Best Cars Under 8 Lakhs in India 2025: Top 10 Picks for Budget Buyers

As a first-time car buyer in a busy city like Bangalore—managing office travel, weekend shopping, and small family trips—I know the excitement and pressure of choosing a car under ₹8 lakhs. In 2025, India’s budget car market is full of useful hatchbacks, compact SUVs, and MPVs that give modern features without crossing your budget. Now with petrol at close to ₹100 per litre, and safety being increasingly important, these cars are not merely inexpensive—they’re intelligent alternatives for comfort, safety and low running cost. Many people today search for the best cars under 8 lakhs, and the options are better than ever.

Assuming I have the latest Nov 2025 data from CarWale, ZigWheels and 91Wheels, here is a simplicity list of best cars under 8 lakhs in India. The main points include mileage (20+ kmpl), safety (4–5 stars wherever available), important features (touchscreen, airbags, ABS, ESC), and real user experience. 

Prices are ex-showroom Delhi (on-road will be 10–15% extra). This list focuses on petrol and CNG cars because they are the most affordable and easy to maintain. If you want a small car for daily use or a mini-SUV for weekend drives, this list will help you find the right option.

Why Buy a Car Under 8 Lakhs in 2025?

In 2025, cars under ₹8 lakhs offer much more than just basic travel. Many models now come with up to six airbags, 10-inch touchscreens, stronger build quality, and mileage above 20 kmpl. With safety becoming a major talking point, brands like Tata, Maruti Suzuki, and Hyundai are giving better safety ratings—many cars now offer 4-star or 5-star safety even in this price range.This is why many buyers compare the best cars under 8 lakhs before making a decision.

CNG cars help save money because running cost goes down to around ₹2 per kilometre. EVs like the Tiago EV also enter this segment because of state subsidies, but for most people, petrol and CNG cars are still the simplest and most tension-free options. Remember to add costs like RTO charges and insurance (around ₹50,000 extra). Maruti cars also give very good resale value—almost 70% even after three years.

This list gives priority to cars that offer 4+ star safety, real-world mileage above 18–20 kmpl, and important modern features like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, rear camera, and good interiors. No one wants an outdated car in 2025, especially when searching for the best cars under 8 lakhs.

1. Tata Tiago (₹4.99 – ₹8.05 Lakh)

The Tata Tiago is one of the best cars under 8 lakhs. It gives strong safety, good comfort, useful features, and great mileage. The 1.2L petrol engine makes 86 PS and gives 23.8 kmpl, while the CNG model gives 26.49 km/kg—excellent for daily use. It comes with a 7-inch touchscreen, dual airbags, rear camera, ABS, ESC, and a 4-star NCAP rating (expected to upgrade to 5 stars in 2025).

It offers great value for money and a nice cabin. The only issue is its small 242-litre boot in lower variants. It is perfect for daily commuters and small families.

2. Maruti Suzuki Swift (₹6.49 – ₹8.79 Lakh)

The 2025 Swift is one of the most reliable and fuel-saving car. Its new 1.2L Z-Series engine makes 82 PS and gives up to 25 kmpl, making it great for city driving. It gets a 7-inch touchscreen and in higher variants even six airbags and there’s a 4-star safety rating.

The Service network of Maruti and good resale make Swift a popular choice. The only thing I wish it had is a sunroof in the lower models. It’s perfect for city buyers who seek efficiency and long-term trust.

3. Tata Punch (₹6.13 – ₹8.25 Lakh)

The Tata Punch leads the micro-SUV segment with its tough design and best-in-class safety. With a full 5-star NCAP rating and a high adult safety score of 16.45/17, it is one of the safest and best cars under 8 lakhs. The 1.2L petrol engine gives 86 PS and around 20 kmpl. Its 366-litre boot makes it practical for families.

It comes with a 7-inch screen, dual airbags, 187 mm ground clearance, and a premium cabin. The AMT feels jerky sometimes. It is a great pick for people who want safety and SUV looks.

4. Maruti Suzuki Baleno (₹6.70 – ₹8.49 Lakh)

The Baleno gives a premium feel at a budget price. Its 1.2L petrol engine makes 89 PS and gives 22.35 kmpl. Rear legroom is excellent, making it very comfortable.

It comes with a 9-inch touchscreen, six airbags, heads-up display, and a 4-star rating. The only missing part is a CNG option. Ideal for professionals and small families.

5. Renault Triber (₹6.00 – ₹8.97 Lakh)

The Renault Triber seats seven people and offers huge boot flexibility (up to 625 litres). Its 1.0L engine makes 72 PS and gives 19 kmpl. It is perfect for families who need space.

It comes with an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4-star safety rating. Despite having a little less power, this MPV is still among the best for large families.

6. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R (₹5.65 – ₹7.78 Lakh)

The Wagon R is known for high mileage and practicality. Its 1.2L engine makes 89 PS and gives 25.19 kmpl in petrol and 34 km/kg in CNG mode. The tallbody design gives great headroom.

It has a 7-inch touchscreen, dual airbags, and 4-star safety rating. Ride quality feels a bit bouncy, but it is ideal for daily city use.

7. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios (₹5.92 – ₹8.56 Lakh)

This car combines modern looks with a smooth drive. Its 1.2L engine makes 82 PS and gives 21 kmpl. It has an 8-inch touchscreen, six airbags, and even a sunroof option.

It has a 4-star safety rating, but rear seat space is slightly limited. It’s great for young buyers.

8. Maruti Suzuki Celerio (₹5.37 – ₹7.37 Lakh)

The Celerio is perfect for people who want maximum mileage. Its 1.0L engine gives 67 PS and offers 25.24 kmpl in petrol and 35 km/kg in CNG.

It has a 7-inch touchscreen, dual airbags, and 4-star safety. Power is modest, but it is very easy to drive in the city.

9. Citroen C3 (₹6.16 – ₹8.58 Lakh)

The Citroen C3 looks unique and offers a very comfortable seating position. Its 1.2L engine makes 82 PS and gives 19.3 kmpl, with a 315-litre boot and a big 10-inch screen.

It has a 4-star rating. The suspension feels soft at high speeds, but it’s a great choice for style-focused buyers.

10. Skoda Kylaq (₹7.89 – ₹8.50 Lakh)

The Skoda Kylaq brings a premium build quality in the under-8-lakh range. Its 1.0L TSI engine makes 114 PS and gives 19 kmpl. It has a 10-inch touchscreen and a strong 5-star safety rating.

Variants are limited, but it is perfect for buyers who want a European feel at a budget price.

Why These 10 Cars Are the Best Under 8 Lakhs in 2025?

This one is about cars that provide a good safety rating (4–5 stars), actual mileage of 20 range, modern features, and come under the price tag of sub ₹8 lakhs. Maruti Suzuki is still at the top with reliability and resale and Tata bringing the best in safety. These are truly among the best cars under 8 lakhs in India.

The right car for you depends on how you plan to use the vehicle, your family situation and your budget. For more car guides and helpful buying tips, you can read similar articles on thelivetv.co.