The Indian car market has seen two fresh entrants land under the Rs 10 lakh mark in 2026. Nissan has introduced the Gravite, a seven-seat MPV, while Tata Motors has replaced the Tigor with the new Aeris sedan. Both models start below Rs 6 lakh ex-showroom and target buyers who want maximum space and features on a tight budget. This article breaks down their prices, specifications, key features, and launch timelines to help you decide which one fits your needs.
Nissan Gravite – a seven-seat MPV, not an SUV
Nissan launched the Gravite on 17 February 2026 with a starting ex-showroom price of Rs 5.65 lakh. It is built on the CMF-A+ platform shared with the Renault Triber and measures under four metres in length. The Gravite is a three-row MPV with a 5+2 seating layout. The third row can be folded or removed completely to expand boot space up to 625 litres in five-seat configuration.
The sole engine is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol unit producing 72 PS and 96 Nm. It comes with a five-speed manual or a five-speed AMT. A dealer-fitted twin-cylinder CNG kit is available for the manual variants at an additional Rs 82,999. Claimed ARAI mileage stands at 19.3 kmpl for the manual and 19.6 kmpl for the AMT.
The variant lineup spans Visia, Acenta, N-Connecta, and Tekna trims. The top-spec Tekna gets LED headlamps with DRLs, 15-inch styled wheels, a 7-inch digital driver display, push-button start, wireless charger, cruise control (manual only), auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, and a six-speaker audio system. Safety kit includes six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, traction control, hill-hold assist, tyre pressure monitoring, and rear parking sensors across all variants.
A special Tekna Launch Edition was introduced later, limited to the first 5,000 customers. It adds JBL-branded speakers, a dual dash cam, air purifier, ambient mood lighting, neck and lumbar cushions for the front row, and exclusive exterior styling elements. The Launch Edition is priced at Rs 8.35 lakh for the manual and Rs 8.93 lakh for the AMT, ex-showroom. Nissan also offers a standard three-year or 1 lakh km warranty extendable up to 10 years or 2 lakh km. The first 5,000 bookings receive zero service cost for five years along with finance and upgrade benefits.
Tata Aeris – a sub-4 metre sedan replacing the Tigor
Tata Motors launched the Aeris in September 2026 with a starting ex-showroom price of Rs 5.29 lakh. It is a sub-four-metre sedan that replaces the Tigor in the lineup. The Aeris uses a 1.2-litre three-cylinder Revotron petrol engine delivering 85 PS and 113 Nm, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. A CNG variant is also offered. Official ARAI mileage figures have not been published at the time of writing.
The base Smart variant gets six airbags as standard, a feature Tata has been pushing across its portfolio. The sedan measures 3,995 mm in length, 1,684 mm in width, and 1,532 mm in height with a 2,450 mm wheelbase. Boot space is rated at 419 litres. The Aeris sits on 175/65 R14 tyres and offers 170 mm of ground clearance.
Variant-wise details are still emerging, but the Aeris is positioned as a direct rival to the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Hyundai Aura, and Honda Amaze in the compact sedan segment. Deliveries commenced from 11 October 2026.
Price comparison at a glance
| Model | Base Ex-Showroom Price | Top Ex-Showroom Price | Body Style | Seats |
|——-|————————|———————-|————|——-|
| Nissan Gravite | Rs 5.65 lakh | Rs 8.94 lakh (Rs 9.38 lakh with CNG Launch Edition) | MPV | 7 |
| Tata Aeris | Rs 5.29 lakh | Yet to be fully disclosed | Sedan | 5 |
The Aeris undercuts the Gravite by roughly Rs 44,000 at the entry level. However, the two vehicles serve fundamentally different purposes – one is a flexible people carrier, the other a traditional sedan.
Engine and performance overview
The Gravite’s 1.0-litre engine is tuned for city drivability. Reviewers note it feels adequate in urban traffic but strained on highways, especially with a full load. The short gearing helps in the city but results in a noisy cabin at higher speeds. The AMT is functional but exhibits typical jerky behaviour in stop-go conditions.
The Aeris’s larger 1.2-litre Revotron unit produces 13 PS and 17 Nm more than the Gravite’s motor. On paper, this should translate to better mid-range pull and more relaxed highway cruising. Real-world drive impressions are awaited as the Aeris is a very recent launch.
Both cars offer CNG options, though the Gravite’s is a dealer-fit retrofit while the Aeris gets a factory-fitted CNG variant. The Gravite’s CNG kit carries a three-year or 1 lakh km third-party warranty.
Features and safety highlight
The Gravite scores heavily on practicality. Its sliding and reclining second row, removable third row, cooled glovebox, multiple storage spaces, and 625-litre boot (with third row folded) make it uniquely versatile in this price bracket. The top variants add wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rear camera, and front parking sensors.
The Aeris focuses on sedan basics with a feature list that includes a touchscreen infotainment system, wireless smartphone connectivity on higher trims, automatic climate control, and a digital instrument cluster. Six airbags are standard across the range, matching the Gravite’s safety count.
Neither model has been crash-tested by Bharat NCAP yet.
Which one should you consider
Choose the Nissan Gravite if you regularly carry more than five people, need configurable cargo space, or want an easy-to-manoeuvre vehicle with a high seating position and good visibility. It is the only seven-seater available at this price point. The modest engine is best suited to city and short highway runs.
Choose the Tata Aeris if you prioritise a traditional sedan form factor, want a more powerful petrol engine for mixed driving, prefer a lower driving position, and do not need more than five seats. The larger boot opening and sedan proportions may also appeal to buyers who value a conventional three-box shape.
Both vehicles represent strong value propositions in their respective segments. The Gravite redefines affordability for three-row mobility, while the Aeris brings modern safety and features to the compact sedan space at an aggressive starting price.
FAQs
What is the starting price of the Nissan Gravite and Tata Aeris
The Nissan Gravite starts at Rs 5.65 lakh ex-showroom while the Tata Aeris starts at Rs 5.29 lakh ex-showroom.
Is the Nissan Gravite an SUV or an MPV
The Nissan Gravite is a sub-4 metre three-row MPV with a 5+2 seating configuration. It is not an SUV.
Is the Tata Aeris an SUV or a sedan
The Tata Aeris is a sub-4 metre sedan that replaces the Tigor in Tata’s lineup. It is not an SUV.
Does the Nissan Gravite get a CNG option
Yes, a dealer-fitted twin-cylinder CNG kit is available for the manual variants of the Gravite at an additional cost of Rs 82,999.
How many airbags do the Gravite and Aeris offer
Both the Nissan Gravite and Tata Aeris offer six airbags as standard across all variants.
