Best 1200cc Cars in India in 2024 – Specifications, Features, and Price

In the ever-evolving automotive landscape, 1,200 cc cars have emerged as true champions. Gone are the days of scepticism about smaller engines. With scientific advancements and a push for more economical solutions, these compact engines now deliver both power and fuel efficiency, making them the perfect choices for the modern driver.

Imagine driving a car that's not only fun but also easy on your pocket, thanks to its impressive mileage. The 1,200 cc cars strike the perfect balance between performance and practicality, making them ideal companions for daily commutes and exhilarating road trips alike.

Get ready to explore the finest automotive marvels that promise a delightful driving experience and unravel the top contenders in the world of 1,200 cc cars in India for 2023. 

1. Maruti Dzire

The Maruti Dzire is a 1,200 cc compact sedan that is available in petrol, diesel, and CNG variants. The petrol variant is powered by a 1.2L engine that produces 89 bhp and 113 Nm of torque, while the diesel variant is powered by a 1.3L engine that produces 74 bhp and 190 Nm of torque. The Dzire is available in both manual and automatic transmission options, making it a great choice for both city and highway driving for groups of up to 5 people.

The Dzire comes loaded with features like wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ABS and EBD, AC with automatic climate control, rear AC vents, and a 7-inch touchscreen. The Dzire has a mileage of 24 km/l (Petrol), 28.4 km/l (Diesel), and 31.5 km/kg (CNG), making it an economical option for long drives or city commutes.

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹7.45 lakh onwards

Maruti Dzire Key Specifications

Maruti Dzire Key Features

What's Good:

• Smooth and refined engine
• Good ride quality

What's Not Good:

• Overpriced compared to rivals
• Mediocre build quality

Check out our collection of Used Maruti Dzire Cars in India

2. Maruti Swift

The Maruti Suzuki Swift is a stylish and sporty 1,200 cc hatchback that offers a perfect combination of comfort, performance, and economy. It is available in three variants: Petrol, CNG, and Diesel. The Petrol variant is powered by a 1.2L DualJet engine that produces 89 bhp and 113 Nm of torque. It is available with a 5-speed manual or AMT transmission. 

The CNG variant is powered by the same engine but is tuned to run on CNG. It produces 76 bhp and 98.5 Nm of torque. It is only available with a 5-speed manual transmission. The Diesel variant is powered by a 1.3L DDiS engine that produces 75 bhp and 190 Nm of torque. It is available with a 5-speed manual transmission.

The Swift can easily accommodate 5 people and has a boot space of 268 litres. The Swift is also a fuel-efficient car. The Petrol variant has a claimed mileage of 23 km/l, the CNG variant has a claimed mileage of 31 km/kg, and the Diesel variant has a claimed mileage of 27.35 km/l.

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹6.7 lakh onwards

Maruti Swift Key Specifications

Maruti Swift Key Features

What's Good:

• Quick and responsive engine
• Good ride and handling balance

What's Not Good:

• Poor rear seat comfort

Check out our collection of Used Maruti Swift Cars in India

3. Hyundai Venue

The Hyundai Venue offers an attractively priced option in the compact SUV segment, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious buyers. Its competitive pricing provides excellent value for money. With a decent mileage of around 23 km/l, the Venue's diesel variant offers impressive fuel efficiency, allowing drivers to go the extra mile without frequent refuelling.

The 1.5-litre diesel engine powering the Venue delivers a commendable power output of 100 bhp, providing sufficient performance for both city driving and highway cruising. The peak torque of 240 Nm ensures good acceleration and effortless overtaking.

The Venue comes equipped with desirable features, such as a multi-function steering wheel, power adjustable exterior rear view mirrors, a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, an engine start-stop button, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), and stylish alloy wheels. These features enhance convenience, comfort, and safety during the driving experience.

Ex-showroom price (Delhi): ₹7.68 lakh onwards

Hyundai Venue Key Specifications

Hyundai Venue Key Features

What’s Good:

• Stylish and modern design
• Spacious and comfortable interior
• Advanced safety features, including six airbags and ESP

What’s Not Good:

• No diesel-automatic transmission option
• Rear seat space is tight for taller passengers
• The infotainment system can be slow to respond

Check out our collection of Used Hyundai Venue Cars in India

4. Tata Nexon

The Tata Nexon is the perfect 1,200 cc SUV with a bold and muscular exterior. The Nexon is available in two variants: Petrol and Diesel. The Petrol variant is powered by a 1.2L Revotron Turbocharged engine that produces 118.35 bhp and 170 Nm of torque. It is available with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed AMT transmission. The Diesel variant is powered by a 1.5L Revotorq Turbocharged engine that produces 85 bhp and 190 Nm of torque. It is available with a 6-speed manual transmission.

While it can seat up to five passengers, the Nexon also boasts a range of premium features, ensuring maximum comfort and convenience for all. What's more, the Nexon has been awarded a 5-star safety rating by G-NCAP, offering peace of mind for passengers.

The Nexon is also a fuel-efficient car. The Petrol variant has a claimed mileage of 24.07 km/l, and the Diesel variant has a claimed mileage of 27.5 km/l.

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹7.60 lakh onwards

Tata Nexon Key Specifications

Tata Nexon Key Features

What's Good:

• Attractive and modern exterior design with a solid build quality
• Spacious cabin with good rear-seat legroom and large boot space

What's Not Good:

• The ride quality can be bumpy on rough roads, especially for rear-seat passengers
• The infotainment system can be slow to respond at times

Check out our collection of Used Tata Nexon Cars in India

5. Hyundai AURA

The Hyundai AURA is a remarkable 1,200 cc subcompact sedan that was launched in India in 2020. It is based on the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios hatchback and is available in petrol, diesel, and CNG variants. The petrol variant is powered by a 1.2L engine that produces 83 bhp and 114 Nm of torque, while the diesel variant is powered by a 1.2L engine that produces 75 bhp and 115 Nm of torque. 

The CNG variant is powered by a 1.2L engine that produces 69 bhp and 95 Nm of torque. The AURA is available in both manual and automatic transmission options. The Hyundai AURA is a good value-for-money car that offers a spacious and comfortable interior, good fuel economy, and a long list of features. If you are looking for a practical and affordable sedan that fits the bill, the AURA is a good option.

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹7.24 lakh onwards

Hyundai AURA Key Specifications

Hyundai AURA Key Features

What's Good:

• Spacious and comfortable interior
• Responsive and efficient engines
• Well-equipped infotainment system

What's Not Good:

• Mediocre build quality
• Lacklustre handling
• Not as stylish as some other cars in this segment

Check out our collection of Used Hyundai AURA Cars in India

6. Kia Sonet

The Kia Sonet is a powerful 1,200 cc subcompact SUV that was launched in India in 2020. It is based on the Kia Seltos SUV and is available in petrol, diesel, and CNG variants. The petrol variant is powered by a 1.2L turbo-charged engine that produces 118 bhp and 172 Nm of torque, while the diesel variant is powered by a 1.5L engine that produces 115 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. 

The CNG variant is powered by a 1.2L engine that produces 82 bhp and 122 Nm of torque. The Sonet is available in both manual and automatic transmission options. The Kia Sonet is a great choice for those looking for a stylish and feature-packed subcompact SUV. It offers a good balance of performance, fuel economy, and comfort. 

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹11.30 lakh onwards

Kia Sonet Key Specifications

Kia Sonet Key Features

What's Good:

• Spacious and comfortable interior
• Powerful and efficient engines
• Good safety features

What's Not Good:

• Higher price tag
• Occasionally stiff ride quality
• Some features are available only in top-end variants

Check out our collection of Used Kia Sonet Cars in India

7. Mahindra KUV100 NXT

The Mahindra KUV100 NXT is an outstanding choice among the best 1,200cc cars in India. With its powerful performance and fuel efficiency, this compact SUV stands out from the crowd. Under the hood, it is equipped with a 1.2L mFalcon Petrol engine, producing a maximum power of 82 bhp, while the 1.2L mFalcon Diesel engine generates 77 bhp. The car offers a smooth 5-speed manual transmission for seamless control.

Safety is a top priority with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and front fog lamps, ensuring a secure driving experience. The electric power steering adds to the ease of handling, making city driving a breeze. Additionally, the integrated music system elevates your driving experience with your favourite tunes. With a mileage of 18 km/l for petrol and an impressive 25 km/l for diesel, the Mahindra KUV100 NXT is a practical and efficient choice for your daily drives.

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹6.18 lakh onwards

Key Specifications of Mahindra KUV100 NXT

Key Features of Mahindra KUV100 NXT

What's Good:

• Unique and modern design
• Good ground clearance
• Spacious cabin

What's Not Good:

• Some users may find the cabin space and comfort levels slightly lacking
• NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels could be improved

Check out our collection of Used Mahindra KUV100 Cars in India

8. Hyundai i20

The Hyundai i20 stands proudly as one of the best 1,200cc cars in India, boasting exceptional specifications and features. Under the hood, it houses a potent 1.2L Kappa Dual VTVT petrol engine, producing a maximum power of 98 bhp, while the 1.0L Turbo GDi diesel engine churns out an impressive 118 bhp. With a maximum torque of 114 Nm for petrol and 172 Nm for diesel, this hatchback offers robust performance.

Its versatile transmission options, including 5-speed and 6-speed Manual, 6-speed iMT, CVT, and 7-speed DCT Automatic, ensure a smooth and dynamic driving experience. Additionally, the Hyundai i20's fuel efficiency is commendable, delivering up to 19.65 km/l for manual petrol, 21.0 km/l for CVT petrol, and 20.3 km/l for diesel variants. With its captivating design and reliable performance, this hatchback excels in every aspect, making it a top choice among 1,200cc cars in India.

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹7.07 lakh onwards

Hyundai i20 Key Specifications

Hyundai i20 Key Features

What’s Good:

• Improved interior
• Impressive fuel-efficiency
• Complete safety kit

What’s Not Good:

• The top variants are expensive compared to other cars in its segment

Check out our collection of Used Hyundai i20 Cars in India

9. Ford Figo

Despite being discontinued, the Ford Figo remains one of the best 1,200cc cars in India, leaving a lasting impression with its impressive specifications and key features. Powered by a robust 1.2L petrol or 1.5L diesel engine, it delivers maximum power of 89 bhp (Petrol) and 74 bhp (Diesel) and maximum torque of 113 Nm (Petrol) and 190 Nm (Diesel). 

Offering fuel-efficient drives, the petrol variant achieves an impressive mileage of 24 km/l, while the diesel variant excels at 28.4 km/l. With a choice of 5-speed manual or automatic transmission, the Ford Figo ensures smooth and efficient rides. Equipped with modern technology like auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with FordPass-connected car technology, the Ford Figo offers convenience and entertainment for the discerning driver.

Ex-showroom price (Delhi): ₹6 lakh onwards

Ford Figo Key Specifications

Ford Figo Key Features

What’s Good:

• Stylish and modern design
• Spacious and comfortable interior
• Good fuel efficiency

What’s Not Good:

• Mediocre performance (petrol variant)
• Lack of some advanced safety features in lower variants
• Discontinued in India

Check out our collection of Used Ford Figo Cars in India

10. Datsun GO

The Datsun GO is a practical, yet stylish 1,200 cc hatchback that ticks all the right boxes for the budget-conscious Indian consumer. It boasts a spacious and comfortable cabin that can easily seat five passengers, with ample legroom and headspace. The GO is also equipped with advanced features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera that enhance the driving experience.

The 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine that powers the Datsun GO produces an impressive 68 bhp and 104 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a CVT automatic gearbox or a 5-speed manual transmission, which provides a smooth and effortless driving experience. With an impressive fuel efficiency of 18.57 km/l and 19.02 km/l respectively, the Datsun GO is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class, making it a popular choice for those looking for a reliable, yet cost-effective car.

Ex-showroom Price (Delhi): ₹4.02 lakh onwards

Key Specifications of Datsun GO

Key Features of Datsun GO

What's Good: 

• Powerful engine
• Comfortable ride quality

What's Not Good: 

• Outdated design
• Limited safety features

Check out our collection of Used Datsun GO Cars in India

The Bottom Line 

In conclusion, the best 1,200 cc cars in India offer a diverse range of options to suit every driver's needs. For those seeking a sedan, the Maruti Dzire and Hyundai Aura deliver impressive mileage and value for money. If a hatchback is your preference, the Maruti Swift and Hyundai i20 stand out with excellent fuel efficiency and competitive pricing. 

SUV enthusiasts can opt for the Hyundai Venue or Tata Nexon, providing both power and mileage. Additionally, the Ford Figo and Mahindra KUV100 offer attractive options for compact SUVs and hatchback lovers, respectively. With this selection, finding the ideal 1,200 cc car has never been easier.

FAQs

Q. What are some of the upcoming 1,200 cc cars in India?

Upcoming 1,200 cc cars in India include Tata HBX, Maruti Suzuki Celerio, and Hyundai Santro.

Q. What is the price range for 1,200 cc cars in India for 2023?

The price range for 1,200 cc cars in India for 2023 is between ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh.

Q. How do the fuel efficiency ratings for 1,200 cc cars compare to other engine sizes?

Fuel efficiency ratings for 1,200 cc cars are comparable to other engine sizes, with some cars delivering up to 20 km/l in city driving and 25 km/l on highways.

Q. What are some notable features of 1,200 cc cars that make them appealing to buyers?

Notable features of 1,200 cc cars that make them appealing to buyers include affordable price, good fuel efficiency, compact size, easy to manoeuvre in traffic, and low maintenance costs.

Q. How do the safety features of 1,200 cc cars compare to those of larger cars in India?

Safety features of 1,200 cc cars are comparable to those of larger cars in India, with most cars coming with features such as ABS, airbags, and seatbelts. Some cars also come with advanced safety features such as ESP and hill-hold assist.