After the recent GST 2.0 rate cut, the Indian car market has seen a huge increase in sales. Maruti sold over 30,000 cars in a single day, Hyundai sold 11,000 units, and Tata Motors delivered 10,000 cars in just one day, an all-time record!
The reason? Cars priced around ₹12 lakh have benefited the most, with an average price cut of 10%. This has created confusion for buyers, as for the same price, you can now get a higher variant or even switch from a manual petrol to a diesel automatic.
To clear up the confusion, here is a ranking of the 11 most valuable cars and SUVs on-road around ₹12 lakh after the GST cut, including the variants that offer the best value, which will help you buy the right car model for you.
Maruti Suzuki Swift (VX Automatic)
Best Variant: VX AMT (Automatic)
New Price : 7,29,900
With Mini-Cooper-inspired looks and improved safety features, the Swift is the sportiest hatchback in its segment. After a GST price cut of ₹70,000 and additional discounts, the VX automatic variant costs around ₹7.7 lakh on-road.
Why VFM? You get automatic transmission, LED lights, 15-inch wheels, projector headlamps, 7-inch touchscreen and rear wiper/washer – all at the price of the mid-range manual variant. Great for city driving and resale.
Kia Carens Clavis (HTE Petrol Manual).
New price: ₹12,06,800
Value-for-money variant: 1.5L Petrol HTE (O)
Unlike the taxi-feeling Carens, the new Clavis looks more premium with boomerang LED headlights, connected tail lamps and Seltos-inspired interiors.
After the cut, the HTE petrol-manual variant costs around ₹13 lakh on-road.
In it you get 16-inch alloys, LED lights, 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, 6 speakers and 7-seater practicality.
Future-proof: Can be converted to CNG for lower running costs.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire (ZXI Manual / VXI Automatic)
New price: 8,62,700
Value-for-money variant : ZXI / VXI
The Dzire now comes with a 5-star safety rating, good styling and a hefty discount.
ZXI Manual (~₹8.8 lakh on-road): Comes with premium features like LED lights, 15-inch alloys, 9-inch screen, 360° camera, cruise control.
VXI Automatic (~₹7.6 lakh on-road): Offers slightly fewer features but almost the same price as the automatic. And the resale of this variant is good.
Choice: If the budget allows, choose the ZXI manual. But for city convenience, the VXI automatic is unbeatable.
Tata Altroz (diesel pure variant)
New price : 8,09,890
Value-for-money variant : 1.5L Pure Diesel
Tata has added a slew of features to the new facelifted Altroz.
The Altroz facelift gets connected LED DRLs, and connected LED backlights, sleek styling and premium interiors.
The diesel variant has seen the biggest benefit (10% reduction), which has narrowed the petrol-diesel gap.
The diesel pure variant is now priced at around ₹8.7 lakh on-road in Delhi.
Features: LED projectors, 16-inch styled wheels, 7-inch touchscreen, TPMS, steering controls, rear sensors.
Optional sunroof for just ₹20,000 extra.
Best for: Buyers who want a punchy diesel with excellent mileage and strong build quality.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx (Delta Plus AMT)
New price : 8,54,500
Value-for-money variant : Delta Plus AMT
The franchise has received a huge price cut of ₹80,000, making it a top pick.
The on-road price of the Delta Plus AMT variant is now around ₹9 lakh.
Features: 16-inch alloys, LED headlights, soft-touch dashboard, keyless entry, Arkemis audio, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, rear defogger, keyless entry, TPMS, etc.
You essentially get the upgrade + automatic gearbox at the same price in both the variants.
Tata Nexon (Creative Plus S Diesel)
New price : 11,43,960
Value-for-money variant : Nexon Creative Plus PS
The Nexon continues to dominate with its robust build and features.
The diesel price cut has reduced the petrol-diesel difference to just ₹1.05 lakh.
The Creative Plus S Diesel is now priced at around ₹12.5 lakh on-road.
Features: Diamond-cut alloys, connected LED lights, sunroof, wireless charger, 10-inch screen, JBL speakers, 360° camera, hill-descent control.
At this price, you get Creta-top-model-level features in the Nexon.
Hyundai Venue (S Plus Diesel)
New price : 9.73 lakh
Value-for-money variant : S Plus Diesel
The Venue diesel variant is now a smart choice thanks to a price cut of ₹1.5 lakh.
The S Plus Diesel costs around ₹11 lakh on-road.
Features: 1.5L diesel engine that makes 90 hp, and gives 20+ km/litre mileage, projector lamps, 8-inch screen, rear AC vents, parking sensors, 4 speakers.
Adds practicality and efficiency compared to petrol at the same price.
Mahindra XUV3XO (AX5 Diesel Manual)
New price: 10,92,100
Value-for-money variant : XUV 3X0 – AX5 Diesel Manual
One of the most feature-packed cars in this budget.
The diesel AX5 variant is now priced at around ₹12.5 lakh on-road.
Features: 17-inch dual-tone alloys, panoramic sunroof, 10-inch infotainment screen and 10-inch instrument cluster, fully-digital cluster, 6-speaker Harman Kardon audio, wireless charging, electronic parking brake, sharkfin antenna.
The diesel engine delivers 300Nm of torque, which is the highest in this segment.
Kia Syros (HTK+ Diesel)
New price: 11,46,160
Value-for-money variant : Syros HTK Plus Diesel
The Syros looks premium and is packed with features.
The HTK+ Diesel is priced at around ₹12.5 lakh on-road.
Features: 16-inch alloys, full LED headlights and taillights, 10-inch screen, digital cluster, push-button start, panoramic sunroof, cruise control.
A great balance of style, features and functionality.
Maruti Suzuki Victoris (Base Variant)
New Price : 10,50,000
Value-for-money variant : Base Model
The Victoris is a brand new car, which comes in the size of the Grand Vitara and at a lower price.
The base variant of the Victoris costs around ₹12 lakh on-road.
Features: LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, keyless entry, connected tail lamps, 7-inch screen, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, new steering wheel, push-button start.
At this price, you get a full-size (4.3 m) SUV with Maruti reliability.
Skoda Kylaq (Base Variant)
New Price: 7,54,651
Value-for-money variant : Base Model
The base variant starts at ₹7.5 lakh.
Features: 16-inch wheels, LED DRL, body-coloured bumper, dual-tone interior, rear AC vents, 4 speakers.
Engine: 1.0L TSI turbo-petrol with 115hp – the most powerful in its class under ₹15 lakh.
Plus, you get Skoda’s 5-star NCAP safety rating.
For this price, the Kylaq easily beats hatchbacks and compact SUVs, making it the No. 1 VFM car today.
