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 Hyundai i20 and Honda Amaze, 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
- Hyundai i20 vs Honda Amaze – 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 Hyundai i20 and Honda Amaze are popular
Hyundai i20 and Honda Amaze have gained popularity among first-time car buyers due to their impressive features, reliable performance, and strong brand reputation.
The Hyundai i20, a premium hatchback, offers a stylish design, spacious interior, and a host of advanced features. Its fuel-efficient engines, smooth transmission options, and competitive pricing make it an appealing choice for first-time buyers looking for a feature-rich and comfortable car.
On the other hand, 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.
Both the i20 and Amaze come with essential safety features like ABS with EBD and dual front airbags, providing peace of mind to first-time buyers. Additionally, Hyundai and Honda have extensive dealer networks and reliable after-sales service, which further enhances the ownership experience. These factors, combined with their competitive pricing and feature-rich offerings, make the Hyundai i20 and Honda Amaze popular choices among first-time car buyers.
Hyundai i20 and Honda Amaze variants shortlist in Rs 8-10 lakh range
For Hyundai i20, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 21 March 2024 |
| Sportz | ₹8,38,000 |
| IVT Sportz | ₹9,38,000 |
| Asta Opt | ₹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 i20 Sportz
The Hyundai i20 Sportz variant is an excellent choice for first-time buyers as it offers a host of features like a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking camera, and six airbags at an affordable price point. The variant also comes with a smooth manual transmission and a fuel-efficient petrol engine. If you’re safety conscious, you can read our comparison of the i20 with Renault Kiger.
Hyundai i20 IVT Sportz
The Hyundai i20 IVT Sportz adds the convenience of a CVT automatic transmission to the Sportz variant, making it an attractive option for buyers who prefer a hassle-free driving experience in city traffic. It also offers additional features like automatic climate control and a sunroof.
Hyundai i20 Asta Opt
The Hyundai i20 Asta Opt is the top-spec variant, offering premium features like LED headlamps, wireless charging, and a 7-speaker Bose audio system. It is suitable for first-time buyers who want a feature-loaded and luxurious hatchback experience. If you’re style conscious, you can check out our comparison of the i20 with Tata Punch.
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 Hyundai i20 and Honda Amaze for First-time car buyers
After analyzing the various variants of the Hyundai i20 and Honda Amaze, we recommend the Hyundai i20 Sportz as the best choice for first-time car buyers. This variant offers a comprehensive package that balances affordability, features, and safety.
The Hyundai i20 Sportz is powered by a 1.2-liter petrol engine that delivers an impressive fuel efficiency of 19.7 kmpl. The manual transmission offers smooth and precise shifts, making it easy for first-time drivers to navigate city traffic and highways alike.
In terms of features, the Sportz variant offers a 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, allowing seamless smartphone integration. The rear parking camera and sensors provide assistance while parking, making it easier for novice drivers. The variant also comes with automatic headlamps, a rear AC vent, and a cooled glove box, enhancing comfort and convenience.
Safety is a crucial aspect for first-time buyers, and the Hyundai i20 Sportz excels in this regard. It comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, and a rear parking camera with sensors, providing all-around protection for occupants. The car also features a high-strength steel body structure, enhancing its structural integrity and crash protection.
Moreover, the Hyundai i20 Sportz offers a spacious and well-appointed interior with premium fabric upholstery, ample headroom, and sufficient boot space for luggage. The car’s compact dimensions and light steering make it easy to maneuver in city traffic while still offering a comfortable ride quality.
Considering its competitive pricing, extensive feature list, and robust safety package, the Hyundai i20 Sportz emerges as the best choice for first-time car buyers looking for a stylish, safe, and feature-rich premium hatchback.
The Top 3 choices
- Hyundai i20 Sportz
- Honda Amaze VX CVT
- Hyundai i20 IVT Sportz
| Attribute | Hyundai i20 Sportz | Honda Amaze VX CVT | Hyundai i20 IVT Sportz |
| Push Button Start | No | Yes | No |
| 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 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Engine – Fuel type | Petrol | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine – Transmission | Manual | CVT | CVT |
| Airbags | 6 | 2 | 6 |
| DRLs | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise Control | Yes | No | Yes |
| Keyless Entry | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Windows – Back | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fog lights | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Hyundai i20 Sportz takes the top spot due to its impressive safety features, fuel-efficient petrol engine, and a host of comfort and convenience features. It offers a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking camera, and six airbags, providing a modern and safe driving experience. The manual transmission offers good fuel efficiency, making it an attractive choice for cost-conscious buyers.
- 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 i20 IVT Sportz takes the third spot, offering the convenience of a CVT automatic transmission along with the features of the Sportz variant. It provides a hassle-free driving experience in city traffic, making it an attractive choice for first-time buyers who prefer automatic transmissions. The variant also offers automatic climate control and a sunroof, adding to its appeal.
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.
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