The Indian consumer hasn’t to be under-estimated. The purchasing potential of the customer varies depending on their budget, and the type of car segment they’re looking at. Under the 40 lakh rupee mark, there are a whole lot of SUVs, sedans and MPVs to choose from, each offering something unique, leaving the car buyer spoilt for choice. There are a number of luxury car makers that fit into this bracket as well. We help you choose the best ones as we shortlist 10 of the best cars.

1) Hyundai Elantra: ₹ 17.6 – ₹ 19.55 lakh

The Hyundai Elantra is sold with a 2.0-litre petrol engine that produces 149bhp and 192Nm of torque, paired either to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic. A host of features include an electric sunroof, hands-free tailgate opening, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, 8-speaker Infinity sound system, LED headlamps with LED DRLs, cooled front seats and cruise control.

2) Honda Civic: ₹ 17.94 – ₹ 21.25 lakh

The Honda Civic uses a 1.8-litre petrol engine that makes 140bhp and 174Nm of torque, paired to a CVT automatic gearbox. There is currently no diesel engine on offer, but expect a launch sometime soon. Features like dual zone climate control, cruise control, auto, dimming rear view mirror, power windows with auto up/down (all four), auto-retractable wing mirrors, four tweeters, leather wrapped, steering wheel, interior ambient lighting, reverse camera with multi-view and USB and HDMI ports for front row are offered on the Civic.

3) Skoda Superb: ₹ 29.99 – ₹ 32.99 lakh

The Skoda Superb employs a 2.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine that produces 187bhp and 320Nm of torque, with power being sent to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. It gets features like powered and ventilated front seats, three-zone climate control, hands-free parking, wireless phone charging, front and rear parking sensors, panoramic sunroof and hands-free parking.

4) Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace: ₹ 33.13 lakh

Under the bonnet of the Tiguan Allspace lies a 2.0-litrex TSI turbo petrol engine that produces 187bhp and 320Nm of torque, with power being channeled to all four wheels via VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The equipment list includes a panoramic sunroof, touchscreen infotainment system and eight speakers, three-zone automatic climate control and hands-free boot opening.

5) Mini Cooper S: ₹ 34.2 lakh

The Mini Cooper S is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo petrol engine that makes 189bhp and 280Nm of torque, paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Cooper D uses a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder, turbo diesel that makes 112bhp and 270Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Features include cruise control, head-up display, rear view camera, stability control and dual-front airbags.

6) DC Avanti: ₹ 39.61 lakh

Mounted between the seats and the rear wheels is a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine that makes 248bhp, with power being sent to the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual gearbox. Inside the cockpit, you will find a three-spoke steering, a touchscreen infotainment system, soft touch buttons for the air-conditioning, chrome surrounds and body coloured separators.

7) Isuzu MU-X: ₹ 27.23 – ₹ 29.19 lakh

Beneath that massive bonnet lies a 3.0-litre, turbo diesel engine that produces 174bhp and 390Nm of torque with power being sent to all four wheels through a 5-speed automatic gearbox. Features include six airbags, electronic stability control, hill-descent control, traction control, ABS, EBD and emergency brake assist. The MU-X has massive road presence, thanks to its sheer size.

8) Honda CR-V: ₹ 28.15 lakh

The Honda CR-V is sold with two engines: a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 153bhp and 189Nm of torque, or a 1.6-litre Earth Dreams diesel engine that makes 118bhp and 300Nm of torque. The Honda CR-V offers features like dual-zone climate control, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, automatic LED headlights and driver attention assist.

9) Toyota Fortuner: ₹ 27.83 – ₹ 33.28 lakh

The Toyota Fortuner is powered by a 2.8-litre diesel engine that churns out 174bhp anf 500Nm of torque, paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Features include a 9-speaker JBL audio system, LED ambient lighting, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that comes with Apple CarPlay compatibility, 360-degree camera, 8-way power-adjustable driver and co-driver’s seats and wireless smartphone charging.

10) Kia Carnival: ₹ 24.95 – ₹ 33.95 lakh

Powering the Kia Carnival is a BS6-compliant 2.2-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine that makes 197bhp and 440Nm of torque with power being sent to the front wheels via an 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. It gets a plethora of features like an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, three-zone automatic climate control, projector headlamps, rear parking sensors, tilt and telescopic steering, cruise control, power-adjustable wing mirrors, powered tailgate and dual-pane sunroof.