Best Commuter Cars in India - Price, Mileage & Specifications

In today's times, where traffic jams and congested roads are a daily reality, the choice of a commuter car has become paramount. It is, thus, important to have a reliable companion that effortlessly navigates the urban jungle, ensuring you reach your destination comfortably and on time. 

In this blog, we explore some of the top contenders for the title of the best commuter cars in India. From the iconic Maruti Alto to the stylish Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and the ever-popular Maruti Brezza, these vehicles have carved a niche for themselves in the hearts of Indian commuters. 

Join us as we explore the world of compact, efficient, and dependable cars designed to make your daily commute a breeze.

1. Maruti Alto 800

Starting Price: ₹3.54 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

The Maruti Alto 800, currently on sale as the cheapest car in India in 2023, is also one of the best-selling cars in the country. This hatchback is prized for its fuel economy, reliable mechanical setup, compact size, and lightweight construction, making it an excellent commuter. 

Buyers of the Maruti Alto 800 have two engine options: the 0.8L F8D Petrol and 0.8L F8D Bi-Fuel CNG. For those wondering, the petrol version is claimed to produce 47.3 bhp of power and 69 Nm of maximum torque, while the CNG version delivers 40 bhp of power and 60 Nm of peak torque. Both of these engines are only available with a 5-speed manual gearbox. 

Furthermore, the Alto 800 is backed by dependable after-sales support and is not overly expensive to service and maintain. Its resale value is also impressive, as the car enjoys strong demand in the country. 

Maruti Alto 800 Key Specifications

Maruti Alto 800 Key Features

What’s Good:

• VFM pricing
• Reliable engine options
• Cheap service and parts

What’s Not Good:

• Not so a spacious cabin
• Poor high-speed performance
• No automatic variants on sale

Check out our collection of Used Maruti Alto 800 Cars in India

2. Maruti Celerio

Starting Price: ₹5.36 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

The new Maruti Celerio comes with a new platform, updated engine options, revised exterior styling, and a practical cabin loaded with features and equipment. The Celerio is larger than its predecessor, featuring bolder styling and updated exterior colour choices. The build quality has improved, and the Celerio boasts a comprehensive list of features, including push-button start, keyless entry, and idle start-stop. 

The Celerio is powered by the updated 1.0L K-series petrol engine that churns out 65 bhp of power and 89 Nm of maximum torque, while the optional 1.0L CNG engine delivers 55 bhp of power and 82.1 Nm of peak torque. Maruti offers two gearbox options for the petrol engine: a 5-speed MT and a 5-speed AMT. Both engines deliver excellent performance, with the best-in-segment fuel economy figures. 

Maruti Celerio Key Specifications

Maruti Celerio Key Specifications

What’s Good:

• Comfortable and feature-rich cabin
• Reliable and fuel-efficient engine options
• Dependable after-sales support

What’s Not Good:

• CNG only offered with the VXI variant
• Not so great safety, especially when compared to the Tiago
• Missing features like rear-camera

Check out our collection of Used Maruti Celerio Cars in India

3. Renault Kwid

Starting Price: ₹4.69 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

For those looking for affordable commuter cars in India, the Renault Kwid can be an excellent choice. It not only comes with potent engine options but also provides a spacious and practical cabin, along with a list of features and a smart exterior design. With prices starting from ₹4.69 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the new Kwid is currently one of the most value-for-money family hatchbacks, offering a no-nonsense package for buyers.

Powering the Kwid is the 1.0L SCe petrol engine that churns out 67 bhp of power and 91 Nm of maximum torque. This engine is available with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed AMT gearbox. With a claimed fuel economy of over 20 km/l, the Kwid is also considered one of the most fuel-efficient cars in India right now. 

Renault Kwid Key Specifications

Key Features:

What’s Good:

• Smart and rugged exterior styling
• Spacious and comfortable cabin
• Sorted dynamics and high-speed stability

What’s Not Good:

• No CNG versions
• After-sales is a hit or a miss
• Inconsistent build quality

Check out our collection of Used Renault Kwid Cars in India

4. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

Starting Price: ₹5.73 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios continues to attract those seeking a well-built and feature-rich family hatchback. It is offered with two engine options: the 1.2L Kappa petrol and 1.2L Bi-Fuel CNG. Both of these engines not only deliver impressive performance but are also well known for their smoothness and long-term reliability. 

In addition to this, the new Hyundai Grand i10 Nios boasts a long list of features, including several segment-first features like a wireless charger and cooled storage console. Compact dimensions, impressive build quality, and a premium cabin are just a few of the factors that make the new Hyundai Grand i10 Nios an excellent choice for city commuting.

Furthermore, strong after-sales support and dependable warranty coverage further enhance the appeal of the new Grand i10 Nios for those looking for a dependable long-term companion. 

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Key Specifications

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Key Features

What’s Good:

• Segment-best fit-finish levels
• Reliable and refined powertrain options
• Long features list

What’s Not Good: 

• Not so frugal petrol engine
• Expensive higher variants
• Not-so-great ride-handling balance

Check out our collection of Used Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Cars in India

5. Tata Tiago

Starting Price: ₹5.60 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

Since its debut, the Tata Tiago has been renowned for its robust build quality, comfortable cabin, practical engine options, and extensive features list. The current iteration is no different. With the launch of the facelift model, the Tiago now boasts more elegant and sophisticated styling, giving it not only a premium look but also an edge over most rivals in terms of aesthetics. 

Under the hood, the Tiago comes equipped with a standard 1.2L Revotron petrol engine, with an optional 1.2L Bi-Fuel CNG engine also available. The petrol engine churns out a peak power and torque output of 86.5 bhp and 115 Nm respectively while the CNG variant produces 72.4 bhp and 103 Nm of maximum torque. Both engines come paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard, while the petrol variant additionally offers a 5-speed AMT transmission option. 

Tata Tiago Key Specifications

Tata Tiago Key Features

What’s Good:

• Excellent build quality and GNCAP safety ratings
• Spacious and comfortable cabin
• Sorted dynamics and high-speed stability

What’s Not Good:

• Unreliable after-sales support
• Jerky AMT gearbox

Check Out Our Collection Of Used Tata Tiago Cars In India

6. Tata Punch

Starting Price: ₹5.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

Introduced in the Indian market as the brand’s first micro-SUV, the new Tata Punch takes on rivals like the Maruti Ignis and the Hyundai Exter. Based on the same platform as the new Altroz, the Punch not only delivers commendable high-speed dynamics but also scored an impressive five-star rating in the GNCAP crash tests.

Powering the Tata Punch is the same powertrain option that we get with the Tata Tiago. This includes the 1.2L Revotron petrol and the 1.2L iCNG Bi-Fuel. Regarding gearbox options, the Punch offers two transmission choices - a 5-speed MT and a 5-speed AMT. The suspension setup of the Punch deserves a special mention here and the ride quality is one of the best in the segment. 

Tata Punch Key Specifications

Tata Punch Key Features

What’s Good:

• Build quality
• Tried and tested powertrain options
• Spacious and comfortable cabin

What’s Not Good:

• No turbo petrol option 
• Fit-finish levels could have been better
• After-sales support is not the best

Check out our collection of Used Tata Punch Cars in India

7. Maruti WagonR

Starting Price: ₹5.54 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

The WagonR's tall-boy stance and spacious cabin have helped it build a strong reputation amongst those looking for a practical and reliable family hatchback in India. With prices starting from ₹5.54 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Maruti WagonR is competitively priced in a segment that includes rivals like the Renault Kwid and the Tata Tiago. 

Unlike many other cars in Maruti’s portfolio, the WagonR offers two petrol engine options - the 1.0L K10C and the 1.2L K12C - in addition to a 1.0L Bi-Fuel CNG engine. In terms of specifications, the 1.0L petrol engine delivers maximum power and torque of 65 bhp and 89 Nm, respectively, while the 1.2L petrol engine produces 88.5 bhp and 113 Nm of maximum torque. 

The CNG variant, on the other hand, is claimed to deliver 55 bhp and 82.1 Nm. All these engines deliver impressive performance but it is the 1.2L K12C that stands out for its strong acceleration and refinement. 

Maruti WagonR Key Specifications

Maruti WagonR Key Features 

What’s Good:

• Tall-Boy styling and high-ground clearance make it a practical urban commuter
• Reliable and frugal powertrain options
• Cheap service costs

What’s Not Good: 

• Strictly average build quality
• Missing essential features
• Poor GNCAP safety ratings

Check out our collection of Used Maruti WagonR Cars in India

8. Hyundai Aura

Starting Price: ₹6.32 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

For those looking for a more practical car with an improved in-cabin experience, compact sedans like the Hyundai Aura make a lot of sense. To begin with, the new Aura shares its underpinnings and powertrain options with the Grand i10 Nios and starts at ₹6.32 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the base variant. 

Clean and elegant styling differentiates the new Aura from the last-gen model of the compact sedan, and the Korean carmaker now offers an extensive features list and a premium cabin for segment buyers.

As standard, the new Aura is equipped with a 1.2L Kappa petrol engine that churns out 82 bhp and 113.8 Nm of maximum torque. An optional CNG powertrain is also available for buyers looking for an economical city commuter. Buyers are offered a choice of two gearbox options - a 5-speed MT and a 5-speed AMT. 

Hyundai Aura Key Specifications

Hyundai Aura Key Features

What’s Good:

• Premium cabin and impressive fit-finish levels
• Refined and reliable powertrain options
• Comprehensive features list

What’s Not Good:

• Mediocre ride quality
• Average safety
• Missing features like TPMS

9. Maruti Dzire

Starting Price: ₹6.51 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

The Maruti Dzire is a well-known name in the Indian car market and is offered as a practical, feature-rich, comfortable, and stylish compact sedan. To begin with, the new Dzire comes equipped with features like LED projector headlights, dual-cut alloy wheels, a touchscreen SmartPlay Studio infotainment system, steering-mounted controls, push-button start, and more. The cabin provides a comfortable seating experience, with ample space in both rows. 

The new Dzire offers the same powertrain options as the Swift, featuring two engines - the 1.2L K12 dual petrol and the 1.2L K12 Bi-Fuel CNG. Maruti provides both manual and AMT gearbox options, depending on the powertrain you choose. Additionally, the new Dzire boasts a well-tuned suspension setup, contributing to its smooth ride quality and handling.

Maruti Dzire Key Specifications

Maruti Dzire Key Features

What’s Good:

• Affordable maintenance and dependable after-sales support
• Comfortable and spacious cabin
• Frugal CNG powertrain

What’s Not Good:

• Average build quality
• No diesel engine
• Jerky gearbox

Check out our collection of Used Maruti Dzire Cars in India

10. Maruti Brezza

Starting Price: ₹8.29 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

With a waiting period of up to 12 months for certain models, the new Maruti Suzuki Brezza is currently one of the most popular compact SUVs in the country, posing stiff competition to rivals such as the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, and Mahindra XUV300.

Priced from ₹8.29 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the new Brezza offers a range of trim and variant options, enhancing its appeal to buyers. To sweeten the deal, it also comes with an extensive features list, including new additions like a heads-up display and the SmartPlay Infotainment System. 

Unlike the previous models, the new Brezza no longer offers a diesel engine option. Instead, buyers have two powertrain options to choose from- the 1.5L K15C Smart Hybrid Petrol and the 1.5L Bi-Fuel CNG. 

The petrol engine delivers 101.6 bhp and 136.8 Nm of maximum torque, while the CNG variant offers 86.3 bhp and 121.5 Nm of peak torque output. With its cost-effective maintenance and reputation for reliable ownership experience, the new Brezza stands out as one of the best commuter SUVs in India in 2023. 

Maruti Brezza Key Specifications

Maruti Brezza Key Features: 

 What’s Good:

• Reliable and efficient powertrain options
• Dependable after-sales support
• Attractive exterior styling and impressive build quality

What’s Not Good:

• No diesel engine option
• Automatic variants command a high premium
• Missing features like ventilated seats, drive modes, auto wipers, and more

Check out our collection of Used Maruti Brezza Cars in India

Conclusion

Choosing the best commuter car in India in 2023 is no easy task, given the plethora of options available. After a detailed exploration of some of the top contenders, it's clear that each of these vehicles has its unique strengths. 

Ultimately, the best commuter car for you will depend on your individual needs, budget, and preferences. With this diverse array of options, there's likely a perfect fit for every commuter on Indian roads in 2023. Which one has your fancy?

Also Read: Most Fuel-Efficient Cars in India

FAQs

Q. Which is the cheapest car in India?

The Maruti Alto 800 is the cheapest car in India.

Q. Which is the cheapest Hyundai car in India?

The new Hyundai Grand i10 Nios is the cheapest Hyundai car in India.

Q. Which is the best SUV for everyday commute?

The Maruti Brezza is a great option for anyone looking for a practical and reliable SUV for city commute.