1 Honda City:  

The Honda City stands out as one of the most prominent vehicles on Indian roads, with pricing ranging from ₹11.82 lakh (ex-showroom) to ₹16.35 lakh (ex-showroom). The model is now equipped with a single-engine option, which can be paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The 1.5-litre iVTEC petrol engine delivers 117 bhp and 145 Nm of torque. This sedan features two driving modes—Eco and Sport—and is equipped with safety elements such as six airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction control, hill start assist, and ISOFIX anchors.  

With its 2023 update, Honda has introduced Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which include collision assistance, lane-keeping aids, and cruise control. The Honda City also provides smartphone connectivity through its 8.0-inch touchscreen, along with wireless charging, an electric sunroof, and an air purifier. It has received a five-star safety rating from ASEAN NCAP. For buyers aiming to remain within the ₹15 lakh budget, the City V** with CVT is available at ₹14.10 lakh (ex-showroom), presenting a solid choice. Alternatively, the Honda City VX** with a manual transmission is priced at ₹13.92 lakh (ex-showroom).  

2 Skoda Slavia:  

The Skoda Slavia is currently available at a price range of ₹10.50 lakh (ex-showroom) to ₹18.69 lakh (ex-showroom). It shares a nearly identical platform with the Volkswagen Virtus. The Slavia is offered with a 1.0-litre TSI engine that generates 114 bhp and 178 Nm of torque. Additionally, there is a 1.5-litre TSI engine option, which is exclusively paired with a seven-speed DSG, producing 148 bhp and 250 Nm of peak torque.  

Standard features of the Slavia include an eight-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other notable features comprise ventilated front seats, a wireless charging pad, automatic climate control, and an electric sunroof. The sedan is equipped with six airbags, a hill hold assist, and over 40 active and passive safety features, establishing it as one of the safest sedans on the market. The Slavia Sportline 1.0 TSI variant is available with a manual transmission.

3. Volkswagen Virtus:  

The Volkswagen Virtus is positioned within the price range of ₹10.89 lakh to ₹19.40 lakh (ex-showroom). It features the same two petrol engines found in the Skoda Slavia, while also offering a six-speed manual transmission option for the more powerful 1.5-litre TSI variant. The vehicle boasts an eight-inch fully digital instrument cluster alongside a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Additional amenities include front-ventilated seats, wireless charging, automatic climate control, cruise control, and an electric sunroof.  

Standard safety features include six airbags, and the Virtus has achieved a five-star rating from the Global New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP), establishing it as one of the safest sedans available in the Indian market. The GT Line 1.0L TSI MT variant is priced at ₹14.08 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Highline Plus 1.0L TSI AT model is available for ₹14.98 lakh (ex-showroom).  

4. Hyundai Verna:  

The sixth-generation Hyundai Verna is priced between ₹11.00 lakh and ₹17.47 lakh (ex-showroom). It offers a choice between a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, the latter generating 160 bhp and 253 Nm of peak torque. The sedan provides three transmission options: a six-speed manual, a CVT, and a seven-speed DCT, with the diesel variant no longer available.  

Recognized for its safety, the Verna has earned a five-star rating from Global NCAP and is equipped with various safety features, including six airbags, Level-2 ADAS, ESC, and ISOFIX mounts. The vehicle also comes with an electric sunroof, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a premium Bose eight-speaker audio setup. For those seeking a model within the ₹15 lakh range, the Verna 1.5 Turbo GDi MT SX Rear Spoiler Edition is priced at ₹14.93 lakh (ex-showroom).

5. The Maruti Suzuki Ciaz:

made its debut in India in 2014, and the latest generation is currently priced between ₹9.40 lakh (ex-showroom) and ₹12.30 lakh (ex-showroom). As the sole large sedan offered by the Indian manufacturer, it is available in four unique trim levels. Customers can choose from seven colour options, including three dual-tone variants. The vehicle is powered by a 1.5-litre K15 petrol engine equipped with mild hybrid technology, which incorporates start-stop functionality and brake regeneration to enhance power output while improving fuel efficiency. This engine can be paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. 

Inside, the Ciaz features leather seat upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. It is equipped with a seven-inch infotainment system that supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a digital-analogue instrument cluster. Additional amenities include navigation with real-time updates, electrically adjustable outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs), automatic climate control with rear air conditioning vents, cruise control, and a height-adjustable driver's seat. Regarding safety, the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz is equipped with dual airbags, ABS with EBD,an  electronic stability program (ESP) with hill hold assist, high-speed alerts, automatic headlamps, and ISOFIX child seat mounts.