Top Best Sedans In India Under 10 Lakhs: Price, Feature, Mileage

By Super

Updated: Monday, March 16, 2015, 10:17 [IST]

The tax hike introduced by the government for cars longer than 4 meters resulted in the creation of an entirely new segment in India. Sub-4 meter or compact sedans. These are entry level sedans available for less than INR 10 lakhs fully loaded and extremely attractive starting prices.

Also Read: Top Diesel Hatchbacks In India

While a few dedicated compact sedans such as Honda Amaze were introduced specifically, other manufacturers cut down on features and quality to offer their larger, existing cars as entry level sedans. The cars in segment are varied which makes choosing one difficult.

Also Read: Top Automatic Hatchbacks In India

Following is a brief comparison of all entry level and compact sedans in India based on features, specifications, mileage and price.

The story continues in the next section. Click through the slides for more:

Note: All fuel economy figures mentioned are as per ARAI. Real world mileage will differ. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.

Chevrolet Sail

For: Looks good with a seamlessly extended trunk from its hatchback cousin, U-VA ; More spacious than competition (read: sub-4 meter sedans); impressive ride quality; good set of features

Against: Not the most comfortable with 3 adults in the rear; Interior does not look premium

Verdict: Chevy Sail is a well balanced entry level sedan that's got almost everything right. Almost.

Chevrolet Sail

Price: Starting price INR 5.11 lakhs
Mileage: 18.2 kmpl (Petrol) 22 kmpl (Diesel)
Variant Info

Ford Classic

For: Handles great, fun to ride; comfortable ride; spacious interior; excellent overall performance

Against: Except top of the line Titanium all other variants lack ABS and airbags; Dated design.

Verdict: Except for the lack of safety features the Classic scores high on every other count, though slightly on the pricier end.

Ford Classic

Price: INR 5.64 lakhs
Mileage: 13.9 kmpl (Petrol) 20 kmpl (Diesel)
Variant Info

Honda Amaze

For: 25.8 kmpl fuel economy is the highest by any car in India; More spacious rear seating compared to DZire, one of the largest boot in segment; Smooth gear shifts and light steering offer comfortable city drive; Features are well balanced across variant lineup. Automatic variant available.

Against; Basic dashboard design does not fit well with the rest of the car; Handles decently, but no where as good as Ford Classic or Sail; Diesel engine is not the sporties and high on Noise, Vibration and Harshness compared to DZire; Light steering provides low feedback at high speeds.

Verdict: A good buy overall, particularly the diesel model. Could be the best entry level sedan for those looking to use it for daily commuting.

Honda Amaze

Price: INR 5.05 lakhs
Mileage: 18 kmpl (Petrol) 25.8 kmpl (Diesel)
Variant Info

Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire

For: Capable and refined engine lineup; more than average ride quality and fuel economy; easy to handle in the city; Maruti Suzuki's excellent after sales service and extensive dealer network; Automatic variant available.

Against: Awkward looking extended boot; Not as spacious as competition such as Verito, Ford Classic, Etios and Amaze, particularly when it comes to boot space; Brakes lack stopping power, easily noticeable during highway driving.

Verdict: If looks and small boot space don't matter much DZire is a decent buy, but certainly not the best.

Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire

Price: Starts at INR 4.92 lakhs
Mileage: 19 kmpl (Petrol), 23.4 kmpl (Diesel)
Variant Info

Hyundai Xcent

For: A well-rounded car with a contemporary design; offers one of the best legroom and headroom in the segment, not to mention, best-in-class 407-litres boot space; good built quality and excellent interior quality; a cabin full of features and equipments; and Hyundai's reliable sales and service network

Against: Diesel engine lacks power compared to competition; despite good legroom, it's narrower than other compact sedans (suitable for only four adults); not the sharpest handling car.

Verdict: Hyundai Xcent is certainly a worthy competitor to the DZire and Amaze, with its own share of strengths and weaknesses. The final decision between these three cars would come down to personal preference.

Read our Xcent review for detailed information

Hyundai Xcent

Price: Starting price INR 4.66 lakhs
Mileage: 19.1 kmpl (petrol), 24.4 kmpl (Diesel)
Variant info

Mahindra Verito Vibe

For: Remarkable ride quality; Spacious interior, rear seat easily fits three adults; Robust build.

Against: Awkward look rear end, heavy steering; low on horsepower; Not exactly rich on features

Verdict: The Vibe was a good attempt by Mahindra to capitalize on the newly emerging compact sedan segment, but the dated (now, also awkward) design and taxi car image has hurt sales.

Mahindra Verito Vibe

Price: INR 5.68 lakhs
Mileage: 20.8 kmpl (Diesel)
Variant Info

Toyota Etios

For: Good ride quality (negatively affects handling); high on practicality (spacious cabin space and boot), easily seats 5 adults; One of the most fuel efficient diesel engine.

Against: Engine lacks performance on the highway; Not among the best cars in its category in terms of driving comfort in the city (heavy clutch to blame); Not the best handling either; Not a particularly attractive design.

Verdict: Being a larger car like the Ford Classic and Chevy Sail, Etios offers plenty of space and is comfortable. Toyota's reliable service is a plus point.

Toyota Etios

Price: INR 5.49 lakhs
Mileage: 16.78 kmpl (Petrol), 23.59 kmpl (Diesel)
Variant Info

Tata Indigo eCS

For: Affordable high end variant; Ride quality among the best in the segment; Good set of features for the price.

Against: Soft suspensions means high body roll, handling is decent but not the best; Poor overall fit and finish, particularly in the cabin.

Verdict: Cheapest sub-4 meter sedan you can buy. You'll appreciate the features and comfort level offered for the price you pay.

Tata Indigo eCS

Price: Starts at INR 4.99 lakhs
Mileage: 14 kmpl (Petrol), 25 kmpl (BS4 Diesel)
Variant Info

Conclusion

Considering some cars are better at offering what others don't and the vice versa it is not an easy decision to make and finally boils down to your requirement. If ride and handling are your priority Ford Classic is the best of the lot, while Amaze takes the trophy in terms of fuel economy and driving comfort in the city. The same way Indigo eCS is the least expensive and Sail has a good amount of features. We further encourage you to go through our database to help you find the right car.