Best Small Cars That Will Benefit Most From CAFE 3 Norms in India
Five Maruti models and one Renault car are likely to benefit from the new CAFE-3 norms if the draft is implemented as proposed.
The Indian government has released the draft for the third update of its vehicle emission regulations, known as the Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms. Under the proposed CAFE-3 standards, all M1-category passenger vehicles — cars with up to nine seats (including the driver) and a kerb weight below 3,500kg — will be required to meet more stringent emission limits.
A key clause in the draft offers partial relaxation for small cars under 4 metres in length, featuring engines up to 1200cc and an unladen kerb weight under 909kg. Carmakers producing such models can claim a reduction of 3.0g of CO₂ per km per vehicle, up to a maximum of 9.0g CO₂ per km per reporting cycle.
While these relaxations are still in the draft stage, several popular small cars could benefit if the CAFE-3 norms are approved without changes. Here’s a look at the models likely to gain from the proposed rules.
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Maruti Suzuki Alto K10
Length: 3.53m; Engine: 998cc; Kerb weight: up to 754kg
The Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 is another entry-level hatchback that qualifies as a small petrol car likely to benefit from the upcoming CAFE-3 regulations. It is the lightest model on this list, with a kerb weight ranging between 730kg and 754kg for the petrol variants. Measuring 3,530mm in length, the Alto K10 is powered by the same 1.0-litre petrol engine found in the S-Presso. Prices for the model range from ₹3.70 lakh to ₹5.45 lakh.
Maruti Suzuki Celerio
Length: 3.69m; Engine: 998cc; Kerb weight: up to 835kg
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Maruti Suzuki S-Presso
Length: 3.56m; Engine: 998cc; Kerb weight: up to 775kg
The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso, currently the most affordable car in India after the GST reduction in September, is among the models expected to benefit from the proposed CAFE-3 norms. With a length of 3,565mm, an unladen kerb weight between 736kg and 775kg, and a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, the S-Presso meets the criteria for the draft relaxations. At present, it is priced from ₹3.50 lakh to ₹5.25 lakh.
Renault Kwid
Length: 3.73m; Engine: 999cc; Kerb weight: up to 782kg
he Renault Kwid is the only non-Maruti model on this list and stands to gain if the proposed CAFE-3 norms are rolled out across India. This hatchback measures 3,731mm in length, is powered by a 69hp 1.0-litre petrol engine, and has an unladen kerb weight between 732kg and 782kg. The Kwid is also Renault’s most affordable offering in the country, with prices ranging from ₹4.30 lakh to ₹5.99 lakh.
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R
Length: 3.65m; Engine: 998cc/1197cc; Kerb weight: up to 860kg
The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R remains one of India’s most popular cars, with 18,970 units dispatched in October 2025, making it the fourth bestselling model that month. It is also among the cars set to benefit from the proposed CAFE-3 norms. The Wagon R has a kerb weight between 825kg and 860kg, measures 3,655mm in length, and is offered with two petrol engine options, both under 1,200cc. These include a 68.5hp, 998cc unit and a 91hp, 1,197cc motor. Prices for the Wagon R currently range from ₹4.99 lakh to ₹6.95 lakh.
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