Honda Amaze vs Hyundai Exter for First-time Car Buyers: Their Variants Priced Rs 8-10 Lakh Compared

Buying a car for the first time, but confused about which are the best, or top cars for first-time buyers in India, and which option to choose? Let’s look at the Honda Amaze and Hyundai Exter, and find out which of their variants will be the best for you.

In this first-time car buyers’ guide, we will share

• What a first-time buyer should look for in a car
• Honda Amaze vs Hyundai Exter – an in-depth guide to their variants, features, cost, and driveability
• How to pick the right car for you

So, are these affordable cars for first-time buyers in India? And which variant of these models is the right car for a first-time car buyer? Let’s find out.

What a First-time Car Buyer Looks for in a Car

This is what a first-time buyer should look for in a car:

• Safety – What safety features does the car have? What is its safety rating?
• Affordability – The car should be well within budget and affordable.
• Fuel efficiency – The car should have good fuel efficiency, thereby reducing its running cost.
• Ease of driving – The car should be easy to drive, with features that help in driving and offer convenience for new drivers

First-time car buyers prioritize affordability, reliability, fuel efficiency, and safety when choosing a vehicle. They seek a car that offers good value for money, with low maintenance costs and a comfortable driving experience. User-friendly features such as power steering, air conditioning, and a decent audio system are also important. 

First-time buyers often prefer compact cars that are easy to maneuver in city traffic and have sufficient storage space for everyday needs. Additionally, they may consider factors like brand reputation, after-sales service, and resale value when making their decision.

Why Honda Amaze and Hyundai Exter are popular

Honda Amaze and Hyundai Exter have gained popularity among first-time car buyers due to their unique offerings and competitive pricing.

The Honda Amaze is a well-built compact sedan that offers a refined driving experience, impressive fuel efficiency, and a spacious cabin. Its reliability, low maintenance costs, and Honda’s strong brand reputation make it an attractive choice for first-time buyers.

On the other hand, the Hyundai Exter is a stylish and feature-packed micro-SUV that offers a comfortable ride and a host of modern amenities. Its high ground clearance, spacious interior, and attractive design make it a compelling choice for first-time buyers looking for a trendy and practical vehicle.

Both the Amaze and Exter come with essential safety features like ABS with EBD and multiple airbags, providing peace of mind to first-time buyers. Additionally, Honda and Hyundai have extensive dealer networks and reliable after-sales service, which further enhances the ownership experience. These factors, combined with their competitive pricing and unique offerings, make the Honda Amaze and Hyundai Exter popular choices among first-time car buyers.

Honda Amaze and Hyundai Exter variants shortlist in Rs 8-10 lakh range

For Hyundai Exter, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 21 March 2024
S AMT	₹8,23,000
SX AMT	₹8,90,000
SX Opt Connect AMT	₹10,00,000

For Honda Amaze, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 21 March 2024
S CVT	₹8,73,000
VX	₹8,95,000
VX CVT	₹9,10,000

Hyundai Exter S AMT

The Hyundai Exter S AMT is a good choice for first-time buyers as it offers the convenience of an AMT gearbox at an affordable price point. It comes with essential features like a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors, and six airbags, ensuring a safe and comfortable driving experience. If you’re budget conscious, you can check out our comparison of the Exter with Maruti Suzuki Fronx.

Hyundai Exter SX AMT

The Hyundai Exter SX AMT adds more features to the S AMT variant, such as a hill hold assist, cruise control, and a glove box cooling, making it an attractive option for buyers who want additional convenience features.

Hyundai Exter SX Opt Connect AMT

The Hyundai Exter SX Opt Connect AMT is the top-spec variant, offering a host of premium features like wireless charging, push-button start, and alloy wheels. It is suitable for first-time buyers who want a feature-loaded micro-SUV experience. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the Exter with Nissan Magnite.

Honda Amaze S CVT

The Honda Amaze S CVT is an excellent choice for first-time buyers who prioritize the convenience of an automatic transmission. It offers a smooth and responsive CVT gearbox, making it ideal for city driving. The variant also comes with essential features like power steering, rear parking sensors, and dual front airbags.

Honda Amaze VX

The Honda Amaze VX is a well-rounded variant that offers a good balance of features and affordability. It comes with a touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, and LED headlamps, providing a premium experience at a competitive price. You can also read our guide to the best Amaze variants for family car buyers.

Honda Amaze VX CVT

The Honda Amaze VX CVT combines the premium features of the VX variant with the convenience of a CVT gearbox. It is an ideal choice for first-time buyers who want a feature-rich compact sedan with the ease of an automatic transmission.

Our Pick for the Best variant among Honda Amaze and Hyundai Exter for First-time car buyers

After analyzing the various variants of the Honda Amaze and Hyundai Exter, we recommend the Hyundai Exter SX AMT as the best choice for first-time car buyers. This variant offers a comprehensive package that balances affordability, features, and safety.

The Hyundai Exter SX AMT is powered by a 1.2-liter petrol engine that delivers a healthy balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The AMT gearbox offers smooth and convenient gear shifts, making it easy for first-time drivers to navigate city traffic and highways alike.

In terms of features, the SX AMT variant offers a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and a rear parking camera, providing a modern and convenient driving experience. The hill hold assist feature ensures a smooth start on inclines, while the cruise control adds convenience during long drives.

Safety is a crucial aspect for first-time buyers, and the Hyundai Exter SX AMT excels in this regard. It comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, and a high-strength steel body structure, providing all-around protection for occupants. The car also features rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera, making it easier for novice drivers to park and maneuver in tight spaces.

Moreover, the Hyundai Exter SX AMT offers a spacious and well-appointed interior with premium upholstery, ample headroom, and sufficient boot space for luggage. The car’s high ground clearance and compact dimensions make it easy to handle in city traffic while still offering a comfortable ride quality.

Considering its competitive pricing, extensive feature list, and robust safety package, the Hyundai Exter SX AMT emerges as the best choice for first-time car buyers looking for a stylish, safe, and feature-rich micro-SUV.

The Top 3 choices

1. Hyundai Exter SX AMT
2. Honda Amaze VX CVT
3. Hyundai Exter SX Opt Connect AMT

Attribute	Hyundai Exter SX AMT	Honda Amaze VX CVT	Hyundai Exter SX Opt Connect AMT
Push Button Start	No	Yes	Yes
Steering Mounted Controls	Yes	Yes	Yes
Rear Parking Sensors	Yes	Yes	Yes
Power Steering	Yes	Yes	Yes
ABS	Yes	Yes	Yes
Touchscreen	LCD	LCD	LCD
Power Windows – Front	Yes	Yes	Yes
Rear Parking Camera	No	Yes	No
Engine – Fuel type	Petrol	Petrol	Petrol
Engine – Transmission	AMT	CVT	AMT
Airbags	6	2	6
DRLs	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cruise Control	No	No	Yes
Keyless Entry	No	Yes	Yes
Power Windows – Back	Yes	Yes	Yes
Wireless Charging	No	No	Yes

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Hyundai Exter SX AMT takes the top spot due to its impressive safety features, convenient AMT gearbox, and a host of comfort and convenience features. It offers a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and rear parking sensors, providing a modern and safe driving experience. The six airbags and high-strength steel body structure ensure the safety of occupants.
• The Honda Amaze VX CVT secures the second position, combining the premium features of the VX variant with the convenience of a CVT gearbox. It offers a smooth and refined driving experience, making it ideal for first-time buyers who prioritize comfort and ease of driving. The variant comes with a touchscreen infotainment system, LED headlamps, and cruise control, providing a feature-rich compact sedan experience.
• The Hyundai Exter SX Opt Connect AMT takes the third spot, offering additional premium features over the SX AMT variant. It comes with wireless charging, push-button start, and alloy wheels, providing a more upscale and convenient experience. The variant also offers a host of connected car features, making it an attractive choice for tech-savvy first-time buyers.

These three variants offer an attractive mix of features, safety, and value for first-time car buyers. Ultimately, the choice among these three variants will depend on the specific preferences and requirements of the individual buyer.

If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.