Key takeaways
- The WagonR is the cheapest car at ₹2,000 per day.
- All cars include at least 300 km per day.
- Longer rentals reduce the effective daily rate.
- Extra km, fuel, tolls and parking are separate.
Cheapest cars ranked by daily rate
The WagonR is the lowest-cost entry point, followed by the Swift and Baleno. All three are hatchbacks, which makes them cheap to run and easy to park in Pune.
The Ertiga is the cheapest 7-seater, while the Nexon is the cheapest diesel SUV in the top half of this list.
| Rank | Model | From (per day) | Deposit | Included km |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maruti Suzuki WagonR | ₹2,000 | ₹10,000 | 350 km |
| 2 | Maruti Suzuki Swift | ₹2,200 | ₹10,000 | 350 km |
| 3 | Maruti Suzuki Baleno | ₹2,400 | ₹10,000 | 350 km |
| 4 | Hyundai i20 | ₹2,500 | ₹10,000 | 350 km |
| 5 | Maruti Suzuki Fronx | ₹2,800 | ₹10,000 | 350 km |
| 6 | Tata Nexon | ₹3,000 | ₹10,000 | 350 km |
| 7 | Maruti Suzuki Ertiga | ₹3,200 | ₹4,000 | 350 km |
| 8 | Hyundai Venue | ₹3,500 | ₹10,000 | 350 km |
A real two-day cost example
Take the WagonR for 2 days with 200 extra km. The base rental is 2 × ₹2,000 = ₹4,000. The extra kilometres add 200 × ₹5 = ₹1,000.
That gives ₹5,000 before fuel, tolls and parking. The ₹10,000 deposit is refundable, so it is not part of the final cost if the car is returned clean and on time.
The same trip in a Creta would cost ₹10,000 for the base rental plus ₹3,000 for the extra kilometres, before fuel. The difference buys more space, not a different route.
Ways to lower the total bill
The biggest avoidable cost is extra kilometres. Map your route before booking and compare the return distance with the daily allowance. If the trip is close to the limit, an extra day can be cheaper than paying per kilometre.
- Choose the smallest car that fits your group and luggage.
- Book for longer: weekly and monthly rates are lower per day.
- Plan your route to stay within the daily kilometre allowance.
- Pick a fuel-efficient hatchback for long trips.
- Avoid late returns and the extra-hour charge.
- Return the car with the same fuel level.
- Book early for weekends instead of paying a last-minute premium.
Deposit and extra-km comparison
Deposits are refundable, but they still affect how much cash you need at handover. The cheapest cars generally have lower deposits than SUVs and luxury models.
Check the extra-km rate before booking a long trip. A car with a low daily rate but a high per-km charge can cost more than a slightly more expensive car with a generous allowance.
| Model | Daily rate | Deposit | Extra km | Extra hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WagonR | ₹2,000 | ₹10,000 | ₹5 / km | ₹150 |
| Swift | ₹2,200 | ₹10,000 | ₹6 / km | ₹180 |
| Baleno | ₹2,400 | ₹10,000 | ₹6.86 / km | ₹180 |
| i20 | ₹2,500 | ₹10,000 | ₹8 / km | ₹200 |
| Fronx | ₹2,800 | ₹10,000 | ₹8 / km | ₹200 |
Cheap does not mean basic
Even the WagonR comes with doorstep delivery, a verified booking process, a refundable deposit and support during the rental. The savings come from the car size and running cost, not from skipping service.
If you need automatic transmission, the Fronx and Sonet are the next step up. If you need seven seats, the Ertiga remains the value pick.
- Doorstep delivery across Pune.
- Verified handover with a licence and ID check.
- Refundable security deposit.
- Daily, weekly and monthly plans.
- Breakdown support during the rental.
Budget checklist
- Add fuel, tolls and parking to the daily rate.
- Check the deposit amount and refund timeline.
- Estimate your total kilometres before choosing a car.
- Compare the extra-km charge, not just the daily rate.
- Book longer if the trip needs more kilometres.
- Keep a small buffer for unexpected detours.
Frequently asked questions
01.What is the cheapest self drive car in Pune?
The Maruti Suzuki WagonR is the cheapest at ₹2,000 per day, with 350 km included and a ₹10,000 refundable deposit.
02.Are there hidden charges?
No. The daily rate, deposit, extra-km rate and extra-hour charge are disclosed before booking. Fuel, tolls, parking and traffic challans are payable by the renter.
03.Is the security deposit included in the rental price?
No. The deposit is separate and refundable. It is returned after the car is checked in, subject to fastag and traffic violation verification.
04.Can I get a cheap car for a week or a month?
Yes. Weekly and monthly plans reduce the effective daily rate. The WagonR, Swift and Baleno are the most economical long-stay choices.
05.What happens if I drive more than the included kilometres?
Extra kilometres are charged per km. For the WagonR, the rate is ₹5 per km.
06.Do cheap cars include doorstep delivery?
Yes. Doorstep delivery is available across Pune for all cars in the fleet, including the most affordable hatchbacks.