Best Cars for Girls: Top Picks for Style, Safety & Ease
Key Highlights
- In the affordable segment, the Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS is one of the most popular choices among young female professionals.
- In the luxury segment, the MINI Cooper range has always been a favourite among women.
- No car can be objectively categorised based on age or gender.
While many consider driving a chore, several others see it as an escape or an expression of freedom. This is the primary reason why girls prefer to own a car, unless their personal situations absolutely demand it. There are genuine, well-versed car enthusiasts among girls as well. Here are 10 mainstream cars (and 5 luxury choices) sold in India that girls consider the best, according to recent sales patterns and trends:
Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 (₹3.70-5.45 lakh)
Ever since the first India-specific Alto debuted back in September 2000, the car became an instant favourite among ladies alongside the Zen. The current Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 is powered by a 1.0-litre NA petrol 3-cylinder unit making 68.52ps @ 5,600rpm and 91.1Nm @ 3,400rpm. This is mated to a 5-speed manual or AMT.
Renault Kwid (₹4.30-5.99 lakh)
The Renault Kwid, especially in Climber format, is arguably the most interesting-looking vehicle in the budget car segment. This could be why it is popular among young and new women drivers, as an alternative to the Maruti Suzuki Alto. The hatchback is powered by a 1.0-litre NA petrol 3-cylinder engine mated to either a 5-speed manual or AMT. The engine makes 69ps @ 5,500rpm and 92.5Nm @ 4,250rpm.
Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS (₹5.55-7.72 lakh)
The Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS, owing to charming hatchback looks, certain colour choices (Aqua Teal and Spark Green), and upmarket interiors, is a favourite among young female drivers. Sharing internals with the Exter and Aura, the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios packs a 1.2-litre Kappa 4-cylinder NA petrol engine. It makes 83ps @ 6,000rpm and 113.8Nm @ 4,000rpm while mated to a 5-speed manual or AMT.
MG Comet (₹7.00-9.78 lakh)
Strictly a city car, the MG Comet boasts of compact practicality, low running costs and several connectivity features. It is evidently a popular choice among female IT professionals in metro cities. The all-electric microcar is powered by a 17.3kWh battery pack that boasts an MIDC range of 230km. It generates just 42ps and 110Nm — enough for the city, especially since it weighs only about 800kg.
Tata Punch EV (₹9.99-14.44 lakh)
Built on a unique all-electric platform dubbed acti.ev, the Tata Punch EV is a totally different car compared to its petrol-powered counterpart. The taller stance, ample features, relatively better rear space and 5-star NCAP safety ratings attract many women drivers. It is sold in two battery formats: a 25kWh battery pack (supporting 60kW and 114Nm) and a 35kWh Long Range (supporting 90kW and 190Nm). ARAI-claimed range figures stand at 315km and 421km, respectively.
Maruti Suzuki Jimny (₹12.31-14.45 lakh)
The 5-door Maruti Suzuki Jimny was always meant to be a capable offroader with ample practicality, and not the other way around. Interestingly, the boxy styling, compact dimensions, go-anywhere capability and Maruti Suzuki branding have made it quite desirable among female drivers (watch any Spiti Valley expedition video for proof). It is powered by a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder NA petrol engine churning out 104.8ps @ 6,000rpm and 134Nm @ 4,000rpm while mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed torque converter.
Mahindra Thar 3-Door RWD (₹9.99-16.99 lakh)
The Mahindra Thar 3-Door RWD may not objectively be the most practical choice for all, yet it remains an aspirational product for many, especially girls. For them, cool factor and road presence overshadow the need for 4x4. There are two engine choices for the rear-wheel-drive 3-Door Thar: 1.5-litre diesel 4-cylinder (118.5ps @ 3,500rpm; 300Nm @ 1,750rpm; 6-speed manual), and 2.0-litre turbo petrol 4-cylinder (152.28ps @ 5,000rpm; 320Nm @ 1,500rpm; 6-speed torque converter).
Skoda Kylaq (₹7.55-12.80 lakh)
The Skoda Kylaq, in many ways, carries forward the torch previously beared by the Volkswagen Polo TSI. Mature styling, superior build quality and plentiful performance are key contributors in attracting young couples and female professionals alike. The compact crossover comes solely with a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine that powered the final BS6 version of the Polo TSI. Output figures stand at 115.57ps @ 5,000rpm and 178Nm @ 1,750rpm while mated to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter.
Hyundai Verna (₹10.79-17.13 lakh)
Sedans are generally not a favourite among new female drivers because of their inherently lower stance, longer overhangs and bigger dimensions. Among the few choices currently available, the Hyundai Verna finds the most takers among female drivers (mostly who have used other Hyundai products). Unlike before, it comes only in 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol format: 1.5-litre NA (115ps @ 6,300rpm; 144Nm @ 4,500rpm; 6-speed manual or CVT) and 1.5-litre turbo (160ps @ 5,500rpm; 253Nm @ 1,500rpm; 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT).
Kia Seltos (previous version; current price: ₹10.99-19.49 lakh)
The Kia Seltos is one of the most successful compact crossovers on the Indian market, second only to its Hyundai alternative, Creta. Until its 2026 avatar debuted with questionable styling decisions, the Kia Seltos was a favourite among young families with women drivers. Good looks, an engine-gearbox combo for everyone, a plethora of features, etc., defined the pre-2026 Kia Seltos. Engine choices remain the same: 1.5-litre NA petrol (115ps @ 6,300rpm; 144Nm @ 4,500rpm; 6-speed manual or CVT), 1.5-litre turbo petrol (160ps @ 5,500rpm; 253Nm @ 1,500rpm; 6-speed iMTor 7-speed DCT) and 1.5-litre diesel (116ps @ 4,000rpm; 250Nm @ 1,500rpm; 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter).
Popular Luxury Cars Among Girls
Coming to the luxury segment, almost all entry-level products (including sedans) from the three German manufacturers find fans among lady drivers. Nevertheless, certain cars stand out more:
1. Volvo EX30 (₹41 lakh)
Though not very popular in the general sense, the EX30 has all the ingredients to be a lady’s favourite: compact, good-looking and Volvo build quality.
2. MINI Cooper (₹43.70-58.50 lakh)
There’s absolutely no need to explain why the MINI Cooper and Cooper Convertible have such an immense fanbase among ladies.
3. Range Rover Evoque (₹64.86 lakh)
Styling has always been the strong suit of Land Rover’s entry-level Range Rover Evoque, making it an aspirational compact luxury SUV for many.
4. MG Cyberster (₹74.99 lakh)
In addition to being the most affordable sports car in India, the MG Cyberster has some distinct party tricks, such as electrically operated scissor doors.
5. BMW Z4 M40i (₹87.9 lakh)
The Z4 M40i boasts of BMW driving dynamics in an open-top package, without having to spend well over a crore.
Power of Charm Over the Charm of Power
It is a fact (and not a stereotype) that the majority of automotive enthusiasts are males. However, a good proportion of females (especially younger individuals) enjoy driving and find interest in cars. Spec sheets and driving dynamics may not always matter, but charm often does. Furthermore, one cannot objectively categorise a car in terms of age or gender. Remember: many elderly women can drive faster and more confidently than many young men who can afford faster cars.
FAQs
1. Which type of cars are liked by girls in India?
Affordable automatic hatchbacks and compact SUVs are widely preferred as they are easier to drive, park or maintain.
2. Are automatic cars more popular than manual cars among women?
Automatic cars have already become more popular than manuals in the general sense.
3. Do women prefer petrol or electric cars?
Petrol cars remain more common, but there is a growing interest in electric cars due to their low running costs and simpler operation.
4. Do girls prefer compact cars?
Generally, yes, since smaller cars are easier to manoeuvre and park, particularly in crowded metro cities.
5. Are female drivers inherently slower than male drivers?
Michèle Mouton would not be popular if that were true.