What are some of the best budget cars, or value for money cars in India? Let’s look at the Hyundai Exter and Maruti Suzuki Fronx to compare their variants for budget-conscious buyers.
In this article, we will discuss
- What a budget-conscious buyer looks for in a car
- Hyundai Exter vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx – a comprehensive analysis of their variants, features, affordability, and fuel efficiency
- How to pick the right car for you
So, can these cars be considered the best budget micro SUV or compact SUV? What affordable car options do they have in their lineup? Read on.
What a Budget-conscious Buyer Looks for in a Car
A budget-conscious buyer should look for these in a car:
- Affordability – a car should be affordable, and have low maintenance costs
- Fuel efficiency – The car shouldn’t guzzle fuel
- Safety features – Essential safety features are a must in a car
- Brand perception – Is the brand of the car known for its wide service network, after sales service, etc.
- Resale value – The car should fetch good resale rates
Budget-conscious buyers prioritize affordability without compromising on essential features. They look for vehicles offering good fuel efficiency to minimize running costs. Safety features like airbags and ABS are crucial, as is the inclusion of basic comforts like power steering and air conditioning.
Performance is important, but it’s balanced against cost-effectiveness. Buyers in this category also value low maintenance costs and reliability. While advanced technologies and premium features are appealing, they are not the primary focus; instead, practicality and overall value for money take precedence.
Why Hyundai Exter and Maruti Suzuki Fronx are Popular
The Hyundai Exter and Maruti Suzuki Fronx are popular among budget-conscious buyers due to their blend of cost-effectiveness, essential features, and reliable performance.
Hyundai Exter stands out for its fuel efficiency, compact design, and the inclusion of safety features. It’s also praised for its stylish design and comfort. The Maruti Suzuki Fronx, known for its affordability, offers a turbocharged engine for efficient performance and essential features at a competitive price.
Both models provide modern amenities like touchscreen infotainment and LED headlights, usually found in higher-priced vehicles, making them appealing to those seeking value without compromising on quality.
Hyundai Exter and Maruti Suzuki Fronx Variants Shortlist in Rs 10-12 Lakh Range
For Maruti Suzuki Fronx, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 23 January 2024 |
| Zeta Turbo | ₹1,055,000 |
| Alpha Turbo | ₹1,147,000 |
For Hyundai Exter, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 23 January 2024 |
| SX Opt Connect AMT | ₹1,000,000 |
| SX Opt Connect DT AMT | ₹1,015,000 |
Maruti Suzuki Fronx Zeta Turbo
Priced at INR 1,055,000, this variant offers a turbocharged engine, LED headlights, and essential safety features, making it a balanced choice for budget-conscious buyers who value efficiency and safety. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read our guide to the best Fronx variants for you.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx Alpha Turbo
At INR 1,147,000, the Alpha Turbo adds more comfort with a larger touchscreen and alloy wheels, appealing to those seeking additional features within a budget. If you’re a gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the Fronx with Tata Nexon 2023.
Hyundai Exter SX Opt Connect AMT
Priced at INR 1,000,000, this is the cheapest variant on our list. It offers an automatic transmission, projector headlights, and safety features, making it suitable for buyers seeking convenience and essential features at a competitive price. If you’re style-conscious, you can read our comparison of the Exter with Maruti Suzuki Baleno.
Hyundai Exter SX Opt Connect DT AMT
At INR 1,015,000, it adds a dual-tone exterior to the SX Opt Connect AMT, appealing to buyers who value style alongside functionality.
Our Pick for the Best Variant among Hyundai Exter and Maruti Suzuki Fronx for Budget-Conscious Buyers
The Hyundai Exter SX Opt Connect AMT emerges as the best choice for budget-conscious buyers. Priced at INR 1,000,000, it fits your wallet, and offers a balance of affordability, essential features, and the convenience of an automatic transmission.
Its compact design, fuel efficiency, and safety features like airbags and ABS make it an ideal option for those seeking practicality and value.
The addition of projector headlights and a touchscreen infotainment system at this price point adds to its appeal, making it a compelling choice for buyers looking for a budget-friendly vehicle without sacrificing essential amenities.
The Top 3 Choices
- Hyundai Exter SX Opt Connect AMT
- Maruti Suzuki Fronx Zeta Turbo
- Hyundai Exter SX Opt Connect DT AMT
| Attribute | Exter SX Opt Connect AMT | Fronx Zeta Turbo | Exter SX Opt Connect DT AMT |
| Price | 1,000,000 | 1,055,000 | 1,015,000 |
| Automatic Transmission | Yes | No | Yes |
| LED Headlights | No (Projector) | Yes | No (Projector) |
| Safety Features (Airbags, ABS) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen Infotainment | Yes | No | Yes |
| Alloy Wheels | Yes | No | Yes |
| Dual-Tone Exterior | No | No | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Hyundai Exter SX Opt Connect AMT stands out as the top choice for its balance of cost, features, and convenience.
- The Maruti Suzuki Fronx Zeta Turbo, with its turbocharged engine and essential safety features, offers excellent value for those prioritizing performance.
- The Hyundai Exter SX Opt Connect DT AMT, with its dual-tone exterior, appeals to buyers looking for additional style alongside standard features.
Each of these variants is a car that fits within your budget, and represents a unique blend of affordability, features, and comfort, appealing to different preferences within the budget-conscious segment.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
