Below is our evaluation and comparison of top 5 cars in the below Rs 6 lakh price category.

DATSUN GO

Price: 4.49 lakh
With the GO facelift, Datsun has ironed out most of the issues plaguing the hatchback. It looks sharper, the interiors have been spruced up, and feature upgrades, including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, add to the feel-good factor.

It’s also a lot safer now, with dual, front airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) and rear parking sensors as a standard. However, its base variant is bare bones with almost no comfort features. We recommend the T variant at Rs 4.49 lakh, with air conditioning, keyless entry and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit. On a budget? The A(O) variant without the touchscreen unit is still great value

Specifications
Variant: T
Fuel type: Petrol
Engine capacity: 1,198 cc
Mileage: 19.83 km/l

FORD FREESTYLE

Price: 5.23 lakh
Ford’s funky little crossover fuses rugged SUV looks with the ease of driving offered by hatchbacks. It’s also fun, thanks to the peppy 1.2-liter, 96 PS, naturally aspirated engine, which makes it among the most powerful in this price bracket.

What’s even more impressive is its ride quality: Freestyle gobbles up rough roads and goes over bumps effortlessly, thanks to its high ground clearance (190 mm). All in all, it’s a great option for those who want to stand out in the crowd and want performance on a budget. The entry spec Ambiente, with dual, front airbags, ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), and reverse parking sensors, is the most affordable variant.

Specifications
Variant: Ambiente
Fuel type: Petrol
Engine capacity: 1,194 cc
Mileage: 19 km/l

MARUTI SUZUKI DZIRE

Price: 5.6 lakh

If you’re looking for a little more space in the rear and extra luggage capacity in this budget, you can opt for the base spec Maruti Dzire. It is also the biggest overall in the sub-4 meter compact sedan category, which means more passenger space and comfort.

The L variant misses out on equipment like the electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors (ORVMs) and rear AC vents, but occupant safety is not compromised, with ABS, EBD and dual, front airbags offered as standard features. Overall, the Dzire offers a bit of everything—style, features, frugal engines and a cushioned ride. The vast sales and service network add to the peace of mind that comes with owning a Maruti.

Specifications
Variant: LXi
Fuel type: Petrol
Engine capacity: 1,197 cc
Mileage: 22 km/l

TATA TIAGO

Price: 5.92 lakh
Tata’s best-selling hatchback, Tiago, offers plenty of features for its price. The top XZ diesel variant, for instance, is equipped with dual airbags, ABS and cornering stability control, a fantastic 8-speaker infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, steering-mounted audio controls and rear screen wiper with wash option.

Power from the 1.05-litre diesel engine is mediocre and refinement levels are low, but the claimed fuel efficiency of 27.28 kmpl makes up for the lacklustre performance.

Specifications
Variant: XZ
Fuel type: Diesel
Engine capacity: 1,047 cc
Mileage: 27.28 km/l

HYUNDAI GRAND i10

Price: 6 lakh
Among the most popular hatchbacks in India, the Grandi10 is built well, packs space and kit, and the punchy motor makes for effortless driving.

The Sportz variant that we recommend is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine mated with a 5-speed manual gearbox and equipped with dual, front airbags, ABS, rear parking sensors and camera, rear AC vents, and electrically adjustable ORVMs. It also gets a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit.

Specifications
Variant: SPORTZ
Fuel type: Petrol
Engine capacity: 1,197 cc
Mileage: 18.9 km/l