Until around a couple of decades ago, a car was considered something only the well-heeled could afford. However, by the turn of the millennium, the influx of new carmakers and the increased purchasing power led to middle-class households splurging on shiny new cars. In fact, this is something that occurred both in urban and rural areas. Like you would already know, more than 65% of our country's population is based out of rural locations, which means it gets increasingly important for the carmakers to fine-tune their vehicles as per the tastes of everyone. If you see, car buyers in the rural area often choose the most rugged and easy-to-maintain options simply because of the less sophisticated infrastructure and lower reach of carmakers in the rural area. Keeping this in mind, we've put together a list of the best car for rural areas in India to help you choose the right vehicle for yourself.
1. Maruti Suzuki Alto
Unarguably the most popular entry-level car, the Maruti Suzuki Alto 800cc model has been around for many years now. It's also been a top pick by the rural car buyers due to its high reliability, low price, and the fact that Maruti Suzuki enjoys a strong after-sales network even in the rural markets. The Alto is also very fuel-efficient, which means rural dwellers won't have to drive very often to a petrol pump.
Read More: Maruti Alto 800 Price – New and Old Car
2. Tata Tiago
Tata Motors is far from being as popular as Maruti Suzuki India Ltd and Hyundai Motor India, but it's definitely quite popular in the rural market, where people often pick up cars like the Tiago for its low maintenance, fuel-efficient engine, and sufficiently rugged nature. The Tata Tiago even looks quite good and is available with an optional AMT. Plus, Tata Motors enjoys a decent sales and service network in the rural areas.
3. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R
In its third generation now, the Maruti WagonR enjoys pretty high popularity in both urban and rural markets. Much of this is due to the car's highly practical cabin, high reliability, affordable price tag, and Maruti's good after-sales network in the rural market. Like the Tiago, the WagonR is a petrol-only model but offers 1.0 and 1.2 petrol engine options and even gets an optional AMT.
3. Mahindra TUV300
Mahindra cars are known for their rugged nature and capable suspensions that can easily handle rough terrain. This is exactly why the Mahindra TUV300, a sub-compact offering, is quite popular in rural areas. Some other factors that help it enjoy high popularity is the fact that it isn't too expensive to buy or maintain. Like many other models in our list of Best Rural Car in India, the Mahindra TUV300 is available with an optional AMT and a fuel-efficient diesel heart.
4. Maruti Suzuki Brezza
Yet another Maruti Suzuki model that makes it to the list of Best Rural Cars for Indian Village roads is the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, a sub-4-metre compact SUV that has been around for a while. While it was easier on sale only with a Diesel engine, it's now a petrol-only model. The Brezza offers a decent ride and handling characteristics and is quite comfortable over bad roads, which is something that rural car buyers appreciate. It's also quite well priced and benefits from Maruti's great after-sales network.
Read More: Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza Price – New and Old Car
5. Renault Kwid
Yet another entry-level car that is as popular in the rural sector as it is in the urban is the Renault Kwid. Things going in favour of this model is its spacious interior, high ground clearance, affordable price tag, and Renault's fast-increasing presence in the rural area. While the car was initially sold only with a 0.8-litre engine, it later even received a 1.0-litre motor that can be purchased with an optional AMT.
6. Maruti S-Presso
The Maruti S-Presso is a strong rival to the Renault Kwid and offers all the traits of its competitor along with offering a more refined engine that even feels peppier. In fact, even its AMT is better tuned, while the car also offers a slightly better mix of ride and handling characteristics. Moreover, it's a very fuel-efficient model, which means fewer trips to far-off petrol stations. All of this makes it the best rural car in India in entry-level segment.
Check out our collection of Used Maruti S Presso Cars in India
7. Tata Harrier
Tata Harrier is the most modern SUV from the homegrown carmaker. It looks brilliant, has a world-class 2.0-litre Diesel engine, and is underpinned by a platform that is derived from the L550 architecture of the Land Rover Discovery Sport. The great underpinnings also make it one of the most capable FWD SUVs off the road, which is something that can come in handy in rural areas. It's also powerful and sufficiently rugged. Finally, one benefits from Tata's good after-sales network in the rural areas.
Check out our collection of Used Tata Harrier Cars in India
8. Toyota Fortuner
The last model on our list of Best Rural Cars for Indian village roads is the Toyota Fortuner, which has been one of the most aspirational products in the Indian market. The SUV impresses with its macho design, great ride, powerful and reliable powertrains, and a feature-laden cabin. Plus, its 4x4 system is very capable and can help you easily go off the road.
Read More: Used Car Buyers Guide: Pre-owned Toyota Fortuner – All You Need To Know
In case you plan to sell your car, CARS24 not only offers you a great platform to sell your pre-owned car online and get the best price for it but even takes care of all the necessary documentation, including the RC transfer, absolutely free of cost. You can use our old car valuation tool to find out the correct resale value of any car on sale in India.
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