5) Hyundai Xcent 7/10
The Xcent is good within urban confines as it sports a peppy 83hp, 1.2-litre engine, good low-speed ride and light controls. While its looks may not go down with everyone, the Xcent is well put together, scoring high on build quality. It also comes with a lot of equipment. However, the narrow cabin doesn’t provide a roomy feel and also makes the Hyundai’s compact sedan seem smaller than it is.
Hyundai Xcent petrol manual prices:
Xcent VTVT E Rs 5.63 lakh
Xcent VTVT S Rs 6.32 lakh
Xcent VTVT SX Rs 6.94 lakh
Xcent VTVT SX (O) Rs 7.71 lakh
4) Tata Tigor 7/10
The Tigor is big on style and undercuts its competition by a big margin. The new top-spec XZ+ gets you all the features from pricier rivals and the cabin is accommodating enough for a car in this segment. The ride and handling package is also very nice. Unfortunately, the 85hp, 1.2-litre motor is underwhelming and the fuel economy isn’t class-leading. Keep in mind the Tigor is punching above its weight class, considering it is based on a smaller hatchback compared to its competition.
Tata Tigor petrol manual prices:
Tigor XE Rs 5.20 lakh
Tigor XM Rs 5.55 lakh
Tigor XZ Rs 5.95 lakh
Tigor XZ+ Rs 6.49 lakh
3) Honda Amaze 7/10
A definite step up from the previous generation model, the new Amaze is refined, a close second to the Dzire on space, and is practical with the largest boot. Top trims also get all the bells and whistles but more pep from the 90hp, 1.2-litre engine would have made it nicer. Honda’s compact sedan is a good all-rounder, but doesn’t quite stand out in any one area.
Honda Amaze petrol manual prices:
Amaze E MT Rs 5.81 lakh
Amaze S MT Rs 6.61 lakh
Amaze V MT Rs 7.21 lakh
Amaze VX MT Rs 7.69 lakh
2) Ford Aspire 8/10
Having the edge in safety kit and equipment, the Aspire facelift is still the most fun-to-drive car in this segment, thanks to a really good ride and handling balance, a typical Ford trait. That it costs less than most rivals and comes with a more than decent level of safety kit also makes it a compelling buy. It's not the most spacious at the back, however.
Ford Aspire petrol manual prices:
Aspire Ambiente MT Rs 5.55 lakh
Aspire Trend MT Rs 5.99 lakh
Aspire Trend+ MT Rs 6.39 lakh
Aspire Titanium MT Rs 6.79 lakh
Aspire Titanium+ MT Rs 7.24 lakh
1) Maruti Suzuki Dzire 9/10
A superbly rounded package, the Dzire boasts the best petrol engine in the segment (an 83hp, 1.2-litre motor) and the most spacious cabin. The light controls make Maruti Suzuki’s compact sedan easy to drive, and the large seats, absorbent ride and ample features add to the comfort factor. A nicer steering would have ticked the right boxes for keen drivers too.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire petrol manual prices:
Dzire LXi Rs 5.60 lakh
Dzire VXi Rs 6.48 lakh
Dzire ZXi Rs 7.10 lakh
Dzire ZXi+ Rs 8.00 lakh
Also see:
Best diesel SUVs under Rs 10 lakh in India
Best diesel-automatic seven-seat SUVs under Rs 35 lakh
Most fun-to-drive small cars under Rs 10 lakh in India
Best automatic hatchback cars under Rs 6 lakh in India
Best automatic hatchback cars for Rs 8 lakh in India