
The long-awaited GST revision on cars and bikes in India was announced on 3rd September 2025. With the new rates, Indian buyers can finally breathe a sigh of relief as hatchbacks, SUVs, and two-wheelers become more affordable. Let’s explore the old vs new tax structure with real examples, compare global tax rates, and understand how this will affect Indian automobile buyers.
📊 Old vs New GST Rates on Cars
Before the GST revision, the tax rate on cars was extremely high, often going up to 28% + cess depending on the vehicle type. The new revision has slashed these rates significantly.
Example 1: Hatchback – Maruti Baleno
- Ex-Showroom Price: ₹7.5 lakh
- Old Tax (28%) → On-road ~₹9.05 lakh
- New Tax (18%) → On-road ~₹8.26 lakh
👉 Savings: ~₹79,000
Example 2: Midsize SUV – Hyundai Creta
- Ex-Showroom Price: ₹15 lakh
- Old Tax (28%) → On-road ~₹18.85 lakh
- New Tax (18%) → On-road ~₹15.34 lakh
👉 Savings: ~₹3.5 lakh
🏍️ GST Revision on Bikes
The GST revision on cars and bikes didn’t just help four-wheelers – motorcycles under 350cc were the biggest winners.
Example 3: Hero Splendor Plus (Commuter Bike)
- Ex-Showroom Price: ₹80,000
- Old Tax (28%) → On-road ~₹1.02 lakh
- New Tax (18%) → On-road ~₹94,400
👉 Savings: ~₹7,600
Example 4: Royal Enfield Classic 350
- Ex-Showroom Price: ₹2.0 lakh
- Old Tax (28%) → On-road ~₹2.56 lakh
- New Tax (18%) → On-road ~₹2.36 lakh
👉 Savings: ~₹20,000
Example 5: Premium Bike – Kawasaki Ninja 650
- Ex-Showroom Price: ₹7.0 lakh
- Old Tax (~45%) → On-road ~₹10.15 lakh
- New Tax (~40%) → On-road ~₹9.8 lakh
👉 Savings: ~₹35,000
🌍 Indian GST Rates vs Global Car Taxes
Compared globally, Indian car taxes have always been among the highest. After the GST revision on cars and bikes 2025:
- India (New GST): 18% (most cars and bikes)
- USA: 7–10% state tax
- UK: 20% VAT
- Germany: 19% VAT
- Thailand: ~12% car excise duty
👉 Even with the new GST revision, Indian taxes remain slightly higher than Western markets but are far more competitive than before.
📊 Updated Price Comparison Table
Segment | Model (example) | Old On-Road Price | New On-Road Price | Savings |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hatchback | Maruti Baleno | ₹9.05 lakh | ₹8.26 lakh | ₹79k |
Midsize SUV | Hyundai Creta | ₹18.85 lakh | ₹15.34 lakh | ₹3.5L |
Full-size SUV | Toyota Fortuner | ₹52.5 lakh | ₹41.3 lakh | ₹11.2L |
Entry Bike | Hero Splendor Plus | ₹1.02 lakh | ₹94,400 | ₹7.6k |
Mid Bike | Royal Enfield Classic 350 | ₹2.56 lakh | ₹2.36 lakh | ₹20k |
Premium Bike | Kawasaki Ninja 650 | ₹10.15 lakh | ₹9.8 lakh | ₹35k |
🔗 Related Development: Supreme Court on E20 Fuel
While the GST revision on cars and bikes makes vehicles cheaper, another major policy is shaping India’s auto market. The Supreme Court recently upheld the E20 fuel mandate, pushing 20% ethanol-blended petrol across India. This move complements GST reforms by aligning affordability with cleaner fuel adoption. Read more here.
✅ How This Affects Indian Buyers
- Positive Impact:
- Cars and bikes are now more affordable across segments.
- Middle-class families benefit most from hatchback and commuter bike savings.
- Pushes auto sales and boosts India’s manufacturing sector.
- Limitations:
- Large SUVs and luxury cars still attract higher taxes.
- Taxes in India remain higher compared to developed nations.
As India slashes GST on vehicles, another pivotal development is reshaping the country’s transportation landscape—the Supreme Court has upheld the E20 petrol policy, allowing mandatory use of 20% ethanol-blended fuel nationwide. This ruling reinforces India’s clean fuel drive while raising important questions about compatibility with older vehicles and consumer choice The Times of India ReutersIndia’s Ultimate Car & Bike News Hub. Read the full breakdown here for essential context on how these fuel and tax shifts intersect.
Conclusion
The GST revision on cars and bikes is a game-changer for Indian automobile buyers. With lower on-road prices across hatchbacks, SUVs, and bikes, affordability improves, and the auto sector gets a much-needed push. For most Indian families, this is the right time to consider upgrading to a new vehicle.
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👉 What do you think? Would you wait for GST prices to stabilize before buying your next car or bike? Comment below and share your thoughts!
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