India's 1200cc automobile category is the most diverse segment, courtesy of the affordable price range and fuel efficiency. However, several vehicle manufacturers have a high collection in the merchandise range, including hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs.

Also, it is crucial to know that having car insurance is mandatory if you plan to buy a car in India, as per the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. It offers financial protection against hefty traffic fines, accidents, theft, and damage, thus safeguarding your investment.

So, if you plan to purchase a new car, it can be daunting. Therefore, continue reading about India's top 1200cc cars in 2024 to make the best purchase.

1. Tata Curvv | Starting ₹10 Lakhs

The Curvv is the talk of the town right now. Tata Motors launched this budget SUV-Coupe a while back, and it has been the centre of attention since then. It is the first budget SUV-Coupe with a powerful engine and a 5-star safety rating in the crash test. The car has both ICE and EV options available. 

The car is also feature-rich, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 9-speaker JBL sound system with subwoofer, a panoramic sunroof, and a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display. It also boasts an air purifier, a wireless phone charger, a gesture-controlled powered tailgate, and flush-type door handles.

Key Specifications

⦁ Ex-showroom price: ₹10 Lakhs

⦁ Engine displacement: 1197-1497 cc

⦁ Mileage: 14 kmpl (petrol) / 15 kmpl (Diesel)

⦁ Seating capacity: 5

⦁ Transmission: Automatic

⦁ Fuel type: Petrol / Diesel

⦁ Body type: SUV-Coupe

⦁ Airbags: 6

⦁ Safety features: ABS, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a 360-degree camera, blind view monitoring in the higher-end variants, a rear parking camera, hill assist, a TMPS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System), ISOFIX Child-seat anchorages, and rear parking sensors. In the higher variants, you also get Level 2 ADAS, which includes adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance assist, and lane keep assist.

2. Tata Nexon | Starting ₹8.15 Lakhs

The Tata Nexon is a fashionable and feature-packed SUV model which is known for its robust structure and remarkable safety standards. It is available in both petrol and diesel engine options, offering a blend of fuel efficiency and performance while hitting the road. 

It also comes with features like Android Auto, touchscreen infotainment, and Apple CarPlay. This car is available in several colour choices - Fearless Purple, Creative Ocean, Pristine White, Daytona Grey, Foliage Green, Pure Grey, Flame Red, etc. 

Key Specifications:

• Engine displacement: 1497 cc
• Mileage: 17-24 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 5
• Transmission: Automatic/Manual
• Fuel type: Petrol/Diesel/Electricity 
• Body type: SUV
• Airbags: 6
• Safety features: Seatbelt reminders, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), central locking ISOFIX anchorages, reverse parking sensors, etc.  

3. Kia Sonet | Starting ₹7.99 Lakhs

In 2020, Kia introduced the Sonet, a potent 1,200cc subcompact SUV, to the Indian market. It comes in petrol, diesel, and CNG versions and is based on the Kia Seltos SUV. For those searching for a chic and feature-rich subcompact SUV, the Kia Sonet is a fantastic option. It provides a decent mix of comfort, fuel efficiency, and performance. 

Key Specifications:

• Engine displacement: 1199 cc
• Mileage: 18-24 kmpl 
• Seating capacity: 5
• Transmission: Automatic/Manual
• Fuel type: Petrol/Diesel
• Body type: Sport Utility Vehicle
• Airbags: 6
• Safety features: ABS with EBD, airbags, tyre press monitor, impact-sensing door locks, six airbags, speed-sensing auto door 

4. Mahindra XUV 3XO | Starting ₹7.79 Lakhs

The Mahindra XUV 3XO is the facelift version of the subcompact SUV Mahindra XUV300. The XUV 3XO has 25 variants, including petrol and diesel, and 8 colour options.

The XUV 3XO is a feature-rich car with a 10.25-inch touchscreen for infotainment, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a Harman Kardon sound system, and a panoramic sunroof in the top-end variant.

Key Specifications

⦁ Ex-showroom price: ₹7.79 Lakhs

⦁ Engine displacement: 1197 cc (Petrol) / 1498 cc (Diesel)

⦁ Mileage: 18.2 kmpl (petrol) / 20.6 kmpl (Diesel)

⦁ Seating capacity: 5

⦁ Transmission: Automatic/Manual

⦁ Fuel type: Petrol / Diesel

⦁ Body type: SUV

⦁ Airbags: 6

⦁ Safety features: ABS with EBD, ESC, Level 2 ADAS features(in the high-end variants) like lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, auto emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera.

5. Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor | Starting ₹7.74 Lakhs

The Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor symbolises versatility and superiority. Its stylish design and flawless performance ensure its perfection for urban adventurers. Power-driven by a 1.5-litre petrol engine, it delivers a smooth driving experience at great fuel efficiency. 

The car takes pride in its cutting-edge safety features, such as ABS with EBD, dual airbags, hill hold control, etc., ensuring a secure ride. It also has a spacious interior equipped with many advanced features like a SmartPlay infotainment system. 

Key Specifications:

• Engine displacement: 1197 cc
• Mileage: 20.01-28.51 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 5
• Transmission: Automatic
• Fuel type: Petrol/CNG
• Body type: Crossover
• Airbags: 6
• Safety features: Airbags, ABS, Hill Assist, Brake Assist, Child Safety Lock, Automatic Headlamps.

6. Hyundai Venue | Starting ₹7.68 Lakhs

The Hyundai Venue is a desirable alternative for consumers on a tight budget since it provides an attractive option in the compact SUV market. It offers outstanding value for money thanks to its affordable pricing. Desirable amenities include a touchscreen infotainment system, power-adjustable external rear-view mirrors, and more.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom price: Starting ₹7.68 Lakhs
• Engine displacement: 1199 cc
• Mileage: 20.1 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 5
• Transmission: Automatic/Manual
• Fuel type: Petrol/Diesel
• Body type: Sport Utility Vehicle
• Airbags: 6
• Safety features: Reverse Parking Distance Warning(PDW), Rear View Monitor (RVM), airbag system, Safety power window, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

7. Maruti Suzuki Fronx | Starting ₹7.51 Lakhs

The Maruti Suzuki Fronx is an outstanding SUV model designed to navigate cities seamlessly, providing a smooth driving experience. Its aerodynamic shape and design enhance its performance on the road. 

Equipped with a robust, peppy 1.2-litre petrol engine, the car provides flawless performance while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency. The car also comes with state-of-the-art features like ISOFIX child seat mounts, ABS with EBD rear parking sensors, etc. 

Key Specifications:

• Engine displacement: 1197 cc
• Mileage: 20 kmpl to 23 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 5
• Transmission: Automatic/Manual
• Fuel type: Petrol/Diesel
• Body type: Sport Utility Vehicle
• Airbags: 6
• Safety features: Vehicle Lock, Overspeed Alert, Headlamp Alert, Speeding Alert, Battery Status, Remote Operations.

8. Hyundai i20 | Starting ₹7.04 Lakhs

The Hyundai i20, with its unique features and characteristics, is undoubtedly one of the greatest 1,200cc automobiles available in India. It has a powerful 1.2-litre Kappa Dual VTVT petrol engine under the hood. Its CVT, 5- and 6-speed Manual, 6-speed iMT, and 7-speed DCT Automatic transmissions provide a seamless and exciting driving experience. 

Key Specifications

• Ex-showroom price: ₹7.04 Lakhs
• Engine displacement: 1199 cc
• Mileage: 19.65 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 5
• Transmission: Automatic/Manual
• Fuel type: Petrol
• Body type: Hatchback
• Airbags: 6
• Safety features: ABS, Traction Control, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC), Parking Collision-avoidance Assist - Reverse (PCA-R) 

9. Toyota Glanza | Starting ₹6.86 Lakhs

The Toyota Glanza is a look-alike of the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. The hatchback is available in four major variants and five monotone colours. The fuel options for the car remain to be petrol and CNG.

The car also features a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a heads-up display, an auto climate control with rear AC vents, and cruise control.

Key Specifications

⦁ Ex-showroom price: ₹6.86 Lakhs

⦁ Engine displacement: 1197 cc

⦁ Mileage: 22.94 kmpl (petrol) / 30.61 km/kg (CNG)

⦁ Seating capacity: 5

⦁ Transmission: Automatic/Manual

⦁ Fuel type: Petrol / CNG

⦁ Body type: Hatchback

⦁ Airbags: 6

⦁ Safety features: ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), a rear parking camera, hill hold assist, a TMPS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System), ISOFIX Child-seat anchorages, and rear parking sensors. 

10. Hyundai Aura | Starting ₹6.49 Lakhs

The Hyundai Aura is a great sedan at a budget price. It offers significant mileage and quite a number of advanced features. The car has four variants and is available in six monotone colour options.

The car's advanced features include an analogue instrument cluster with a multi-information display, an 8-inch infotainment display, a cooled glovebox, a wireless phone charging point, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, and cruise control.

Key Specifications

⦁ Ex-showroom price: ₹6.49 Lakhs

⦁ Engine displacement: 1197 cc

⦁ Mileage: 17 kmpl (petrol) / 22 km/kg (CNG)

⦁ Seating capacity: 5

⦁ Transmission: Automatic/Manual

⦁ Fuel type: Petrol / CNG

⦁ Body type: Sedan

⦁ Airbags: 6

⦁ Safety features: ABS, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a rear parking camera, hill assist, a TMPS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System), ISOFIX Child-seat anchorages, and rear parking sensors. 

11. Maruti Swift | Starting ₹6.49 Lakhs

The Maruti Swift is an all-time favourite car. It has been one of the most popular hatchbacks in the country for a very long time. The Maruti Swift comes in five major variants, and the Swift CNG is available in three of those variants.

The Swift's major standout features include a 9-inch infotainment system supported by Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic AC with rear vents, wireless phone charging, push-button start/stop, a 6-speaker Arkamys-tuned audio setup including two tweeters, cruise control, and connected car tech.

Key Specifications

⦁ Ex-showroom price: ₹6.49 Lakhs

⦁ Engine displacement: 1197 cc

⦁ Mileage: 24.80 kmpl (petrol MT) / 25.75 kmpl (petrol AMT) / 32.85 km/kg (CNG)

⦁ Seating capacity: 5

⦁ Transmission: Automatic/Manual

⦁ Fuel type: Petrol / CNG

⦁ Body type: Hatchback

⦁ Airbags: 6

⦁ Safety features: Electronic Stability Program (ESP), hill-hold assist, rear parking sensors, ISOFIC child seat anchorages, and a rear parking camera.

12. Honda Amaze | Starting ₹6.43 Lakhs

The facelift Honda Amaze has undergone cosmetic tweaks and feature enhancements. Among them are auto LED projector headlamps, 15-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, a 7-inch touchscreen system, and LED fog and tail lamps. Amaze has a dual-tone interior with silver highlights on the steering wheel, dashboard and door pads.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom price: ₹6.43 Lakhs
• Engine displacement: 1199 cc
• Mileage: 24.7 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 5
• Transmission: Manual 
• Fuel type: Petrol
• Body type: Sedan
• Airbags: 6
• Safety features: Traction Control, Child Lock, Airbags, ABS, Central Locking, Automatic Headlamps, etc. 

13. Maruti Suzuki Baleno | Starting ₹6.35 Lakhs

The BS6 Baleno feels significantly more pliant on unpaved road conditions with additional features and extensive redesign. It is packed with state-of-the-art specifications such as UV cut glass, follow-me headlamps, reverse parking camera, tilt and telescopic steering, etc. Further, motorists looking for 1200 cc automatic cars in India can consider this model from the house of Maruti.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom price: Starting ₹6.35 Lakhs
• Engine displacement: 1197 cc
• Mileage: 22.5 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 5
• Transmission: Manual
• Fuel type: Petrol
• Body type: Sedan
• Airbags: 6
• Safety features: ISOFIX Anchorages, Child Lock, 360-degree camera, Auto-Dimming Rear-View Mirror, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), etc. 

14. Citroen C3 | Starting ₹6.16 Lakhs

Citroen is a new company in India that has gained quite the popularity in a few years. The Citroen C3 is one of the company's most popular SUVs. It is available in three major variants, four monotone finishes and six dual-tone finishes. It has two 1.2L petrol engine options: a turbocharged unit and a naturally aspirated engine.

The car is filled with all the advanced features one would need, like a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system supported by wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 7-inch fully digital driver’s display, height-adjustable driver’s seat, auto AC with rear vents, and electrically adjustable and foldable Outside Rearview Mirrors (ORVMs).

Key Specifications

⦁ Ex-showroom price: ₹6.16 Lakhs

⦁ Engine displacement: 1198 cc / 1199 cc

⦁ Mileage: 19.3 kmpl

⦁ Seating capacity: 5

⦁ Transmission: Automatic/Manual

⦁ Fuel type: Petrol

⦁ Body type: SUV

⦁ Airbags: 6

⦁ Safety features: ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a rear parking camera, hill assist, a TMPS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) (in turbocharged variants), ISOFIX Child-seat anchorages, and rear parking sensors. 

15. Tata Punch | Starting ₹6.13 Lakhs

The Tata Punch is a compact SUV known for its extraordinary performance, elegance, and versatility. Powered by a responsive 1.2-litre petrol engine, the car delivers a dynamic driving experience with high fuel efficiency. 

It also has impressive safety features like dual airbags, electronic stability control, and rear parking sensors. The car has a spacious cabin with cutting-edge features and a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration. 

Key Specifications:

• Engine displacement: 1199 cc
• Mileage: 18.8 kmpl to 26.99 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 5
• Transmission: Manual/Automatic
• Fuel type: Petrol/CNG/Electricity
• Body type: Sport Utility Vehicle
• Airbags: 6
• Safety features: Anti Lock Braking System, Driver Airbag, Passenger Airbag, Traction Control, Auto-Dimming Rear-View Mirror, TPMS, etc. 

Thus, various choices are available among the top 1,200cc automobiles in India to meet the requirements of all drivers. The Maruti Dzire and Hyundai Aura are excellent sedan options for individuals looking for value and mileage. SUV fans who want performance and economy could choose between the Hyundai Venue and the Tata Nexon. 

Also, obtaining at least third-party car insurance coverage is advisable to ensure financial security in case of any unforeseen catastrophe.

16. Maruti Dzire | Starting ₹6.09 Lakhs

Thanks to its intricate design and advanced features, the next-gen Dzire is a significant step up compared to its predecessors. Numerous features are included with the Dzire, including a 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ABS and EBD, air conditioning with automatic climate control, and rear air vents. There are manual and automatic transmission options for the Dzire.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom price: ₹6.09 Lakhs
• Engine displacement: 1197 cc
• Mileage: 24.12 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 5
• Transmission: Manual/Automatic
• Fuel type: Petrol/CNG
• Body type: Sedan
• Airbags: 2
• Safety features: ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Central Locking, Child Safety Lock, EBA (Electronic Brake Assist), Engine Immobiliser, ESP (Electronic Stability Program)

17. Hyundai Exter | Starting ₹6 Lakhs

The Hyundai Exter is one of Hyundai Motors' most recent launches. It has 9 major variants and is available in both petrol and petrol-CNG options.

The car is filled with advanced features, such as LED DRLs, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a wireless phone charger, a push-button start/stop, automatic AC with rear vents, and a cooled glove box.

Key Specifications

⦁ Ex-showroom price: ₹6 Lakhs

⦁ Engine displacement: 1197 cc

⦁ Mileage: 19.4 kmpl (petrol MT) / 19.2 kmpl (petrol AMT) / 27.1 km/kg (Petrol+CNG)

⦁ Seating capacity: 5

⦁ Transmission: Automatic/Manual

⦁ Fuel type: Petrol / Petrol-CNG

⦁ Body type: SUV

⦁ Airbags: 6

⦁ Safety features: ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), a rear parking camera, hill assist, a TMPS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System), ISOFIX Child-seat anchorages, and rain-sensing wipers. 

18. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R | Starting ₹5.54 Lakhs

The country's most loved hatchback gets a facelift in 2024. The Wagon R is undoubtedly one of the country's most popular cars for all the right reasons. It is available in four variants: seven monotone and two dual-tone colour options. The car is also available in petrol and CNG choice options.

The new version offers many interesting features, such as a 4-speaker sound system, a 7-inch touchscreen display, and steering-mounted audio and phone controls.

Key Specifications

⦁ Ex-showroom price: ₹5.54 Lakhs

⦁ Engine displacement: 998 - 1197 cc

⦁ Mileage: 24.35 kmpl (1L MT) / 25.19 kmpl (1L AMT) / 33.48 km/kg (1L CNG) / 23.56 kmpl (1.2L MT) / 24.43 kmpl (1.2L AMT)

⦁ Seating capacity: 5

⦁ Transmission: Automatic/Manual

⦁ Fuel type: Petrol / CNG

⦁ Body type: Hatchback

⦁ Airbags: 2

⦁ Safety features: ABS with EBD, hill-hold assist(in AMT variants), and rear parking sensors. 

Thus, various choices are available among the top 1,200 cc automobiles in India to meet the requirements of all drivers. The Maruti Dzire and Hyundai Aura are excellent sedan options for individuals looking for value and mileage. SUV fans who want performance and economy could choose between the Hyundai Venue and the Tata Nexon. 

Also, obtaining at least third-party car insurance coverage is advisable to ensure financial security in case of any unforeseen catastrophe.