India is prioritizing road safety, and automakers are stepping up. Six airbags are no longer a luxury but a necessity. Explore affordable cars with advanced safety under ₹10 lakh.

We have chosen Mumbai as the on-road price city reference. Expect on road price of the cars around this across India.

Here goes the list:

1. Tata Nexon Smart Opt Petrol (Base Model) - ₹9,20,379 On road Mumbai

The Tata Nexon makes a strong case for safety as a priority, especially for its base variant. While it skips some convenience features like an advanced infotainment system, it ensures that all necessary safety features are included, making it a standout option for safety-conscious buyers.

Safety Features in the Base Variant:

Airbags: 6 airbags (Driver, Front Passenger, 2 Curtain, Driver Side, Front Passenger Side) ensure top-tier protection.

• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS): Standard for better braking control.

• Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD): Ensures balanced braking.

• Brake Assist (BA): Enhances emergency braking performance.

• Electronic Stability Program (ESP): Maintains vehicle stability on sharp turns or wet roads.

• Hill Hold Control: Prevents rollback on slopes, ideal for city and hilly terrain driving.

• Traction Control System (TCS): Provides grip on slippery surfaces.

2. Hyundai Exter EX 1.2 (Base Model) - ₹7,21,999 On-road Mumbai

The Hyundai Exter EX base variant, priced at ₹7.21 lakhs on-road in Mumbai, is an entry-level offering packed with solid safety features. Comparatively, the Tata Nexon base variant offers more features but comes at a higher price. The Nexon's on-road price in Mumbai starts at ₹9.20 lakhs, making it around ₹2 lakh costlier than the Exter EX.

Safety Features in Hyundai Exter EX:

• Airbags: 6 airbags (Driver, Front Passenger, 2 Curtain, Driver Side, Front Passenger Side) are standard, matching the Nexon in this critical safety area.

• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS): Yes, included to prevent tyre locking during hard braking.

• Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD): Yes, balances braking force across wheels.

• Brake Assist (BA): No, a notable absence for emergency braking scenarios.

• Electronic Stability Program (ESP): No, unlike the Nexon.

• Hill Hold Control: No, missing support for steep gradients.

• Traction Control System (TCS): No, limiting grip in slippery conditions.

• Hill Descent Control: No, a feature absent across the Exter range.

3. i20 Era (Base Model) - ₹8,26,000

The Hyundai i20 Era base variant, priced around ₹8.26 lakhs on-road in Mumbai, is a great option for those looking for a premium hatchback that doesn't compromise on safety. It comes with 6 airbags (Driver, Front Passenger, 2 Curtain, Driver Side, and Front Passenger Side), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist (BA), making it one of the safest options in its segment.

Key Safety Features:

• Airbags: 6 (Driver, Front Passenger, 2 Curtain, Driver Side, Front Passenger Side)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP): Yes
• Hill Hold Control: Yes
• Traction Control System (TC/TCS): Yes
• EBD: Yes
• Brake Assist (BA): Yes

Despite being a hatchback, the Hyundai i20 competes well in terms of safety with some compact SUVs like the Tata Nexon and Tata Punch, but in terms of body type, it isn't an SUV. If we ignore the body style and focus purely on features, the i20 Era is an excellent option for those who don't require the added bulk or ground clearance of an SUV.

4. Mahindra XUV 3XO MX2(Base Variant) ₹9,16,000

Mahindra XUV300 MX2 is priced at ₹9.16 lakh on-road and offers a solid safety package with 6 airbags, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Electronic Stability Program (ESP). However, it lacks Hill Hold Control, Traction Control System (TC/TCS), and Hill Descent Control which are present in the Tata Nexon.

Key Features of Mahindra XUV300 MX2:

• 6 Airbags (Driver, Front Passenger, 2 Curtain, Driver Side, Front Passenger Side)
• EBD and BA
• ESP for enhanced stability

The XUV300 is a fierce competitor to the Nexon, especially for buyers looking for a more premium hatchback-crossover hybrid experience.