There has never been a time in India’s history where buyers had so many cars to pick from. The Indian automotive industry is abuzz with both brand-new and familiar car models. There are plenty of people willing to spend around ₹20 lakhs on a new car. Understandably, things can get confusing. To help with that, here are our top 5 cars in India under ₹20 lakhs.
5 Best Cars To Buy In India under ₹20 lakh
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Skoda Kylaq (₹7.89 – ₹14.40 Lakhs)
The newest entrant here, the Skoda Kylaq is a premium sub-4-metre crossover SUV based on the VW Group’s MQB A0 IN platform. The relatively-stiff suspension setup and taut chassis enable this Skoda to go around corners with confidence. A 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 114 hp and 178 Nm of torque adds to the fun quotient.
It can push to Kylaq from 0-100 kmph in around 11 seconds, while the top speed of the Kylaq is around 185 kmph – that’s zippy enough for most buyers. While the 6-speed automatic is your best bet, the transmission options include a 6-speed manual as well. The Skoda Kylaq’s claimed fuel economy is 19.68 kmpl (Manual) and 19.05 kmpl (Automatic).
The modern-looking interior gets olive green trim inserts and Skoda’s classy two-spoke steering. However, the manual handbrake and some scratchy plastics reveal evident cost-cutting. The Kylaq’s equipment list includes electrically-operated & ventilated front seats, rear AC vents, and an armrest w/ cupholders. There’s an electric sunroof, automatic AC, wireless charging, twin-digital screens, and wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
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Hyundai Creta (₹11.11 – ₹20.50 Lakhs)
One of the most successful crossovers/SUVs in the country, the Hyundai Creta is a ubiquitous sight on Indian roads. Built on the Korean brand’s K2 platform, the Creta shares its underpinnings with the Kia Seltos. The recently-launched Creta facelift features a revised exterior design and an updated interior offering loads of space and equipment.
Unlike the sportier Kylaq, the more forgiving suspension setup of the Hyundai Creta makes it a comfortable mile-muncher. However, it holds its own through the corners without feeling cumbersome. The Creta is available with three engines and four transmissions. There’s a 1.5-liter four-cylinder N/A petrol with 113 hp and 144 Nm. A 6-speed manual and an IVT automatic transmission are available.
A 7-speed DCT is mated to the Creta’s 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo-petrol, which produces 158 hp and 253 Nm. There’s also a 1.5-liter turbo-diesel with 114 hp and 250 Nm of torque. It’s available with a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. The Hyundai Creta gets ADAS, a twin-pane sunroof, dual-zone climate control, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a Bose audio system, and 360-degree cameras.
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Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara (₹11.19 – ₹19.99 Lakhs)
The new Grand Vitara shares its Suzuki Global C platform with the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, with its strong hybrid powertrain, offers adequate power with oodles of frugality plus effortless drivability. The Grand Vitara brandishes stylish LED lights, a chrome-garnished grille, squared wheel arches, and 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.
The Grand Vitara gets leatherette seats, a head-up display, a panoramic sunroof, paddle shifters, surround-view cameras, and a 9-inch infotainment system. There’s also the Suzuki Connect app, 3 drive modes, automatic AC, plus a Clarion premium sound system. The Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid matches a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with an AC synchronous motor for a combined 114 hp.
A small lithium-ion battery powers the electric motor, while an e-CVT gearbox handles transmission chores. Pushed hard, the Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid can accelerate to 100 kmph in around 12.5 seconds. However, this powertrain’s forte lies in its unbelievable fuel economy, returning a claimed 27.97 kmpl. Meanwhile, the Grand Vitara Smart Hybrid’s 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine manages around 101 hp.
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Honda City (₹11.92– ₹16.65 Lakhs)
Built on the same platform as the Elevate crossover, the Honda City is inarguably one of the best sedans in India. Presently in its seventh generation, the City provides a good balance between ride comfort and involved driving dynamics. Its sharp-looking front fascia and sleek BMW-esque LED taillights hint at its urbane sophistication and premium appeal.
The Honda City’s beige & black cabin looks premium at first glance and even scores well on fit & finish. There’s plenty of space to stretch out, with the seats offering a good amount of support and comfort. The City gets a powered sunroof, automatic headlights, auto-folding ORVMs, automatic climate control, wireless charging, plus wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
There’s LED ambient lighting, leatherette upholstery, a rear sunshade, Honda Connect app, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment. The City’s 1.5-liter four-cylinder i-VTEC engine is an absolute gem and produces 119 hp and 145 Nm. You can either have a fantastic 6-speed manual or a convenient CVT automatic with this motor. The manual averages 17.7 kmpl, while the CVT returns 18.4 kmpl.
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Maruti Suzuki Jimny (₹12.75 – ₹14.80 Lakhs)
With its roots going all the way back to the 1970s, the Suzuki Jimny is one of the world’s most iconic off-roaders. The Jimny’s boxy aesthetics and old-school 4×4 persona are incredibly appealing, while the 5-Door version makes this SUV a usable family car. The durable mechanicals, short overhangs, and high ground clearance make the Jimny a capable off-roader.
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is decent to drive in the city as well, courtesy of its compact footprint and light controls. Despite being festooned with hard plastics, its mostly black cabin feels roomy and airy. The physical switchgear and capacious boot are definite pluses. The Jimny’s 1.5-liter N/A four-cylinder makes 103 hp and 134 Nm.
Along with a ladder-frame chassis, there’s Suzuki’s ‘ALLGRIP PRO’ 4WD system with a low-range transfer case for enhanced traction. The transmissions available with the Jimny are a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. The convenient but slower automatic is slightly less efficient than the manual, averaging 16.39 kmpl versus the latter’s 16.94 kmpl. The Jimny gets cruise control, auto AC, LED headlights, wireless smartphone connectivity, etc.
Verdict on Cars To Buy In India under ₹20 lakh
Note that the prices mentioned above are all ex-showroom, Mumbai. If you’re searching for a compact but capable 4×4 at a reasonable price, the Jimny won’t disappoint. For sedan lovers, the City remains a great car.
Those wanting a spacious and efficient family SUV, the Grand Vitara will be plenty good. If you enjoy driving and want a small crossover/SUV, look no further than the Kylaq. Want comfort, reasonable driving pleasure plus an extensive equipment list? Pick the Creta.
