Five hatchbacks with six airbags as standard, from Rs 3.70 lakh, for Diwali car buyers
Maruti, Tata and Hyundai now offer six airbags from the base variant in five hatchbacks priced between Rs 3.70 lakh and Rs 8.62 lakh.
As Diwali nears, many households begin thinking of buying something new, and for many a new car is on the list. But mileage and looks should not be the only considerations when choosing a car; safety matters most. Six airbags were once found only in larger, costlier cars. Carmakers have now changed course, and even base models are getting six airbags. Buyers who want more safety on a small budget can look at these five cars.
The first is the Maruti Alto K10, priced from Rs 3.70 lakh to Rs 5.45 lakh. The Alto is known as the best-selling car in India. It earlier came with only two airbags, but in 2025 Maruti made a major change and made six airbags standard from the base model. The older model had received two stars in the GNCAP crash tests; safety has now improved with six airbags. For a family wanting a safe car at low cost, there is no alternative to the Alto.
The second is the Maruti Celerio, priced from Rs 4.70 lakh to Rs 6.75 lakh. When the car was launched in 2021, it had two airbags. With the new 2025 update, all variants now get six airbags. The benefit showed directly in crash tests. With two airbags it earned only one star, while with six airbags it has received a three-star rating. In other words, safety for the money has doubled.
The third is the Tata Tiago, priced from Rs 4.77 lakh to Rs 8.62 lakh. Though it is Tata's smallest car, it competes with larger cars on safety. The company has made six airbags standard in it as well and has strengthened the body. The older model received four stars in 2020. The new model has not yet been tested, but the company says it will earn better stars.
The fourth is the Maruti WagonR, priced from Rs 4.99 lakh to Rs 7.24 lakh. Known for its height and space, this family car is liked by many. From 2025, the WagonR too has begun coming with six airbags as standard. In 2023, the model with two airbags received only one star. It is a good and safe option for daily use and long journeys.
The fifth is the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, priced from Rs 5.60 lakh to Rs 8.09 lakh. When the car arrived in 2019, it had two airbags. Six airbags were later offered in the top model. After the 2023 update, all models now get six airbags. Along with safety, it also offers plenty of features. The car received two stars in 2020. For buyers who want both a stylish look and safety, the Nios is a good option.
