Top Picks

Why a Sedan Still Makes Sense

Compact sedans give you the best ride comfort, best boot space, and the lowest running cost of any body style under ₹10 lakh. They lose to SUVs only on ground clearance and "presence".

1. Honda Amaze (2024) — ₹8-₹10 lakh

Third-gen Amaze is longer, wider, and more refined. Honda's 1.2 i-VTEC makes 90 bhp and returns 18-19 kmpl. 6 airbags standard, Honda Sensing ADAS on top trims. Still the most rear-seat comfort in the segment.

2. Maruti Dzire 2024 — ₹6.8-₹10 lakh

All-new fifth-generation with 1.2 Z-Series, 5-star Bharat NCAP, and 25 kmpl claimed. AMT option is the best budget auto for city driving. Cheapest to run and cheapest to maintain.

3. Hyundai Aura — ₹6.6-₹9.5 lakh

The feature champion. Wireless Android Auto/CarPlay, ventilated seats, and 4 airbags standard. Handling is softer than Dzire but more comfortable on broken roads.

4. Tata Tigor — ₹6.0-₹9.0 lakh

The safety-first budget pick. Tigor EV exists too but the petrol is where the value lies — 4-star Global NCAP, roomy boot, and Tata's solid build. Slightly old tech but honest car.

CNG Options

Dzire S-CNG and Aura CNG both exist. At ₹1.5-₹2 lakh premium over petrol, they pay back in 12-18 months if you drive 1,500 km/month. Mileage: 30+ km/kg CNG = ₹3/km running.

On-Road Cost (Delhi)

ModelVariantEx-showroomOn-road
DzireVXi MT₹7.79 L₹9.10 L
AmazeV MT₹8.10 L₹9.50 L
AuraS 1.2 MT₹7.70 L₹9.00 L
TigorXZ+₹7.50 L₹8.80 L

Maintenance Cost (5 years / 75k km)

CarService CostTyresTotal
Dzire₹22,000₹20,000₹42,000
Amaze₹28,000₹22,000₹50,000
Aura₹30,000₹22,000₹52,000
Tigor₹35,000₹22,000₹57,000

Final Verdict

The Honda Amaze (2024) is the new benchmark in the segment for refinement and features. The Maruti Dzire is the smart-money pick with best mileage and cheapest ownership. Choose Hyundai Aura if features matter more than driving feel.