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 Venue, Hyundai i20 and Toyota Glanza, 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 Venue vs Hyundai i20 vs Toyota Glanza – 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.
For most first-time buyers, affordability is the top priority along with decent features and solid safety equipment. Reliable after-sales service provides peace of mind. They prefer no-frills, low maintenance variants that are easy to drive daily over more powerful or feature-packed trims. The idea is to get a worry-free, value-for-money ownership experience. Good fuel economy, visibility and maneuverability also make drives hassle-free.
Why Hyundai Venue, Hyundai i20 and Toyota Glanza are popular
The Venue, i20 and Glanza score highly as good starter vehicles. Both the i20 and Glanza start at excellent prices – just ₹6.97 lakhs and ₹7.49 lakhs respectively making them very affordable. The Venue has an aggressive base price of ₹7.53 lakhs.
Their frugal petrol engines ensure low running costs. Generous safety equipment like up to 6 airbags provides reassurance. Good visibility and maneuverability aid new drivers. Additionally, Hyundai and Toyota’s widespread service network ensures peace of mind for buyers everywhere.
So these models satisfy first-time buyers wanting modern essentials without too many headaches.
Hyundai Venue, Hyundai i20 and Toyota Glanza variants shortlist in Rs 10-12 lakh range
For Hyundai Venue, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 22 February 2024 |
| SX Opt DT | ₹11.53 lakhs |
For Hyundai i20, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 22 February 2024 |
| Asta Opt IVT | ₹11.06 lakhs |
For Toyota Glanza, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 22 February 2024 |
| V AMT | ₹10 lakhs |
Hyundai Venue SX Opt DT
The top SX Opt dual tone variant itself gets essentials like curtain airbags, vehicle stability management and basics like auto AC, rear sensors offered at a reasonable ₹11.53 lakhs price point for first-time buyers. Decent package. If you’re safety conscious, you can read our comparison of the Venue with Maruti Suzuki Brezza.
Hyundai i20 Asta Opt IVT
The Asta Opt IVT strikes an ideal balance between price and features like sunroof, air purifier, wireless charger etc. Packs premium appeal and safety like 6 airbags too. Worthwhile automatic upgrade over cheaper manual variant for new drivers. If you’re a family-focused car buyer, you can check out our comparison of the i20 with Tata Tigor.
Toyota Glanza V AMT
The V AMT keeps things simple with basics like auto AC, rear sensors, tilt adjustable steering offered at an excellent entry price of ₹10 lakhs. Easy on first-timers’ wallets. If you’re a gadget lover, you can check out our comparison of the Glanza with Honda Amaze.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Hyundai Venue, Hyundai i20 and Toyota Glanza for First-time car buyers
The Toyota Glanza V AMT variant priced at ₹10 lakhs makes a strong case as the ideal first car choice based on its balance of pricing and features suiting beginner budgets.
While sharply undercutting key rivals by upto ₹1.5 lakhs, essentials like auto headlamps, rear sensors, height adjustable driver seat etc. maximise the Glanza’s value. It also packs decent safety with 6 airbags, vehicle stability management, hill start assist etc. Cabin space is good too. Automatic transmission enhances convenience without increasing complexity for newbies.
Though the i20 impresses with its sunroof and air purifier, it is also priced at a considerable 15-20% premium over the Glanza – stretching budgets of many first-time owners. More worryingly for first-timers, claimed mileage on it is sub-par too at 19.7 kmpl. Venue has lesser rear seat comfort and lacks features expected today.
So considering the Glanza strikes the best balance between core features and aggressive pricing allowing a smooth initiation for first-timers into car ownership, it comes across as a sensible no-frills value pick packing in the modern basics.
The 3 Variants Ranked in Order of Preference
- Toyota Glanza V AMT
- Hyundai i20 Asta Opt
- Hyundai Venue SX DT
| Attribute | Toyota Glanza V AMT | Hyundai i20 Asta Opt | Hyundai Venue SX DT |
| Price (₹ lakhs) | 10 | 11.06 | 11.53 |
| Airbags | 6 | 6 | 4 |
| Infotainment | 9-inch | 10.25-inch | 8-inch |
| Automatic transmission | Yes | Yes | No |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Glanza V AMT clearly leads value by blending essentials like auto AC, rear camera and crucial safety equipment including 6 airbags, vehicle stability management etc. into its tempting ₹10 lakh pricing – excellent for first car buyers. Automatic transmission enhances convenience.
- The i20 Asta Opt IVT tempts enthusiasts wanting best-in-class features like air purifier, premium sound system, electric sunroof etc. Compromises on claimed mileage compared to Glanza but offers a more luxurious and modern package.
- And the Venue SX DT prioritises distinctive style through elements like dual tone exterior, 16-inch alloys etc. Mainstream feature list still impresses while curtains airbags and stability control provide occupants peace of mind.
Sensible value, latest gadgets or fashionable looks can determine the ideal first car choice from these three strongly recommended starter variants designed specifically for young first-time buyers.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.