CARVERSAL

Indian Automotive market is finally getting some real-deal when it comes to new cars. Over the past few months, we have seen many such launches that range from innovation to excitement— arrival of new technologies and some much-awaited cars. As we move forward in this year, the temptation of getting your first/new car is increasing rapidly, as there are so many desirable options just under ₹10 lakh. So, here are the Top 5 best cars to buy under ₹10 lakh in 2025. 

Citroen Basalt

Citroen entered the Indian market in 2021, but despite its global reputation, it has struggled to gain traction. The brand’s sales average around 300 - 400 units per month, making it one of the least-selling brands in India. However, Citroen continues to expand its portfolio, and the Basalt, launched in August 2024, stands out as an affordable coupe SUV, bringing unique styling to the segment.

The Citroen Basalt is built on the C3 and C3 Aircross platform and is currently the most affordable coupe-style SUV in India. At ₹9.68 lakh, it competes with sub-compact SUVs, while being a Creta-size SUV, it also gets 16' diamond-cut alloy wheels and LED headlamps.

Inside, it features a 10.25' Infotainment screen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 7' digital Instrument cluster, Automatic climate control, and Electric adjust for ORVMs. Citroen has also introduced a unique adjustable thigh support feature for the rear seats, enhancing practicality and comfort for passengers.

The Basalt is powered by two engine options— a 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 82 hp and 115 Nm torque (paired with a 5-speed manual) and a 1.2L turbo-petrol engine delivering 110 hp and 190 Nm torque with a 6-speed manual or 205 Nm torque with a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Despite Citroen’s limited presence in India, the Basalt offers a compelling package with its stylish design and practical features, making it an interesting option in the sub-₹10 lakh SUV segment.

2025 Honda Amaze

Honda has built its reputation on reliability, and the Amaze is a testament to that. The brand has maintained steady sales in India, averaging around 4,000 - 5,000 units per month. The latest update to the Amaze was launched in early 2025, bringing in crucial technology and design updates to keep it competitive in the segment (mainly Dzire). 

The 2025 Amaze retains the 1.2L i-VTEC petrol engine, producing 90 hp and 110 Nm torque. It is available with a 5-speed manual or a CVT automatic gearbox. Being a Honda i-VTEC, it is extremely reliable with spot on performance with respect to it being a Naturally Aspirated car.

One of the major highlights of the 2025 Amaze is that it is now the most affordable car in India to offer Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). It gets Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Automatic Emergency Braking, which were previously limited to higher-end cars. Safety features like ABS, EBD, Traction Control, and six airbags are also offered as standard.

Inside, the Amaze comes with a 7' Infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 7' digital Instrument cluster. The rear seats provide ample space, and Honda has improved the NVH levels for a quieter cabin. The boot space remains at 420L, making it practical for long trips. The 2025 Amaze is priced from ₹7.92 lakh.

2025 Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Maruti Suzuki has dominated the Indian automotive market for decades, and the Baleno is a prime example of its success. The car has been consistently topping sales charts, with an average of 15,000 - 18,000 units sold every month. The 2025 Baleno update brings subtle design tweaks and more safety features, ensuring it remains a strong contender in the premium hatchback segment.

The Baleno is powered by a 1.2L K-Series petrol engine, producing 89 hp and 113 Nm torque, and is available with both a 5-speed manual and AMT. This K-Series engine is a gem, as it is one of the most versatile engines to use, which ultimately makes the Baleno a go-to car for every type of customer. 

One of its biggest strengths is its space. The Baleno offers one of the most spacious cabins in its segment, with ample legroom and headroom. The 2025 model comes with a 9' Infotainment screen with Suzuki Connect, Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Automatic Climate Control, and a Head-Up Display (HUD). 

Safety-wise, Maruti has improved the structural strength of the Baleno, and it now comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, and a 360-degree camera. While its Global NCAP rating is still awaited, it is expected to be a significantly safer car than its previous models. Boot space remains at 318L. The 2025 Baleno is priced from ₹7.10 lakh.

2025 Tata Nexon

Tata Motors has seen a remarkable rise in its market share, largely due to the success of the Nexon. With an average monthly sale of 12,000 - 15,000 units, it remains one of the best-selling SUVs in the country. The 2025 update introduced new design elements, a larger touchscreen, and more advanced safety features, solidifying its position as a feature-packed SUV.

The Tata Nexon is the only car in India available with four fuel options— Petrol, Diesel, CNG, and Electric. The petrol variant comes with a 1.2L turbo engine producing 120 hp and 170 Nm torque, while the diesel gets a 1.5L unit delivering 115 hp and 260 Nm torque. The CNG variant, introduced recently, provides better mileage while maintaining performance. It was also the first CNG car in India to be offered with a Turbocharged engine. The EV variant offers a range of up to 450 km, as claimed by Tata Motors.

Safety has always been a strong point for Tata, and the Nexon continues to hold a 5-star Global NCAP rating. It comes with six airbags, ABS, ESP, traction control, etc.

In terms of features, the Nexon now offers a 10.25' Infotainment screen with Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 10.25' digital Instrument cluster with Map display, Ventilated Seats, Two-spoke Steering wheel with illuminated logo, Haptic touch panel for Climate Controls, a 360-degree camera, and a Panoramic sunroof. The CNG variant, unlike many others, provides a practical boot space of 321L (60L less than that of ICE and EV versions), making it more usable. The 2025 Nexon is priced from ₹8 lakh.

2025 Skoda Kylaq

Skoda has always been known for its solid build quality and European engineering, but it has struggled with high pricing in the past. With the Kylaq, Skoda aims to bring premium quality at an affordable price point. Although new to the market, it has already gained traction— we assume monthly sales of around 3,000 - 4,000 units for Kylaq in future. The 2025 launch marks Skoda’s push towards offering value-packed cars in the sub-₹10 lakh segment.

The 2025 Skoda Kylaq is powered by a 1.0L TSI turbo-petrol engine producing 115 hp and 175 Nm torque. It is available with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The turbocharged engine offers strong mid-range performance while maintaining good fuel efficiency, as claimed by Skoda.

The Kylaq stands out with its premium build quality and feature set. It gets a 10' Infotainment screen, Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 10' fully digital Instrument cluster, All adjustable Headrests, sunroof, LED headlamps, a Two-spoke Steering wheel, etc. The materials used in the cabin reflect Skoda-Volkswagen’s higher standard, with soft-touch elements on the dashboard and doors.

Safety is well taken care of, with multiple airbags, electronic stability control, a 360-degree camera, and the strong body structure of the MQB A0 IN platform. The 2025 Kylaq is priced at ₹9.99 lakh. 

Soon Volkswagen will also launch its Kylaq derivative named Volkswagen Tera.