Social distancing is the most useful weapon we Indians can use to carry on our fight against the ongoing Corona Pandemic. While parts of India are now opening up to the usual life including commute, the way we use public transport will definitely change going forward. People will look at avoiding those modes of transport that include space sharing and will instead want to commute alone. This is where thousands of us will look at shifting our preference to a small, affordable car. If you are among such prospective new car buyers, here is our list of the best small cars you should look at putting down your money on.
Cheapest small car
Model: Renault KWID
Price: Rs 2.92 lakh onwards
For most small car buyers, the price will play an important role in decision making. This is true for those graduating up from a two-wheeler and those who had been using ride-sharing options till now. In this regard, the Renault KWID is the clear winner. The base STD version has a sticker price of Rs 2.92 lakh and comes with ABS and driver side Airbag as standard. The updated KWID looks good as well!
Cheapest CNG small car
Model: Maruti Alto
Price: Rs 4.32 lakh onwards
CNG powered cars have been catching up in India and in this regard, the most affordable option you can pick is the Alto CNG. It comes with a factory-fitted kit and is available in the LXI version. Prices start at Rs 4.32 lakh and while this figure may sound a lot for some, remember, running costs come down by half! The LXI version comes with features like air-con, power steering, front power windows and ABS as standard.
Cheapest Automatic small car
Model: Renault KWID / Maruti S-Presso
Price: Rs 4.7 lakh onwards
For those who commute long distances in city limits, picking a small automatic car is highly recommended. Fortunately, the options aren't too expensive with both Renault and Maruti offering AMTs in the KWID and S-Presso respectively. Note that these are the higher spec trims and this means you get a decent amount of kit with the cars. Further, both the options come with 1.0-litre petrol motor with 67 bhp of power on offer. The KWID looks great for a small car while the S-Presso offers a roomier cabin.
Cheapest diesel small car
Model: Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS
Price: From Rs 6.75 lakh onwards
A diesel small car still makes sense for those who have a monthly running of over 2000km. Maruti explains the same via their simple fuel calculator. In this regard, those looking at the most affordable oil burner can pick the Grand i10 NIOS. When this model was launched, Hyundai removed the diesel line-up from the normal Grand i10. Priced from Rs 6.75 lakh onwards for the Magna version, this trim comes loaded with LED daytime running lights, audio system with steering controls, rear ac vents, powered outside mirrors etc. Do note, the NIOS is also the most affordable diesel automatic in India.
Affordable upcoming small cars
Datsun will launch the redi-GO 2020 BS6 model this month. We have already told you more about the changes made and pricing should be out anytime now. Once it happens, it will be interesting to know where the redi-GO stands in this listicle.
Likewise, Hyundai is also rumored to be working on a major facelift for the Santro hatchback. It will carry over cues from the current NIOS while the same engine and gearbox options will be carried forward.
