Every Car You Can Buy Under ₹4 Lakh

As of today, the new cars available under ₹4 lakh (ex-showroom) are limited to just two popular entry-level models from Maruti Suzuki. These focus on low running costs, high fuel efficiency, easy city driving, and basic features.

Maruti Suzuki S-Presso

Priced from ₹3.50 lakh ex-showroom, the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso has a tall, micro-SUV design with high ground clearance for Indian roads.

It feels more spacious and handles potholes better than regular hatchbacks, suiting families on a tight budget.

It uses a 998 cc three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 66 bhp power and 89 Nm torque, mated to a five-speed manual (or AMT in top variants). Mileage is around 24-25 kmpl on petrol, with CNG available too.

Features in base trim are basic: halogen lights, manual windows, and no infotainment. Mid and top variants add a 7-inch touchscreen, steering-mounted controls, rear AC vents, and keyless entry.

Safety features are standard across variants, including dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, hill-hold assist (in AMT), and rear sensors.

Also Read - Every Car Under 5 Lakhs On-Road You Can Buy in 2026
 

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 starts at around ₹3.70 lakh ex-showroom.

It shares the same 998 cc petrol engine as the S-Presso, delivering 66 bhp and 89 Nm torque. Transmission options include a five-speed manual or AMT automatic in higher variants, with claimed mileage of 24-25 kmpl on petrol (and CNG option in some trims for better efficiency).

Base variants offer simple features like a digital instrument cluster, manual AC, power steering, and front power windows in mid trims. Higher ones add a small touchscreen with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay.

Standard safety is decent with six airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), rear parking sensors, and seatbelt reminders. It is small, easy to park, and cheap to maintain, making it ideal for first-time buyers or daily city commutes.

Of the two, the Alto K10 is undoubtedly the better pick over the S-Presso.

Reasons to Avoid These Cars

Although these cars appeal due to their low price and running costs, their safety remains a major concern.

The Alto K10 scored only 2 stars for adult protection and 0 stars for child safety in the Global NCAP crash test, with poor structural stability and weak protection in frontal impacts.

The S-Presso performed even worse, scoring 0 stars in both adult and child occupant safety, with a body shell that was stated to be 'unstable' according to GNCAP.

Both cars use lightweight construction to cut costs, which leads to higher injury risk in crashes. On busy Indian roads with high speeds and poor driving, these can be risky, especially for families with children.

We advise spending a bit more for cars from a segment above, or exploring the used car market.

Also Read - Safest Cars In India To Buy in 2026
 

Second-Hand Cars Under ₹4 Lakhs

With a budget of ₹4 lakh or less, the used car market offers much safer choices than these new entry-level models.

You can consider a Tata Tiago, which is a more premium car than the two listed options, offering a strong build and solid safety with dual airbags and a 4-Star GNCAP rating. The Hyundai Grand i10 also offers decent 2-3-star safety and reliable engines.

You can also get something more premium, like the Volkswagen Polo, with quite a few 2015-2016 models priced under ₹4 lakh. Having scored 4 stars (GNCAP) with proven solid German engineering, this is one of the safest options you can get. Though maintenance could be on the higher side.

Even the second-generation Maruti Swift (2011-2016 models) offers better crash performance than new budget cars. However, make sure to go for a variant with airbags and ABS, as they were not standard back then.

Check platforms like True Value, Cars24 and Spinny for certified used cars with warranty, low mileage, and full service history.

Always get an independent mechanic inspection and RC transfer check. You often get extras like a good music system, premium seat covers, and alloys at this price, plus far superior safety for city and highway use.

Image Source: Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata Motors, Volkswagen Newsroom