The 2025 Indian sub-₹10 Lakh automotive market is driven by ultra-low running costs, making CNG cars being the most popular option as they cost 50-60 percent less on fuel compared to petrol. Maruti Suzuki Celerio (34.43 km/kg) and Wagon R (34.05 km/kg) are two such models that set the efficiency benchmark.
Good hybrids (Grand Vitara, Urban Cruiser Hyryder) provide great mileage however are beyond this price range as they are priced above ₹10 Lakh.
Value shoppers must choose between:
- Most Mileage Cars (Celerio, WagonR, AltoK10) Are Economical But Have Poor Safety Ratings (0–2 Stars).
- Safer modern alternatives (Maruti Dzire – 5 star, Tata Tiago – 4 star) are a bit costlier, but they offer vital occupant safety.
Fuel Efficiency is Shaped By Two Key Realities:
ARAI vs Real-World Mileage
Since ARAI certified figures are laboratory tested and are doubtful.
City mileage in real life is relatively up to 47% lesser (Wagon R CNG claims 34 km/kg, but its real life mileage is 22 to 26 km/kg).
Efficiency needs to be calculated a little differently: km per litre for petrol/diesel, km per kg for CNG and the true financial metric is Cost per km (CpK) – and in terms of CpK, CNG comes out as the winner for the fuel is dirt-cheap.
Market Barrier for Hybrid Technology in India
Decent hybrids (like Grand Vitara, Urban Cruiser Hyryder) may come close to high mileage (28 kmpl) but still are out of reach in this segment, with prices commencing well over ₹10 Lakh (generally ₹17 Lakh+ on-road).
So, in the sub ₹10 Lakh buyers have to bank on CNG to get significant savings, with sophisticated hybrid efficiency being available only at the upper end of the cost spectrum.
For the value-conscious consumer CNG is still the only viable option to really achieve Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) savings though that can really cash in only if consumers temper their expectations to the reality in real world mileage and not inflated ARAI figures.
The Top 10 Fuel Efficiency Cars (Under ₹10 Lakhs)
Factory-fitted CNG variants, which come with the highest certified mileage figures, take the top spot in the the conclusive list of the most fuel-efficient cars under ₹10 Lakhs. The list below has been prepared on the basis of highest ARAI-certified efficiency figure of a single variant in all the cars available under the price cap of ₹10 Lakhs Ex Showroom for major metros.
| Model/Variant | Fuel Type | ARAI Certified FE (km/unit) | Ex-Showroom Price (₹ Lakhs) |
| Maruti Suzuki Celerio | CNG | 34.43 km/kg | ₹ 6.65 – 8.64 Lakhs |
| Maruti Suzuki Wagon R | CNG | 34.05 km/kg | ₹ 6.80 – 8.96 Lakhs |
| Maruti Suzuki Dzire Tour S | CNG | 34.3 km/kg | ₹ 7.19 – 9.00 Lakhs |
| Tata Tigor | CNG | 33.1 km/kg | ₹ 6.49 – 8.90 Lakhs |
| Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 | CNG | 31.59 km/kg | ₹ 5.50 – 7.18 Lakhs |
| Maruti Suzuki Baleno | CNG | 30.61 km/kg | ₹ 7.70 – 9.10 Lakhs |
| Hyundai Aura / Grand i10 Nios | CNG | 28.0 km/kg | ₹ 8.00 – 9.00 Lakhs |
| Tata Tiago | CNG | 26.49 km/kg | ₹ 6.15 – 8.00 Lakhs |
| Maruti Suzuki Swift | Petrol | 25.75 kmpl | ₹ 6.49 – 9.64 Lakhs |
| Honda Amaze | Petrol | 25.0 kmpl | ₹ 7.92 – 9.50 Lakhs |
The clearest feature of this list is the undeniable dominance of Maruti Suzuki: it takes 7 places out of the top 10. This widespread presence especially in the top CNG high-efficiency slots cements Maruti’s strategy of Efficiency as Core value Proposition. The company holds an edge to this day in its unique engineering of small displacement, highly tuned engines and integrated factory fitted CNG solutions.
The final two spots are taken by none other than Maruti Suzuki Swift and Honda Amaze. It shows that even a highly tuned petrol engine cannot objectively compete with the volumetric efficiency, cost efficiency and performance offered by MCNG. Pure petrol variants are becoming a second option to mileage-conscious buyers and more for those living in areas that are not that well connected with CNG refilling infrastructure.
Read More:- EV vs Petrol vs Hybrid: Which Car Type Is Perfect for You in 2025?
In-Depth Profiles of the Top Cost-Efficiency Leaders
Maruti Suzuki Celerio
The Maruti Suzuki Celerio is a good hatchback in the Maruti range and has been one of the highest selling from the segment largely due to its fuel-efficient engines, especially the CNG version. It offers 1.0-litre three cylinder petrol engine paired with 5-speed manual or AMT gearbox, power steering, front power windows, keyless entry and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Image credit: MarutiSuzuki
It provides maximum cabin space, while the size of the exterior is kept to a minimum. Dual front airbags are offered along with ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and more.
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R
The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is a tallboy hatchback which is known for its spacious cabin and tall roofline. It has two powertrain options: 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre petrol engines, both with the choice of manual and AMT transmission. It is also available in a factory fitted CNG variant for more mileage efficiency.
Image credit: MarutiSuzuki
It comes with provisions such as 7-inch touchscreen, steering-mounted audio controls, power adjustable mirrors, rear seats that split-fold. Standard safety provisions on the hatchback include two airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and it is well poised to attract new car buyers in the urban Indian market.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire Tour S
The Dzire Tour S is focused on commercial and taxi purposes. It comes with a 1.2-liter petrol engine with CNG and petrol variants and a 5-speed manual gearbox. The sedan is also appreciated for having a large boot (378 liters) and for its economy, more so when running on CNG.
Image credit: MarutiSuzuki
The most important specifications are front power windows, central locking, manual air conditioning, 2 airbags with ABS. Its rear seat is road-trip viable and it continues to be a preferred selection among fleet purchasers.
Tata Tigor
The Tata Tigor is a small sedan that runs a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, it competes in CNG and petrol variants. “It boasts with being a coupe-like styled vehicle, 419-liter boot capacity, has safety with 4-star GNCAP crash rating.
Image credit: TataMotors
Includes – touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, climate control, projector headlamps, rear parking camera. Tigor pays focus on structural safety and cabin comfort, so it’s safe for your family and strong enough for your day to day.
Maruti Suzuki Alto K10
Alto K10 is one of India’s bestselling entry-level hatchbacks. It is powered by a 1.0-liter three-cylinder petrol engine and is also offered with a factory-fitted CNG kit.
Image credit: MarutiSuzuki
Basic power steering, front power windows, manual air conditioner and a rudimentary infotainment system on the higher variants are the key features. There are dual airbags but safety is minimal. Alto K10 is light and nimble making it a great city car for new car buyers and daily users.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno
The Baleno is a premium hatchback from Maruti Suzuki and is powered by 1.2-litre petrol engine and comes with an optional CNG kit. Transmission options include a manual and an AMT automatic. Highlights of the specifications: 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment, LED projector headlamps, 360-degree camera, cruise control.
Image credit: MarutiSuzuki
Six airbags in top models, ESP, hill hold assist, and rear parking sensors all come as standard safety features. The Baleno is also revered for its spacious cabin and refined ride quality and is very popular among small families.
Hyundai Aura / Grand i10 Nios
The Hyundai Aura is small sedan and the Grand i10 Nios is a hatchback, however both vehicles share the same platform and 1.2 liter engine in petrol, CNG and diesel forms. The highlight features include an infotainment touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, automatic climate control, wireless charger, and rear AC vents.
Image credit: Hyundai
Both are good for comfortable riding and they also provide practical boot space for a hatchback and compact sedan respectively. Safety consists of dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and stability control on the higher variants, making it a value-for-money choice for those looking for practical needs.
Tata Tiago
Tata Tiago, a compact hatchback, is equipped with a 1.2 liter three-cylinder petrol engine and the variants on offer are petrol and CNG. It boats robust build quality with 4 star GNCAP safety rating. Additional features are an infotainment touchscreen, dual zone climate control, 8-speaker Harman audio, reverse parking sensors and two airbags.
Image credit: TataMotors
The Tiago is lauded for its fun-to-drive dynamics, safety and youthful design, making it a great choice for small families and city runs.
Maruti Suzuki Swift
The sporty Maruti Suzuki Swift hatchback comes with a 1.2-liter petrol engine and AMT option. Highlights of the car are LED headlamps, 7-inch touchscreen, automatic climate control, and push-button start.
Image credit: MarutiSuzuki
It manages to be fuel efficient yet delivers peppy performance and is equipped with dual airbags, ABS, and ISOFIX mounts for safety. The Swift is known to add a youthful and energetic charm to the general object of its ownership.
Honda Amaze
Honda Amaze is a petrol-powered compact sedan with a 1.2-litre engine and CVT automatic now available as an option. It’s all about comfortable seating and sensible space, with a 420-litre boot.
Image credit: Honda
Highlights of the vehicle are its 7-inch infotainment system with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, and rear camera.Safety kit Standard a – dual airbags, ABS with EBD and rear parking sensors. Its refined engine and smooth ride make it the best family sedan in India.
Conclusion
Maximizing ROI in 2025 The Best Financially Prudent Option In 2025 For High Usage Indian Consumers With A Budget Of Under ₹10 Lakh Is A Stock CNG Car. The difference in running costs is so great that the initial extra outlay is quickly recovered. Now for the discerning customer would be when choosing the contemporary, structurally safe CNG options (Dzire, Baleno, Tiago/Tigor) that blend best in class operational efficiency with high safety standards to deliver end to end maximum value for money and protection in the long run.
