There is something about big cars that get our attention and pique our interest, especially in India. Space is one of the biggest pros when it comes to people buying larger cars. However, not everyone can afford to invest in a big SUV or 7-seater and that is where small, spacious vehicles come in. There are a number of manufacturers in India that offer budget-friendly cars with a lot of space in the back seat. While these smaller cars might not look like they have a lot of space, a closer look ensures that they can comfortably seat 3 adults in the back seat. Manufacturers that sell cars that focus on space are preparing for a boost in sales post the lockdown pandemic and here are some of the best models you can opt for in the market.
Tata Tiago
Ever since the Tata Tiago was released, it has been making headlines across the country. The car is powered by either a 1.2L petrol engine that generates 85Ps of power along with 114Nm of torque and can be had with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission system. Along with the petrol motor, the Tiago comes with a 1.05L diesel engine that produces 70Ps of power and 140Nm of torque and is fitted with a 5-speed manual gearbox only. The rear seats come with soft adjustable headrests that make long-distance traveling comfortable and non-stressful. The legroom and headroom are quite average but the reclined seats allow taller passengers to sit comfortably.
Price: Rs. 4.69 – 6.73 Lakh
Maruti Celerio
Maruti has always been a popular name in the budget-friendly segment in India and the Celerio is one of their finest models in that very segment. Although the Celerio is considered as quite a compact hatchback, the interiors are designed to keep passengers comfortable at all times. Under the hood of the Maruti Suzuki Celerio sits a 1.0L 3-cylinder petrol engine that offers 68Ps of power along with 90Nm of torque. There is also a CNG variant that produces 59Ps of power and 78Nm of torque. Both the motors are mated to 5-speed manual transmissions while the petrol model is also available with a 5-speed AMT option. In terms of displacement, the Celerio produces 998cc.
Price: Rs. 4.46 – 5.73 Lakh
Maruti WagonR
When it comes to spacious small cars, the Maruti WagonR definitely stands out for all the right reasons. In fact, the WagonR has always been one of the most bought 2nd hand cars from the brand in the country. Under the hood of the Maruti WagonR is a 1.0L as well a 1.2L petrol engine that is mated to either a 5-speed manual or AMT gearbox. The 1.0L produces 68Ps of max power with a max torque of 90Nm while the 1.2L engine option offers 83Ps with 113Nm. The WagonR comes fitted with a number of new features and electronic equipment.
Price: Rs. 4.50 – 5.99 Lakh
Maruti Swift
What can be said about the Maruti Suzuki Swift that hasn’t already been said? Probably one of the most selling cars in the country as well as the primary reason for many people’s RC transfers in the country, Swift is definitely a powerful competitor in the budget segment. A combination of affordability and performance has made the Swift a force to be reckoned with. In terms of power, the Swift comes with a 1.2L 4-cylinder petrol engine that produces 83bhp and 115Nm of torque. The 1.3L DDiS diesel engine variant offers 74bhp and 190Nm of torque. Both variants are mated to a 5-speed manual transmission while the petrol variant can be had with a CVT automatic gearbox as well.
Price: Rs. 5.19 – 8.02 Lakh
Tata Bolt
If you are looking for a small car that packs a punch while also keeping the passengers comfortable in the back, the Tata Bolt is quite obviously one of the best options in the Indian market. Powering the Bolt is a new BSVI-compliant Revotron petrol engine that generates 89Ps of power and 140Nm of torque. Paired to the Revotron engine is a 5-speed manual transmission that comes with Front-Wheel-Drive capabilities. According to tests, the Bolt is capable of producing 17.57 Kmpl as its mileage and has a top speed of 154 Kmph. Some of the features found on the Tata Bolt include keyless entry, a spoiler in the rear, LED headlamps and taillights, power locking doors, front and side-impact beams, and anti-theft functionality.
Price: Rs. 5.29 – 7.87 Lakh
Ford Figo
Ford is a name that is known around the world, especially for its reliable and performance-enhanced vehicles. The Figo is just one of the many cars from Ford that combine performance, comfort, and affordability into the perfect little package. The Figo is also best known for its spaciousness and the rear seat offers comfort beyond any of the competition available in the market today. The car houses a 1.2L 3-cylinder petrol engine as well as a 1.5L diesel motor which generates 96Ps and 120Nm and 100Ps and 215Nm respectively. Both engine options are mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and have FWD capabilities.
Price: Rs. 5.49 – 8.15 Lakh
Honda Jazz
Honda is one of the biggest names in the automotive world and the Jazz stands out as one of the best in their lineup. There is a 1.2L petrol engine or a 1.5L diesel unit powering the Jazz that generates 90Ps of power with 110Nm and 100Ps of power with 200Nm of torque respectively. The petrol variant of the Jazz is said to offer 18.2 kmpl whereas the diesel model claims to have 27.3 kmpl as the mileage. While the engines on the Jazz are something to look forward to, it is actually the back seat space that draws most of the attention to the car. The Jazz is definitely one of the best cars in India when it comes to space and the upcoming facelifted model is expected to build on that feature as well.
Price: Rs. 7.53 – 9.48 Lakh
Maruti Baleno
Maruti is, by far, the best-selling car manufacturer in the country and the Baleno is considered as a popular option when it comes to comfort and space in a small car. The Baleno is powered by a new BSVI-compliant 1.2L Naturally-Aspirated petrol engine that pumps out 83Ps of power and 113Nm of torque (same as the Swift). There is also a 1.2L DualJet petrol engine that produces 90Ps of power and 113Nm of torque. While both engines come paired with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, the 1.2L naturally-Aspirated engine has the option for a CVT gearbox as well. The features available on the Baleno include LED headlamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, keyless entry, and a rear-view camera. Maruti also offers the Baleno with dual airbags in front, ABS with EBD, parking sensors, and ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors. Many people still use a pre-owned car evaluation tool to get their hands on the Baleno at the best possible prices.
Price: Rs. 5.70 – 9.03 Lakh
Small cars have always been disregarded in India because they were not considered as the most comfortable vehicles on the road but with interested buyers demanding more space, these above-mentioned cars have taken a massive jump ahead. No more will cramped spaces be associated with small, budget-friendly cars, especially in India. Which small car do you think is the best in terms of comfort, space, and performance?