If you’re eyeing a new ride this Diwali but have a cap of ₹10 lakh, the market has a handful of petrol SUVs that tick the boxes of power, safety and connectivity. From micro‑SUVs to compact city cars, the options differ in size, engine output and feature set, but all keep the engine under 1.2 litres and the price within reach.
The Tata Punch sits on the most popular budget platform, using a 1.2‑litre, 87‑hp, 115‑Nm engine paired with a 5‑speed manual or an automatic manual transmission. Inside, a 7‑inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster and six airbags are standard, and a factory‑fitted CNG kit offers a low‑running‑cost twist. Its ex‑showroom price starts at ₹5.75 lakh, keeping it the lowest‑priced option among the five.
Hyundai’s Exter, with a 1.2‑litre Kappa engine that delivers 82‑hp and 113.8‑Nm, offers a slightly lower power output but adds hill‑start assist and ESC as standard safety features. The base model, priced at ₹5.81 lakh, comes with a 7‑inch touchscreen and wireless smartphone connectivity, making it a strong rival for buyers who value a modern infotainment package.
Renault’s Kiger comes in two engine variants – a 71‑hp naturally aspirated unit and a 99‑hp turbo‑charged option – both fitted with manual or automatic gearboxes. The entry‑level version starts at ₹5.81 lakh, while the turbo offers more punch without a hefty price hike, appealing to those who want a bit more torque in a compact footprint.
Nissan’s Magnite, sharing a platform with the Kiger, uses a 1.0‑litre engine but also offers a turbo‑charged version. Manual, AMT and CVT options are available, and the base variant priced at ₹5.69 lakh includes a 7‑inch touchscreen, digital cluster and a 360‑degree camera on higher trims, giving it a tech edge.
Maruti Suzuki’s upcoming Fronx, slated for a facelift, boasts a 1.2‑litre engine that produces 88‑hp and 113‑Nm. With variants ranging from the 5‑speed manual to an automatic, the price starts at ₹6.90 lakh, positioning it just below the 10‑lakh ceiling while offering features like automatic climate control and a touchscreen infotainment system. All the models are available across major Indian cities now, and dealers are expected to roll out Diwali‑specific discounts and finance plans over the next few weeks.