The best compact cars under Rs 10 lakh

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The Indian compact car regulations are unique to our country. In a roughly summarised version they state that a car being less than 4000mm with a diesel engine having a displacement of less than 1500cc or a petrol engine having a displacement of less than 1200cc will slot into a different tax bracket as compared to vehicles that do not comply with these guidelines.

The existence of these specifications has created vehicles across shapes and sizes less than four metres in length and with the small capacity engines make a unique combination that is very specific to India and the other markets that we supply cars in.

Globally, the only known cars to be available in this design criteria are hatchbacks and they themselves are known sub-compact cars or in a more basic sense-entry level vehicles. However, in India these cars are the volume makers and so to entice more buyers manufacturers have loaded them up with features and goodies that were at one point of time only available in cars at least a segment higher.

We have put together some of the best offerings above Rs 5 lakh and within the Rs 10 lakh bracket where a majority of these vehicles exist.

Hyundai Elite i20

It's the most feature-loaded car in the fray and thanks to Hyundai's fluidic design language is the most modern looking vehicle in the lot. Combined with a set of good petrol and diesel engines it appears that Hyundai has quite a winner on its hands. The hatch has also spawned a pseudo SUV and this is likely to add well to its image.

Learn more about the Hyundai Elite i20:Specifications and FeaturesPhoto GalleryWatch Video Review

Price: Rs 5.23 - Rs 7.99 lakh (Ex-showroom New Delhi)Check On-Road Price in your City

Volkswagen Polo GT TSI

The Volkswagen Polo is the entry-level offering from the German automaker but is in no way basic. Its most powerful model, the GT TSI, is currently the hottest hatch on sale in Indi. It is powered by a potent 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 103bhp/175Nm and has been mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. This combination along with the Polo's excellent ride and handling makes quite the car to own for those looking to have some fun without compromising on practicality.

Learn more about the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI:Specifications and FeaturesPhoto GalleryWatch Video Review

Price: Rs 8.48 lakh (Ex-showroom New Delhi)Check On-Road Price in your City

Tata Zest

The Tata Zest is the latest offering from the Mumbai-based automaker and is their fighter in the compact sedan segment. It is also the only car among its rivals to be offered with the combination of a diesel engine and an AMT gearbox ticking off the two important checkboxes that appeal to first-time car buyers. It's not a bad looking car either and thanks to the custom made Harmann Kardon packs quite a punch when it comes to the infotainment system.

Learn more about the Tata Zest:Specifications and Features Photo GalleryWatch Video Review

Price: Rs 4.86 - Rs 8.07 lakh (Ex-showroom New Delhi)Check On-Road Price in your City

Maruti Suzuki Swift

It was a revelation when Maruti Suzuki bought the Swift to the Indian market in 2005 as it opened us up to the world of premium design at an affordable price. Now in its second generation, the hatchback has spawned a compact sedan and is currently the highest selling car in the B-segment. It is likely to stay on top also thanks to the Indo-Japanese automaker's vast service network and low maintenance costs. Now, we only hope that Maruti Suzuki will at some point get us an AT powered Swift as well as the 136bhp Sport version.

Learn more about the Maruti Suzuki Swift:Specifications and FeaturesPhoto Gallery

Price: Rs 4.58 - Rs 7.20 lakh (Ex-showroom New Delhi)Check On-Road Price in your City

Fiat Avventura

The Fiat Avventura is easily one of the best looking hatchback-based crossovers available in the market today. Sporting the same India-specific Punto Evo fascia, we love the fact that in that beautiful Italian way it looks every bit a stunner as the other vehicles in the FCA's stable. It is offered with a decent set of petrol and diesel engines adding a decent bit of grunt to the good looks.

Learn more about the Fiat Avventura:Specifications and FeaturesPhoto GalleryWatch Video Review

Price: Rs 6.44 - Rs 8.49 lakh (Ex-showroom New Delhi)Check On-Road Price in your City

Ford EcoSport

In a pure case of little man looking big, the EcoSport is Ford's interpretation of the compact car regulations merged with the vehicle identity given out by its 'One Ford programme'. It is a compact SUV but is 3999mm and is offered with three engines of which, two comply with the compact car regulations. One of these mills is the famed 1.0-litre EcoBoost mill that has won Ford many awards globally since it was launched in 2011. The crushed up butch looks and giant face mean you will never miss the EcoSport be it on the road or in a parking lot.

Learn more about the Ford EcoSport:Specifications and FeaturesPhoto GalleryWatch Video Review

Price: Rs 6.75 - Rs 10.20 lakh (Ex-showroom New Delhi)Check On-Road Price in your City