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 Verna, Honda City and Volkswagen Virtus, 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 Verna vs Honda City vs Volkswagen Virtus – 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
A first-time buyer wants good mileage, safety features like airbags/ABS, automatic transmission for easy driving, decent features but not too complex, good cabin space and responsive engine. They have a budget of around 10-12 lakhs and want good value alongside after-sales service quality.
Why Hyundai Verna, Honda City and Volkswagen Virtus are popular
The Verna, City and Virtus strike a balance between features, performance and pricing suiting new buyers. These sedans pack smart looks, latest creature comforts and safety kit even in base variants. The engine options are efficient while delivering good power. Plus, sales service network is wide.
Hyundai Verna, Honda City and Volkswagen Virtus variants shortlist in Rs 10-12 lakh range
For Hyundai Verna, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 23 February 2024 |
| S | ₹11,99,000 |
For Honda City, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 23 February 2024 |
| SV | ₹11,71,000 |
For Volkswagen Virtus, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 23 February 2024 |
| Comfortline | ₹11,56,000 |
Hyundai Verna S
Key Features: 6 airbags, Auto gearbox, Rear camera, BlueLink telematics
If you’re safety conscious, you can check out our comparison of the Verna with Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.
Honda City SV
Key Features: Vehicle stability assist, Rear camera, Lane watch camera, Alexa support
If you’re a gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the City with Kia Seltos 2023.
Volkswagen Virtus Comfortline
Key Features: 6 airbags, Traction control, 10” touchscreen, Auto headlamps
If you enjoy long drives, you can read our comparison of the Virtus with Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.
These specific variants provide an optimal mix of features, safety and value. The Verna S gets key goodies like auto transmission and 6 airbags. City provides added safety tech while Virtus packs segment-leading features.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Hyundai Verna, Honda City and Volkswagen Virtus for First-time Car Buyers
The Hyundai Verna S variant is the best option for a first car buyer. It stands out for its smooth automatic transmission which simplifies driving in urban conditions. Presence of 6 airbags and electronic stability control provides exceptional safety.
Plus, the Smart BlueLink telematics enables remote operations and emergency assistance easing new owners. Further, rear camera, auto headlamps, height adjust driver seat and wireless charger pack comfort, convenience and style at a reasonable Rs. 11.99 lakh price.
The 3 Variants Ranked in Order of Preference
- Hyundai Verna S
- Volkswagen Virtus Comfortline
- Honda City SV
| Attributes | Verna S | Virtus | City SV |
| 6 Airbags | Yes | Yes | No |
| Auto Gearbox | Yes | No | No |
| Rear Camera | Yes | No | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Hyundai Verna S variant strikes the best balance as a first car with its smooth automatic, safety kit and smart connectivity.
- The Virtus Comfortline is also a worthy choice with its enthusiastic engine, features and protection.
- While the City SV doesn’t get an auto option, its abundant safety tech remains quite practical for new drivers.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
