5 Hatchbacks Under ₹10 Lakhs in India: Hatchbacks are a go-to for Indian buyers—affordable, practical, and perfect for city driving. If you’re looking for hatchbacks under ₹10 lakhs, you’re in for some great choices. We’ve handpicked the top 5 hatchbacks that shine in features, mileage, safety, and value, including the All New Tata Altroz.
This guide breaks down each car’s strengths, key differences, and a recommended variant under the ₹10 lakh ex-showroom(Delhi) price cap, all in simple language to help you choose the right one.
1. Maruti Suzuki Swift
The Maruti Suzuki Swift is a fan favorite with its bold new look, featuring a glossy black grille and L-shaped LED DRLs. Its driver-focused cabin includes a 7-inch touchscreen (on higher trims, 9-inch) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Safety is strong with 6 airbags standard across all variants and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on AMT variants. The new 1.2-litre Z-series petrol engine is fuel-efficient and smooth.
- Key Features: 7-inch touchscreen (on VXi), 6 airbags standard, LED DRLs, auto climate control (on higher trims).
- Mileage: ARAI: 24.8 kmpl (manual), 25.75 kmpl (AMT). Real-world (estimated): 13.78 kmpl (city), 22.18 kmpl (highway).
- Recommended Variant: VXi (₹7.29 lakhs, ex-showroom) – Gets a touchscreen, LED DRLs, and standard 6 airbags.
- Expert Opinion: “The Swift’s refined engine and efficiency make it a city star. It’s less sporty now, but great for families. Interior plastics could improve.” – Auto Expert
- Why It Stands Out: The Swift offers a fun drive, great mileage, and wide service network, ideal for young buyers and those prioritizing standard safety features.
2. Maruti Suzuki Baleno
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno feels premium with a spacious cabin and a 9-inch touchscreen in top trims. It’s loaded with features like a Heads-Up Display (HUD) and 360-degree camera on the top Alpha variant, and Suzuki Connect for remote access. 6 airbags are standard across all variants. The 1.2-litre petrol engine is peppy, and the car’s roomy interior suits families.
- Key Features: 9-inch touchscreen (on Zeta), 6 airbags standard, rear AC vents. (HUD and 360-degree camera on Alpha).
- Mileage: ARAI: 22.35 kmpl (manual), 22.94 kmpl (AMT). Real-world (estimated): 15-18 kmpl (city), 22+ kmpl (highway).
- Recommended Variant: Zeta (₹8.38 lakhs, ex-showroom) – Includes the 9-inch touchscreen, rear AC vents, and standard 6 airbags.
- Expert Opinion: “The Baleno’s feature list and space make it a top pick. Some cabin noise creeps in, but it’s a great all-rounder.” – Car Reviewer
- Why It Stands Out: Perfect for those wanting a feature-packed, spacious hatchback with standard high-level safety airbags at a reasonable price.
3. The All New Tata Altroz
The All New Tata Altroz is a standout with its design and robust build. The updated model (mid 2025) includes 6 airbags as standard across all variants. Features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen, fully digital instrument cluster, and ventilated seats are available on higher variants like the XZ+ S. It offers multiple engine options, including petrol, turbo petrol, diesel, and CNG, catering to varied needs. The cabin is premium, and the ride is comfortable. The previous model received a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating (under 2020 protocol), and with the addition of standard 6 airbags, the updated model is expected to offer excellent safety, although a re-test under current protocols would be needed for an updated rating.
- Key Features: Standard 6 airbags, 10.25-inch touchscreen (on higher variants), fully digital cluster (on higher variants), ventilated seats (on higher variants). Previous model: 5-star GNCAP rating (2020 protocol).
- Expected Mileage: ARAI: 19.33 kmpl (petrol), 26.2 km/kg (CNG). Real-world (estimated): 15-17 kmpl (city), 19-21 kmpl (highway).
- Recommended Variant: XZ (Expected ₹8.09 lakhs, ex-showroom Petrol) – Offers essential safety features, premium interiors, and includes standard 6 airbags. (Features like the 10.25″ screen and digital cluster are on XZ+ S or above).
- Expert Opinion: “The Altroz’s strong safety foundation and updated features make it a game-changer. The diesel option is rare and appealing.” – Auto Journalist
- Why It Stands Out: Unmatched standard safety (6 airbags) and versatile engine options make it ideal for safety-conscious buyers looking for a premium feel.
Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to 19 Sensational SUVs Under ₹10 Lakh in India (May 2025)
4. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios is a city-friendly hatchback with a premium cabin feel. Its 8-inch touchscreen, automatic climate control, and 6 airbags standard across all variants make it a strong contender. The 1.2-litre petrol engine is refined, and the car’s compact size is perfect for tight urban roads. It does not have a Global NCAP safety rating for the current model.
- Key Features: 8-inch touchscreen, 6 airbags standard, rear AC vents, cruise control.
- Mileage: ARAI: 16-18 kmpl (petrol). Real-world (estimated): 14-16 kmpl (city), 18-21 kmpl (highway).
- Recommended Variant: Asta (₹7.99 lakhs, ex-showroom) – Packed with the 8-inch touchscreen, standard 6 airbags, and comfort features.
- Expert Opinion: “The Nios is smooth and easy to drive in cities. High-speed ride is bouncy, but the cabin feels upscale.” – Car Expert
- Why It Stands Out: Its plush interior, ease of driving, and standard 6 airbags make it a top pick for urban commuters prioritizing comfort and core safety.
5. Tata Tiago
The Tata Tiago is a budget-friendly hatchback with a solid build. The previous model received a 4-star Global NCAP safety rating (under 2020 protocol). Tata has updated the Tiago to include 6 airbags standard from the XT variant onwards (including the XZ+). It offers a 7-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay (on XZ+ and above) and a unique i-CNG option with an AMT transmission on specific variants for low running costs. It’s modern design adds to its appeal.
- Key Features: 7-inch touchscreen (on XZ+), i-CNG tech (on CNG variants), height-adjustable driver seat (on higher variants). Previous model: 4-star GNCAP rating (2020 protocol). 6 airbags standard from XT variant onwards.
- Mileage: ARAI: 19.01 kmpl (petrol), 28.06 km/kg (CNG AMT). Real-world (estimated): Efficient, especially in city driving.
- Recommended Variant: XZ+ (₹7.29 lakhs, ex-showroom Petrol, prices vary for CNG) – Includes 7-inch touchscreen and 6 airbags standard (being above XT).
- Expert Opinion: “The Tiago’s value and safety foundation are hard to beat. It’s a solid city car, though low-end vibrations can be felt.” – Auto Reviewer
- Why It Stands Out: A strong contender for budget buyers prioritizing a good safety rating foundation and the option of innovative CNG tech, now with 6 airbags on mid to top variants.
Also Read:
- 10 Must-Have Cars Under ₹10 Lakh in India (2025): The Ultimate Guide
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Best 5 Hatchbacks Under ₹10 Lakhs in India: Comparison Table
| Car | Recommended Variant (Price Ex-Showroom) | Key Features (Variant Specific) | Mileage (ARAI Petrol) | Safety Rating/Airbags | Best For |
| Maruti Swift | VXi (₹7.29L) | 7″ touchscreen, 6 airbags standard | 24.8 – 25.75 kmpl | 6 airbags standard / Not GNCAP Rated | Driving fun, standard safety |
| Maruti Baleno | Zeta (₹8.38L) | 9″ touchscreen, Rear AC, 6 airbags standard | 22.35 – 22.94 kmpl | 6 airbags standard / Not GNCAP Rated | Features, Space, standard safety |
| Tata Altroz | XZ (₹8.09L) | Premium Interior, Standard 6 airbags | 19.33 kmpl | 5-star GNCAP (prev. model) / 6 airbags standard | Premium feel, highest safety foundation |
| Hyundai Grand i10 Nios | Asta (₹7.99L) | 8″ touchscreen, 6 airbags standard, Rear AC | 16-18 kmpl | 6 airbags standard / Not GNCAP Rated | Urban refinement, standard safety |
| Tata Tiago | XZ+ (₹7.29L Petrol) | 7″ touchscreen, i-CNG option, 6 airbags standard | 19.01 kmpl | 4-star GNCAP (prev. model) / 6 airbags from XT onwards | Budget, CNG, good safety foundation |
Note: GNCAP ratings mentioned are for previous models tested under the 2020 protocol, unless otherwise specified. The addition of more airbags significantly enhances safety, but a new test is required for an updated rating under current protocols.
Also Read: Top 10 Best SUVs Under ₹10 Lakh in India (2025)
How These Hatchbacks Differ
- Safety: Altroz has the highest previous GNCAP rating (5-star) and now offers 6 airbags as standard. Tiago has a 4-star previous rating and now gets 6 airbags from the XT variant onwards. Swift, Baleno, and Nios also now offer 6 airbags standard across variants but do not have recent GNCAP ratings.
- Features: Baleno offers features like HUD and 360 camera on its topmost variant (likely over ₹10 lakh). Altroz brings premium tech like the 10.25-inch screen and digital cluster on its higher variants. Swift, Baleno, and Nios offer 6 airbags standard, while Altroz also makes 6 airbags standard. Tiago offers 6 airbags from XT onwards.
- Mileage: Swift and Baleno generally offer higher ARAI mileage figures for petrol. The CNG options (Tiago and Baleno) are the most fuel-efficient overall.
- Price: Tiago is generally the most affordable, while the chosen variants of Baleno and Nios are towards the higher end of the sub-₹10 lakh bracket.
Best 5 Hatchbacks: Which One Should You Buy?
- Best for Safety Foundation: Tata Altroz – Its 5-star GNCAP history and now standard 6 airbags set a high benchmark.
- Best for Standard Airbags & Features: Maruti Suzuki Baleno or Hyundai Grand i10 Nios – Both offer 6 airbags standard and a good set of comfort/tech features, with the Baleno feeling more spacious and the Nios more refined for city driving.
- Best All-Rounder (Value & Standard Safety): Maruti Suzuki Swift – Offers standard 6 airbags, great mileage, a refined engine, and Maruti’s network at a competitive price.
- Best on Budget (with Safety Focus): Tata Tiago – The most affordable option with a solid 4-star GNCAP history and 6 airbags standard from XT onwards.
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