From Baleno To Tiago EV: Best Hatchbacks Under INR 10 Lakhs To Buy In 2025

India is in love with SUVs! Be it a big burly 4x4 countryside exploration machine or a compact crossover made to look like an SUV, Indian consumers are seeking a vehicle with bulbous dimensions with lots of road presence. Hatchbacks, however, tend to have their own following and despite the SUV fever, a majority of India’s population prefers a sleek hatchback. 

Unlike disproportionate and heavy SUVs that believe in the idea of excess, hatchbacks are all about efficiency – efficient management of space, efficiency-centric engines and compact dimensions. In modern urban worlds where space is a luxury, a compact hatchback is always a blessing. They are easy to squeeze through tight spaces, aim for tight parking spots and weave through traffic with ease. Unlike the bygone era, modern hatchbacks are loaded to the teeth with luxurious and comfort-centric features. 

Although some of the nicest hatchbacks command a premium and prioritise performance, the most value-for-money options can be had for less than INR 10 lakhs. Maruti Suzuki offers some of the most striking deals on the Baleno premium hatch and a slightly sportier Swift. Hyundai lifts the bar for luxury and comfort with the i20, whereas Tata Motors prioritises an electric powertrain for the masses with the Tiago EV. 

Hence, if you are looking for a great hatchback for less than INR 10 lakhs, here are your best options.

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Best hatchbacks under INR 10 lakhs in 2025

Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Starts from: INR 6.7 lakh

Engine options: 1.2 litre 4-cylinder Petrol / CNG

The Baleno is all the car a family person needs. With a lot of cabin space and all the modern amenities, the Baleno’s interior is a nice place to spend time. The 1.2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine offers ample grunt to cruise effortlessly at triple-digit speeds while ensuring top-notch driveability in crawling city traffic situations. The boot space is large enough to accommodate luggage for a small family and a well-tuned suspension ensures a comfortable ride quality. The lower variants offer tremendous value for money (especially the Delta variant), whereas the top variant offers unique features like a heads-up display and cruise control. 

Maruti Suzuki Swift

Starts from: INR 6.49 lakh

Engine options: 1.2 litre 3-cylinder Petrol / CNG

The Maruti Swift has always been a sporty choice in this segment and the newest generation model takes it up a notch. Retaining the chassis from the previous generation, the new Swift has softer suspension to allow for a comfortable ride quality. The new 3-cylinder engine goes for a sedate tuning experience but prioritises fuel efficiency over everything else. Most owners report figures of up to 20 kmpl in city conditions and up to 24 kmpl on highways! The onboard equipment levels are decent and the overall styling still makes the Swift a highly desirable car to live with. 

Hyundai i20

Starts from: INR 7.7 lakh

Engine options: 1.2-litre 4-cylinder Petrol / CNG

The i20 has always been the segment leader when it came to features, styling and comfort. The current-gen i20 continues that tradition with its feature-laden cabin, a capable 1.2-litre petrol engine and a highly desirable styling. Although performance is on par with the Baleno, you get a lot more features as standard – a touchscreen infotainment display, rear AC vents, central locking with remote and a multi-tone interior trim. Higher variants even get sunroof and wireless phone charging! 

For those seeking more performance, there’s the i20 N-Line with a different engine sending more power to the wheels. That one, however, costs upwards of INR 10 lakhs on-road. 

Tata Altroz

Starts from: INR 6.6 lakh

Engine options: 1.2-litre 3-cylinder Petrol / CNG, 1.5-litre diesel 

The Tata Altroz is one of the most comfortable hatchbacks you can have for less than INR 10 lakhs. With a spacious cabin that exudes a sense of good build quality, the Altroz is a nice place to spend time. Tata’s feature list is extensive and is likely to spoil customers – even lower variants are equipped with a sunroof! Add to that the five-star crashworthiness rating and the Altroz ends up being a well-rounded vehicle in the premium hatchback segment under INR 10 lakhs.

Tata Tiago.EV

Starts from: INR 7.9 lakh

Engine options: 19 kWh, 24 kWh electric motor

The Tiago EV is the only vehicle in this segment with an electric propulsion system worth recommending. Based on the petrol-powered Tiago, Tata’s expertise in the EV space gives this car a balance of good performance and efficiency. The cabin might be compact but Tata Motors has loaded it up with modern-day features, including the large touchscreen display from the Safari and Harrier. On the whole, the Tiago EV is a zippy and fun to drive hatchback that also does its bit in keeping the poor polar bear happy in the polar regions. 

Maruti Suzuki Ignis

Starts from: INR 5.8 lakh

Engine options: 1.2 litre 4-cylinder Petrol

The Ignis is one of the most underrated hatchbacks on sale today. Launched in 2016, the Ignis hasn’t been updated in a while with modern gadgetry and gizmos but that helps Maruti Suzuki sell it at a very low price – positioning it often as a great alternative to the Alto at times. Featuring the Baleno’s 1.2-litre 4-cylinder engine, the Ignis is a zippy car to drive. The shorter wheelbase, along with a high ground clearance, makes the Ignis a good car for navigating through poor roads and light off-road applications. For those seeking an easy-to-drive urban vehicle, the Ignis comes across as a great choice. 

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