Six cars under Rs 5 lakh from Tata and Maruti Suzuki compared on price, mileage and features

For middle-class families dreaming of their own car, it is important to choose one with a low price, good mileage and features suited to daily use. With petrol costs rising, many buyers are now also preferring CNG cars. The market has several options from companies such as Tata and Maruti Suzuki. Comparing the prices, mileage and features of the Tata Aeris, Tata Tiago, Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Wagon R and S Presso can make it easier to choose the right car for a given budget.

Model names, launch details, prices and mileage figures should be checked on the official website before buying. The details given here are based on available information. Some figures may differ because of variants and the way prices are calculated.

The Tata Aeris is a compact sedan available in both petrol and CNG options. Its starting ex-showroom price is Rs 5.29 lakh. It has a 1.2-litre engine, with manual and AMT gearbox options. The CNG variant comes with a dual-cylinder setup.

The Tata Tiago Facelift is a hatchback meant for city commuting. Its price varies by variant. The Tiago has a 1.2-litre engine and a CNG option, and the CNG variant also offers an AMT gearbox. While choosing between manual and automatic, buyers should consider their daily commute and budget.

For those who put mileage first, there is the Maruti Suzuki Celerio. Its ex-showroom price starts at Rs 4.69 lakh. It has a 1.0-litre petrol engine and an S-CNG option. According to the company, the certified mileage of the CNG variant is up to 34.43 km/kg. Actual mileage, however, varies with traffic, driving style and road conditions.

The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R has an ex-showroom price starting at Rs 4.98 lakh. It is available in petrol and S-CNG options. Its tall-body design gives good seating space in the cabin. It can be considered for family travel, shopping trips and daily office use.

For a car on a tight budget, the Maruti Suzuki S Presso could be an option. Its ex-showroom price starts at Rs 3.49 lakh. It has a 1.0-litre petrol engine, with an S-CNG option in select variants. Before buying, it is important to check the required features, safety equipment and the actual on-road price.

The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 is an additional option. Small in size and easy to drive in city traffic, it is another budget car. Its ex-showroom price starts at Rs 3.69 lakh. It too has a 1.0-litre petrol engine and an S-CNG option.

Buyers should keep a few things in mind before purchasing. Ex-showroom and on-road prices differ, so insurance, registration and other charges should be factored in. The certified mileage given by the company can differ from actual mileage on the road; CNG car mileage is generally measured in km/kg. For safety, airbags, ABS, electronic stability control and any available crash-test rating should be checked. On upkeep, buyers should look at servicing costs, warranty, the availability of CNG stations and the distance travelled daily.

In short, the S Presso and Alto K10 can be looked at for a low budget. The Celerio suits those after mileage, while the Wagon R may suit those wanting more space and family use. Those who want a sedan can check the Tata Aeris, and those who want a hatchback can check the Tata Tiago. Before the final decision, buyers should confirm the official price, variant and safety features.