The 1500cc category is where the complexity arises for prospective car buyers. Besides some entry-level sedans, there are also various luxury cars in this space, which cost twice as much. Now, the best 1500cc cars in India primarily comprise mid-sized cars. However, since it is an era of turbocharging, some luxury entrants lie below the 1500cc mark.

Nevertheless, buying a new car can be quite a challenge. So, you should continue reading this piece to discover India's top 1500cc cars this year.

When buying a car in India, securing car insurance is also crucial as it is mandatory by the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. It provides financial protection against accidents, theft, and damage, safeguarding your investment.

Having car insurance saves you from hefty traffic fines, license suspension, and even legal trouble.

Below is the list of the 12 most preferred 1500cc diesel and petrol cars in India, along with their ex-showroom prices and key features.

1. Maruti Suzuki Swift | Starting ₹5.99 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki Swift was launched in the Indian market in May 2005. It is a five-seater hatchback with manual and automatic transmission and is one of the most popular four-wheelers in India. Swift is also highly fuel efficient and low maintenance-cost.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom price: ₹5.99 Lakh
• Engine displacement: 1197 cc 
• Mileage: 22.38 - 22.56kmpl
• Seating capacity: 5
• Transmission: Manual / Automatic
• Fuel type: Petrol / CNG
• Body type: Hatchback
• Airbags: 2
• Safety features: Dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC) with hill-hold control, and rear parking sensors.

2. Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza | Starting ₹7.84 Lakh

Maruti Vitara Brezza is a highly performance-oriented sub-compact SUV that includes a standard 5-speed manual transmission with an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. 

This car packs some advanced features like an auto AC, rain-sensing wipers, a 7-inch infotainment system with touchscreen and connectivity to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a start/ stop push button.

Further, it sports cruise control, an adjustable driver's seat, and standard safety features like ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and dual front airbags.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom price: ₹ 7.84 Lakh
• Engine displacement: 1462 cc
• Mileage: 17.03 - 18.76 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 5
• Transmission: Automatic
• Fuel type: Petrol
• Body type: SUV
• Airbags: 6
• Safety features: 6 Airbags, 360-degree camera, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Auto-Dimming Rear-View Mirror, Central Locking, Child Safety Lock, Door Ajar Warning, EBA (Electronic Brake Assist), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), Engine Immobiliser. 

3. Tata Nexon | Starting ₹8.10 Lakh

This sub-compact SUV from Tata comes with an optional 6-speed AMT and a standard 6-speed MT. The top rims include an auto-dimming IRVM, ventilated front seats, and an air purifier. Further, advanced features include cruise control, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment kit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rain-sensing wipers, an auto AC with rear AC vents, and a digital instrument cluster.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom price: ₹8.15 Lakh
• Engine displacement: 1199 – 1497 cc
• Mileage: 17.01 - 24.08 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 5
• Transmission: Automatic
• Fuel type: Diesel
• Body type: SUV
• Airbags: 6   
• Safety features: 6 airbags (as standard), hill assist, electronic stability program (ESP), tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and a 360-degree camera.

4. Maruti Ertiga | Starting ₹8.69 Lakh

The Ertiga is an MUV from Maruti that offers an incredible blend of style, design, and performance. This car sports advanced features like a 6-speed torque converter, auto headlamps and AC, a 7-inch SmartPlay Pro infotainment system with touchscreen facility, and connectivity to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Further, it includes standard safety features like telematics (car connecting technology), paddle shifters, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX for child safety, rear parking sensors, ESP with hill assist and dual airbags.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom price: ₹8.69 Lakh
• Engine displacement: 1462 cc
• Mileage: 20.30 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 7
• Transmission: Automatic
• Fuel type: Petrol
• Body type: MUV
• Airbags: 2-4 
• Safety features: Dual airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX child seat anchorages. 

5. Kia Carens | Starting ₹10.52 Lakh

The Kia Carens is a highly versatile MPV built to carry families or groups of people comfortably. Engine options include 1.5-litre petrol and diesel variants. The interior is airy, with flexible seating available.

Interior equipment includes a touchscreen infotainment system, reasonable trunk space for luggage, and a wide range of safety systems, making it a convenient choice for persons requiring more space and valuing comfort.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom Price: ₹10.52 Lakh
• Engine displacement: 1493 cc diesel engine and 1482 cc and 1497 cc petrol engines
• Mileage: 17-21 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 6-seater and 7-seater versions
• Transmission: Automatic/Manual
• Fuel type: Diesel
• Body type: MUV
• Airbags: 6
• Safety features: Airbags, Anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic stability control (ESC), Rear parking sensors, Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), Hill-start assist control (HAC), Downhill brake control (DBC), Seat belt reminders, etc.

6. Skoda Slavia | Starting ₹10.69 Lakh

The Skoda Slavia is a modern, all-around middle-class sedan. It includes 1.0L and 1.5L turbocharged petrol mills to balance power and efficiency.

The Slavia cabin is luxurious and qualitative, with good-quality materials, spaciousness, and new technologies such as a touchscreen infotainment system and modern driver assistance features that please clients desiring comfort.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom Price: ₹10.69 Lakh
• Engine displacement: 999 cc and 1498 cc
• Mileage: 18.73 to 20.32 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 5
• Transmission: Automatic/Manual
• Fuel type: Petrol
• Body type: Sedan
• Airbags: 6
• Safety features: ISOFIX child-seat anchorages, hill-hold assist, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and rear parking camera

7. Skoda Kushaq | Starting ₹10.89 Lakh

The Skoda Kushaq is a compact SUV designed for practicality, keeping the Indian market in mind. It is available with a 1.0- or 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, balancing performance and fuel economy.

Kushaq features a modern design, an upmarket interior, an extensive touchscreen infotainment system, and multiple safety features, making it a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom Price: ₹10.89 Lakh
• Engine displacement: 999 cc and 1498 cc
• Mileage: 18.09 to 19.76 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 5
• Transmission: Automatic/Manual
• Fuel type: Petrol
• Body type: SUV
• Airbags: 6
• Safety features: ABS, Driver airbag, Central locking, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Anti-theft alarm, Hill hold Control, Seat belt warning, Rollover protection, etc.

8. Kia Seltos | Starting ₹10.90 Lakh

The compact SUV comes with a greater number of features like an air-purifier, power-adjustable driver’s seat, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the connected car technology, and an 8-speaker Bose sound system, ambient lighting, a sunroof and ventilated front seats. It has remote-engine start, smartwatch connectivity and an 8-inch head-up display. The car’s standard safety features like a tyre pressure monitoring system, vehicle stability management (VSM), four airbags, hill-assist control, electronic stability control, ABS with EBD and brake assist.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom price: ₹10.90 Lakh
• Engine displacement: 1482 - 1497 cc
• Mileage: 17 - 20.7 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 5
• Transmission: Manual
• Fuel type: Diesel
• Body type: SUV
• Airbags: 6
• Safety features: Driver Rear-view Monitor, ESS (Emergency Stop Signal), Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold, Safe Exit Warning. 

9. Hyundai Creta | Starting ₹11 Lakh

The Creta is a subcompact crossover SUV from Hyundai that boasts incredible performance with style and design. This model features a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with car tech connectivity, a sunroof, a semi-digital instrument cluster of 7 inches, ventilated front seats and an adjustable driver's seat. 

Further, this car sports standard safety features such as seat belts with pre-tensioners, dual front airbags, exquisite trims with 6 airbags and HAC (Hill-start Assist Control).

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom price: ₹11 Lakh 
• Engine displacement: 1482cc
• Mileage: 17.4 - 21.8 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 5
• Transmission: Automatic
• Fuel type: Petrol
• Body type: SUV
• Airbags:  6  
• Safety features: 6 airbags, a 360-degree camera, electronic stability control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

10. Mahindra Thar | Starting ₹11.25 Lakh

The Mahindra Thar is the perfect blend of style and comfort. It has two main variants (AX(O) and LX) and five different shades - Desert Fury, Red Rage, Everest White, Stealth Black, and Deep Grey. The car is equipped with a 2-litre turbo-petrol engine, a 2.2-litre diesel engine, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. 

Thar boasts a range of features: a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a washable interior floor, cruise control, and manual AC. In terms of safety, it features hill descent control, dual front airbags, traction control, and rear parking sensors. 

Key Specifications:

• Engine displacement: 1497-2184 cc
• Mileage: 15.2 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 4
• Transmission: Automatic
• Fuel type: Diesel
• Body type: SUV
• Airbags:  2
• Safety features: Anti-Lock Braking System, Brake Assist, Central Locking, Day & Night Rear View Mirror, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Seat Belt Warning, Tyre Pressure Monitor, Engine Immobilizer, and Electronic Stability Control

11. Nissan X-Trail | Starting ₹49.92 Lakh

Nissan X-Trail is a practical mid-size SUV with a spacious interior and tech-enabled safety features. Its strong 2.0L or 2.5L petrol engine runs the car, with front-wheel and four-wheel drive options. 

The X-Trail is technologically equipped with an infotainment system with a touchscreen display for control. It offers good, comfortable rides with ample cargo space.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom Price: ₹49.92 Lakh
• Engine displacement: 1498 cc
• Mileage: 14 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 7
• Transmission: Automatic
• Fuel type: Petrol
• Body type: SUV
• Airbags: 7
• Safety features: Include Vulnerable Road User Auto Emergency Brakes, Front Airbag Driver, Braking Assistance, Lane Keep Assist, Electronic stability control, and Blind Spot Warning.

12. Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Starting ₹61.85 Lakh

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a luxury sedan that combines style with strength in perfect proportions. The range typically comprises a 1.5-litre or 2.0-litre turbocharged, direct-injected petrol engine. 

It is noted for its classy interior, advanced driver assistance systems, and the latest generation of infotainment features. The vehicle has a smooth drive and a sporty feel, though it focuses on comfort and class.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom Price: Starting ₹61.85 Lakh
• Engine displacement: 1993 cc
• Mileage: 17-23 kmpl
• Seating capacity: 5
• Transmission: Automatic
• Fuel type: Petrol/Diesel
• Body type: Sedan
• Airbags: 7
• Safety features: Stability control, Knee airbags, Lane Keep Assist, Attention Assist, Rear-view Camera, Blind Spot Warning, etc. 

Car buyers can take this list of 12 of the best 1500cc cars in India into account to bring home an affordable yet powerful model with the latest design and advanced tech. 

Further, one must also assess various combinations of prices and body types so that it is easier to find a car that perfectly suits his or her needs. Thus, this piece will help you make an informed decision while choosing your next vehicle.

Also, it is advisable to protect your car with a third-party car insurance policy, as it is mandated by law. It will cover any damage or losses your vehicle could cause to a third-party person or property in any unforeseen mishap.