Owning a new vehicle in this Diwali need not strain you financially, because there are many hatchback models available that use petrol and CNG in India. Starting from just ₹3.50 lakh, all these automobiles aim at budget-conscious and first-time buyers who want affordable modes of transportation.
Here are seven affordable cars that can be considered in October 2026, including their respective prices and mileage figures.
7 Affordable Cars in India: Price and Mileage Comparison
| Car | Starting Price | Petrol Mileage | CNG Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maruti S-Presso | ₹3.50 lakh | 24.12kmpl | 32.73km/kg |
| Maruti Alto K10 | ₹3.70 lakh | 24.39kmpl | 33.85km/kg |
| Renault Kwid | ₹4.53 lakh | Around 20kmpl | Not available |
| Maruti Celerio | ₹4.70 lakh | 26kmpl | 34.43km/kg |
| Tata Tiago | ₹4.77 lakh | Around 20kmpl | 28.06km/kg |
| Maruti Wagon R | ₹4.99 lakh | Around 24kmpl | 34km/kg |
| Hyundai Grand i10 Nios | ₹5.60 lakh | Around 18kmpl | Around 27km/kg |
All prices are starting ex-showroom figures. Mileage figures are claimed or indicative, not guaranteed real-world results.
1. Maruti Suzuki S-Presso: Entry Level Offer in India
It has a starting price of ₹3.50 lakh and will be suitable for first-time buyers as a small sedan that comes with a 1.0-litre petrol engine giving 24.12kmpl. The factory fitted CNG variant gives 32.73km/kg.
2. Maruti Suzuki Alto K10: Budget Friendly Hatchback Car
Starting from ₹3.70 lakh, the hatchback comes with 1.0-litre petrol engine and its factory fitted CNG variant gives an impressive 33.85km/kg.
3. Renault Kwid: Budget-Friendly SUV Inspired Car
The Kwid has a starting price of ₹4.53 lakh and it has a 1.0 litre petrol engine with manual and automatic gearbox option, but the fuel economy is claimed to be about 20kmpl. In contrast to many of the other brands reviewed here, the Kwid does not have a factory-fitted CNG variant.
4. Maruti Suzuki Celerio: Fuel Efficiency is the Key Feature
Celerio’s starting price is ₹4.70 lakh. Its 1.0-litre petrol engine provides fuel economy up to 26kmpl, whereas its CNG variant has fuel economy of 34.43km/kg.
5. Tata Tiago: Practical Family Hatchback Car
Tiago’s starting price is ₹4.77 lakh. Its 1.2-litre petrol engine gives fuel economy of around 20kmpl, whereas its CNG variant gives 28.06km/kg of fuel economy with AMT variant on some CNG variants.
6. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R: More Interior Space
Wagon R’s starting price is ₹4.99 lakh, and it has 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre petrol engines. The CNG variant of Wagon R has fuel economy of approximately 34km/kg, and its tall interior gives more space.
7. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios: A More Upmarket Hatchback
The Grand i10 Nios is priced at ₹5.60 lakh and features a 1.2 litre petrol engine. It gives around 18 km per litre fuel efficiency, whereas the CNG variant available from the factory gets around 27 km/kg.
Ability in Racing: Our Honest Opinion
These seven cars have been built for the purpose of comfortable and affordable travel and not for racing. Even though Grand i10 Nios and Tata Tiago are equipped with bigger engines, but since Alto K10 and S-Presso can be pretty lightweight and agile in the city traffic, yet the lack of power capacity will render them useless in racing. Our suggestion for someone buying a first affordable car would be braking, handling, and safety.
FAQs
What is the most inexpensive vehicle on the above list?
The price of the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso begins from ₹3.50 lakh (ex-showroom).
Which vehicle provides the best CNG Mileage?
Maruti Suzuki Celerio offers up to 34.43 km/kg mileage of CNG.
Which vehicles come with factory-fitted CNG?
S-Presso, Alto K10, Celerio, Wagon R, Tiago, and Grand i10 Nios are available with factory-fitted CNG.
Does Renault Kwid provide the option for CNG?
No. It comes with only the petrol engine.
Conclusion
S-Presso and Alto K10 appeal to customers who have strict budgets, whereas Celerio and Wagon R are oriented towards those seeking economy in fuel use. Tiago and Grand i10 Nios provide options with different interiors and equipment.
Make the comparison between the cars before you purchase them during the upcoming Diwali.