Buying your first car or upgrading on a tight budget? With fuel prices still a concern and compact cars dominating Indian roads, petrol hatchbacks and compact SUVs under ₹8 lakh remain the go-to choice for value-conscious buyers.
But let’s be honest – choosing the right one can feel like decoding an alien manual, especially if you’re new to the world of car specs, variants, and tech jargon.
Don’t worry – we’ve done the digging for you. Here’s a quick, easy, and exciting guide to the 5 best petrol cars under ₹8 lakh, all offering the perfect blend of style, mileage, and comfort without draining your wallet.
1. Renault Triber
Starts at ₹6.29 lakh (Ex-showroom)
Mileage: 20 kmpl
Need a 7-seater on a 5-seater budget? The Renault Triber is your unicorn. With its removable third row, you can use it as a people mover or turn it into a small cargo van when needed. Add in reclining and sliding second-row seats, and you’ve got a budget car that’s flexible for families, road trips, and everything in between. Great for big families, gig workers, or weekend explorers.
2. Maruti Suzuki Swift
Starts at ₹6.84 lakh (Ex-showroom)
Mileage: 24.79 km/l (Manual)
The Swift is like that friend who’s always dependable and still knows how to party. With its new 1.2L Z-series engine, it offers one of the best fuel averages in its class. What’s new? An electric sunroof – finally giving Swift that touch of flair it was missing. Perfect for anyone who wants proven reliability, top mileage, and a bit of fun in the sun.
3. Hyundai i20
Starts at ₹7.50 lakh (Ex-showroom)
Mileage: 20.35 kmpl
If you’re someone who values a premium feel without a premium price, the Hyundai i20 is a head-turner. Its dual-tone interiors, mood-lifting ambient lighting, and a sliding front armrest make city drives surprisingly cozy. And let’s not ignore the reliable 1.2L Kappa petrol engine and 37L fuel tank that help it balance power with practicality. This one’s for the comfort-lovers who don’t want to compromise on design.
4. Hyundai Venue
Starts at ₹7.94 lakh (Ex-showroom)
Mileage: 17.5 kmpl
Small on the outside, big on protection. The Venue offers Hyundai’s AHSS (Advanced High Strength Steel) body structure, 6 airbags, and SmartSense safety tech. It runs on a 1.2L Kappa petrol engine, the same trusted heart as in the i20. A solid pick for anyone prioritizing safety for family drives, without jumping into the higher SUV price bracket.
Choosing your first (or next) petrol car doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you want comfort, mileage, tech, or space, there’s something here for every kind of buyer – and none of them break the ₹8 lakh barrier.
5. Mahindra XUV 3XO
Starts at ₹7.99 lakh (Ex-showroom)
Mileage: 18.89 kmpl
If you’re dreaming of an SUV but scared of the price tag – meet the XUV 3XO. It comes with a 6-speed torque converter automatic, offering smoother gear shifts and better fuel use. The real kicker? It’s built with ADAS-ready features like Autonomous Emergency Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control – the kind of stuff you usually see in ₹15+ lakh cars. This one’s for you if you want a compact SUV with brains and brawn.
Still confused? Don’t worry. Test drive the ones that feel right – because the best car for you is the one that makes you want to hit the road.