Hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs - the Indian automobile industry is brimming with an assortment of cars. So, when you head out to buy a car, make sure that the purchase suits you just right.

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. 

However, how do you make a pick from a plethora of choices? Worry no more, as we have compiled a list of the top cars to buy in India. The list presented below is curated by considering the best-selling mid-range cars in India.

1. Tata Tiago | Starting ₹5.59 lakh

The Tata Tiago immediately rose to prominence at the 2016 Auto Expo after making its initial appearance under the name tag Zica. It has one of the top sound systems in the market, as well as a very appealing external profile. 

Additionally, the petrol and CNG engines in the Tiago are exceptionally refined and smooth. The sturdy safety features and powerful engine, with the price starting at 5.59 lakh, make it one of the best budget cars in India.

Key Specifications:

Ex-showroom pricing: ₹5.59 - 8.20 lakh* 

Mileage: 20.28 kmpl 

Fuel type: Petrol/CNG

Body type: Hatchback 

Engine displacement: 1199 cc 

Transmission: Manual 

Ground clearance: 170 mm

Seating capacity: 5 

Airbags: 2

Safety features: ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution(EBD), Electronic Stability Control(ESC),  speed sensing auto door lock, engine immobilizer, door ajar warning, ISOFIX child seat mounts

2. Maruti Suzuki Swift | Starting ₹5.99 lakh

Maruti Swift is an all-time favourite among Indian motorists, with exceptional performance, sheer style, and dynamism. 

It comes with a dual-tone sporty design, accentuated by a bold chrome-accented mesh grille, LED projector headlamps, and precision-cut two-tone alloy wheels.

Moreover, you can pick your preferred variant of Swift in a broad range of colours, such as Solid Fire Red, Pearl Midnight, Black Roof, and Pearl Metallic Lucent Orange, among others.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom pricing: ₹5.99 - 9.03 lakh* 
• Mileage: 22 kmpl 
• Fuel type: Petrol/CNG
• Body type: Hatchback 
• Engine displacement: 1197 cc 
• Transmission: Manual/Automatic 
• Ground clearance: 163 mm
• Seating capacity: 5 
• Airbags: 6
• Safety features: ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution(EBD), Electronic Stability Control(ESC), hill assist, speed sensing auto door lock, engine immobilizer, door ajar warning

3. Tata Punch | Starting ₹6 lakh

Tata Motors has designed the Tata Punch, giving it a premium hatchback feel with a compact SUV appeal, making it one of the top ten cars in India. The latest model has received a 5-star safety rating by the global NCAP for its excellent adult safety features.

Available in 4 broad variants and 8 captivating colour options, the Punch features a 7-inch touchscreen display with connected car technology, cruise control, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and many more.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom pricing: ₹6 - 10.10 lakh* 
• Mileage: 18.8 to 26.99 kmpl 
• Fuel type: Petrol/CNG 
• Body type: SUV
• Engine displacement: 1199 cc  
• Transmission: Manual/Automatic 
• Ground clearance: 187 mm
• Seating capacity: 5 
• Airbags: 2
• Safety features: ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution(EBD), Electronic Stability Control(ESC), ISOFIX child seat mounts, traction control, speed sensing auto door lock, and engine immobilizer

4. New Maruti Dzire | Starting ₹6.51 lakh

The new generation Suzuki Dzire has all the features inside that you would anticipate from a compact sedan. The 2023 Dzire is powered by the same 1.2-litre petrol engine as the Swift, producing a maximum power of 88.50 bhp at 6000 rpm.

Additionally, it has nearly identical driving characteristics to the hatchback because it shares a platform with Swift.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom pricing: ₹6.51 - 9.39 lakh* 
• Mileage: 22 kmpl 
• Fuel type: Petrol/CNG
• Body type: Sedan 
• Engine displacement: 1197 cc 
• Transmission: Manual/Automatic 
• Ground clearance: 163 mm
• Seating capacity: 5
• Airbags: 2
• Safety features: ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution(EBD), Electronic Stability Control(ESC), ISOFIX child seat mounts, hill assist, speed sensing auto door lock, and engine immobilizer

5. Tata Nexon | Starting ₹8.10 lakh

The Tata Nexon is one of the best-selling cars in India, having recorded over 1.40 lakh sales from January to October 2023. 

Its safety features, including power door locks, traction control, anti-theft alarm, brake assist, electronic stability control, and speed-sensing auto door lock, not only make it one of the safest cars but also one of the best cars to buy in India.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom pricing: ₹8.10 - 15.50 lakh* 
• Mileage: 21.5 kmpl 
• Fuel type: Diesel/Petrol 
• Body type: SUV 
• Engine displacement: 1199 - 1497 cc 
• Transmission: Automatic 
• Ground clearance: 208 mm
• Seating capacity: 5 
• Airbags: 6
• Safety features: ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution(EBD), Electronic Stability Control(ESC), ISOFIX child seat mounts, hill descent control, hill assist, level-2 ADAS, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System(TPMS), 360 view camera, speed sensing auto door lock, and engine immobilizer

6. Maruti Suzuki Brezza | Starting ₹8.29 lakh

Maruti Suzuki Brezza, previously known as Vitara Brezza, has dominated the Indian market for small SUVs since its debut. With the latest updates, Brezza offers a ton of functions that have made it widely popular. 

This is one of the most bought cars in India and provides a wide range of customising choices, making it well-liked by younger customers. 

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom pricing: ₹8.29 - 14.14 lakh* 
• Mileage: 17.38 to 25.51 kmpl 
• Fuel type: Petrol & CNG 
• Body type: SUV
• Engine displacement: 1462 cc  
• Transmission: Manual/Automatic 
• Ground clearance: 198 mm
• Seating capacity: 5 
• Airbags: 6
• Safety features: ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution(EBD), Electronic Stability Control(ESC), ISOFIX child seat mounts, hill assist, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System(TPMS), 360 view camera, speed sensing auto door lock, and engine immobilizer

7. Hyundai Creta | Starting ₹10.87 lakh

An edgy design, captivating appearance, and bold stance make the Hyundai Creta a sought-after car in the market. In addition, this car is equipped with advanced Blue Link connectivity and in-car voice control technology. 

A 1.5-litre diesel or a 1.5-litre petrol BS6 engine powers this car, thus delivering a power-packed performance on all terrains. 

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom pricing: ₹10.87 - 19.20 lakh*
• Mileage: 17 - 21 kmpl
• Fuel type: Petrol/Diesel
• Body type: SUV
• Engine displacement: 1493 - 1498 cc 
• Transmission: Automatic
• Ground clearance: 190 mm
• Seating capacity: 5
• Airbags: 6
• Safety features: ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution(EBD), Electronic Stability Control(ESC), level-2 ADAS, ISOFIX child seat mounts, hill assist, traction control, 360 view camera, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System(TPMS), speed sensing auto door lock, and engine immobilizer

8. Hyundai Verna | Starting ₹10.96 lakh

The new Hyundai Verna comes loaded with features and superior traits. It has amenities, including an electric sunroof and the first ventilated seats in the class. 

It currently comes in a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine. It also offers both manual and automatic transmission choices.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom pricing: ₹10.96 - 17.38 lakh*
• Mileage: 18.6 - 20.6 kmpl
• Fuel type: Petrol
• Body type: Sedan
• Engine displacement: 1482 - 1497 cc 
• Transmission: Manual/Automatic
• Ground clearance: 165 mm
• Seating capacity: 5
• Airbags: 6
• Safety features: ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution(EBD), Electronic Stability Control(ESC), level-2 ADAS, ISOFIX child seat mounts, hill assist, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System(TPMS), speed sensing auto door lock, and engine immobilizer

9. Mahindra Thar | Starting ₹10.98 lakh

If someone is searching for a high-end SUV for off-roading, it is unquestionably the best option out of the bunch. The Mahindra Thar has proper off-roading capabilities in addition to offering the features of an urban SUV. 

In addition, this car has a highly opulent interior and has amenities, including an infotainment touchscreen with roll, pitch, steering angle, compass, G monitor displays and automated climate control. 

Furthermore, the Thar offers 3 types of roof options - hardtop, soft top, or convertible. So, you can customise the roof as you choose.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom pricing: ₹10.98 - 16.94 lakh*
• Mileage: 15.2 kmpl
• Fuel type: Petrol/Diesel
• Body type: SUV
• Engine displacement: 1497 - 2184 cc 
• Transmission: Automatic
• Ground clearance: 226 mm
• Seating capacity: 4
• Airbags: 2
• Safety features: ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution(EBD), Electronic Stability Control(ESC), hill descent control, hill assist, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System(TPMS), speed sensing auto door lock, and engine immobilizer

10. Mahindra Thar Roxx | Starting ₹12.99 lakh

The Thar Roxx offers better features, value, and practicality compared to the original 3-door Thar. It is also more comfortable and family-friendly. The 2.2-litre mHawk diesel produces 172bhp/370Nm and is paired with a manual transmission or a six-speed torque converter automatic.

Inside the Mahindra Thar Roxx, you'll find a 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and two screens measuring 10.25 inches each. The bigger Thar features automatic headlights, wireless charging, and cruise control.

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom pricing: ₹12.99 - 20.49 lakh*
• Mileage: 15.2 kmpl
• Fuel type: Petrol/Diesel
• Body type: SUV
• Engine displacement: 2184 cc 
• Transmission: Automatic 
• Ground clearance: 187 mm
• Seating capacity: 5
• Airbags: 6
• Safety features: ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution(EBD), level-2 ADAS, traction control, hill descent control, hill assist, 360 view camera, ISOFIX child seat mounts

11. Mahindra Scorpio | Starting ₹13.25 lakh

Mahindra Scorpio is considered one of India’s most favourite SUVs. It has been one of the best-selling cars in India since its launch in 2002. 

The new-gen Scorpio sports features include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone climate control, front and rear cameras, cruise control, wireless phone charging, single-pane sunroof, and many more.

It is a reliable off-roading four-wheeler with two engine options – a 2-litre turbo petrol engine and a 2.2-litre diesel engine. 

Key Specifications:

• Ex-showroom pricing: ₹13.25 - 24.54 lakh*
• Mileage: 19.38 - 27.97 kmpl
• Fuel type: Petrol/CNG
• Body type: SUV
• Engine displacement: 1997 - 2198 cc 
• Transmission: Manual/Automatic 
• Ground clearance: 187 mm
• Seating capacity: 7 
• Airbags: 2
• Safety features: ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution(EBD), door ajar warning, speed sensing auto door lock, and engine immobilizer

The article is all about the top cars in India that you can buy. Considering these ex-showroom prices, you can plan and budget for your car. Depending on your city and the types of extra accessories you choose for the car, the on-road prices will vary.

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.