Top 7 Cars Under Rs 20 Lakh Launching In 2024, Including SUVs And EVs

The first half of 2024 has been nothing short of a blockbuster with new car launches, facelifts, and even model year updates that have taken over the market by storm. That storm, it seems like, is here to stay right until the end of the year as we have a host of cars in the pipeline. We’ve already jotted down the list of top 10 upcoming cars in 2024.

But if you’re tied to a budget and want a new car under Rs 20 lakh, then these 7 cars might just be worth the extra wait. Let’s take a look:

Tata Altroz Racer

Expected price: Rs 10 lakh onwards (ex-showroom)

The Tata Altroz Racer, a sportier, performance-oriented version of the Altroz hatchback, is due for a launch in June. The car was first showcased at the 2023 Auto Expo, followed by a display at the 2024 Bharat Mobility Show, with some visual upgrades as well. We’ve already spotted the car pottering around without any camouflage, and even Tata’s teaser campaign is well underway. 

Apart from the sportier styling cues inside and out, and new features, it’ll borrow a more powerful 120PS 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine from the Nexon. Prices are expected to start from Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards, and you can head here for more details on the Tata Altroz Racer. Consider waiting for this if you want a sporty hatchback that will still keep your family comfortable.

Tata Curvv

Expected price: Rs 11 lakh onwards (ex-showroom)

The Tata Curvv is set to carve out a new segment for itself when it launches sometime in the second half of 2024. We’ve seen various test mules and have even had an exclusive sneak peek inside its cabin, which looked really close to being production-ready.

Not only will it share styling elements, but also interior bits and features with the Nexon and Harrier SUVs. In terms of powertrains, it is expected to get both petrol and diesel engine options. You can head to this article to know all about the Tata Curvv ahead of its market launch. Consider waiting for this if you want to stand out from the myriad of compact SUVs, thanks to its stylish coupe-like design.

Tata Curvv EV

*Tata Curvv image used for reference

Expected price: Rs 20 lakh onwards (ex-showroom)

Instead of the usual plan wherein a carmaker launches the ICE version of a vehicle first, followed by its electric equivalent, Tata will launch the Curvv EV before the ICE-powered Curvv arrives in the market sometime in the second half of 2024.

It’ll share styling elements with the standard Curvv, just like the Nexon and Nexon EV siblings do. However, the platform won’t be shared, as the Curvv EV is going to be the second vehicle after the Punch EV to be based on Tata’s new Acti.EV platform. Powertrain details are sparse for now, but you can expect it to offer a claimed range of around 500km. 

For more details on its features and rivals, head to this story. Its prices will likely begin from the Rs 20-lakh mark (ex-showroom). Consider waiting for this if you want an EV and want it to stand out from the crowd with its unique bodystyle.

New-gen Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Expected price: Rs 7 lakh onwards (ex-showroom)

Maruti has already had one of the biggest and most significant launches of the year with the new-gen Swift, but it seems like the carmaker wants some more limelight. In a bid to fulfill that, launching a new generation of India’s highest selling subcompact sedan should do the trick, right?

The new-gen Maruti Dzire has already been spotted testing on multiple occasions, revealing details like the presence of a sunroof – something which will be a segment-first feature. It was even spotted high-altitude testing recently, hinting that a launch won’t be too far away. 

It’ll also get a bunch of other new features, along with a new (Swift-sourced) 82 PS/112 Nm 1.2-litre three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine. Prices for the new Maruti Dzire are expected to start from around the Rs 7 lakh mark and it could be launched as soon as June 2024. Given its rivals are slightly dated now, you can consider waiting for this if you want a brand-new subcompact sedan.

Citroen Basalt

Expected price: Rs 11 lakh onwards (ex-showroom)

Citroen is going to launch a SUV coupe called the Basalt in India, which will rival the Tata Curvv SUV-coupe. Prices are expected to start from around the Rs 11 lakh mark and you can head to  our reveal story to know the full details. 

Its top highlights will include a unique bodystyle, a big 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine with both manual and automatic transmission options. It is expected to launch sometime around the festive period. Consider waiting for this if you want bold styling and want to stand out from the crowd.

Mahindra Thar 5-door

Expected price: Rs 15 lakh onwards (ex-showroom)

The Mahindra Thar 5-door has been one of the most anticipated launches for a couple of years now. But the wait is nearly over, as the off-roading SUV is finally going to debut on August 15. 

With prices expected to start from Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards, the Thar 5-door will add a whole lot of practicality in the Thar’s off-road capabilities. There are going to be new styling cues inside and out, along with new features like a sunroof, a larger touchscreen infotainment system, rear AC vents and digital-driver’s display. 

It’ll continue to get both petrol and diesel engine options and you can read this story to know what to expect from the upcoming 5-door Thar. Consider waiting for this if you want the off-road capabilities of a Thar, but don’t want to compromise on practicality.

Hyundai Alcazar Facelift

Expected price: Rs 17 lakh onwards (ex-showroom)

Given that it's been some time since Hyundai launched the Creta facelift in India, we expect the Alcazar facelift, essentially a longer-wheelbase version of the Creta that can seat 6 or 7 passengers, to launch by the end of this year. It is expected to get a similar treatment as the facelifted Creta with an extensively revised exterior, fresh cabin, new features, and even a new engine option. 

Prices are expected to start from around Rs 17-18 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards, and you can head to one of our spied stories to get an in-depth idea about the Alcazar facelift. Consider waiting for this if you wanted a Creta, but with 7 seats.

The options are indeed plenty if you’re planning to buy a new car under the Rs 20 lakh mark. But which one excites you the most from this list? Do let us know your thoughts in the comments section.