tigor, Aura, Dzire and Amaze all feature efficiency figures greater than 18 kmpl.

Q. What should I look for when choosing a cheap sedan car?

The factors to look out for when choosing a cheap sedan car include safety, practicality, and efficiency.