Buying a car for the first time, but confused about which option to choose? Let’s look at the entry-level hatchbacks Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 and Maruti Suzuki Celerio, and we will help you decide which variant to pick.
In this first-time car buyers’ guide, we will share
- What a first-time buyer should look for in a car
- Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 vs Maruti Celerio – an in-depth guide to their variants, features, cost, and driveability
- How to pick the right car for you
Maruti Suzuki has been producing affordable cars across segments, and this makes their offerings particularly attractive to first-time car buyers. The Alto K10 and Celerio, as entry-level hatchbacks, are no different.
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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 often prioritize affordability, fuel efficiency, and low maintenance costs. Equally important is the car’s safety features, as novice drivers may require additional assistance and protection.
The convenience of automatic transmission, ease of parking, and navigability in city traffic are also desirable in top cars for first-time buyers.
Lastly, buyers seek basic modern amenities, such as an audio system, power windows, and a comfortable interior, ensuring an enjoyable driving experience.
Why Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 and Maruti Celerio are Popular
Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 and Celerio are popular choices among first-time car buyers, owing to their affordability, cost-efficiency, and Maruti’s nationwide service network.
As per user reviews on teambhp.com and autocarindia.com, the Alto K10 is appreciated for its compact size, making it an excellent choice for city drives and parking in tight spaces. Its peppy engine and good fuel efficiency make it ideal for daily commuting.
Similarly, the Maruti Suzuki Celerio is known for its comfortable cabin space and practical features like ample storage and good visibility. Its advanced Auto Gear Shift (AGS) technology is a boon for first-time drivers who may find manual gear shifts challenging.
Both vehicles come with essential safety features like ABS and airbags, providing reassurance for new drivers. Finally, both cars’ high resale value is another attractive factor for first-time buyers, ensuring a great return on investment.
Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 and Celerio Variants Shortlist in Rs 5-7 Lakh Range
For the Alto K10, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 1 August 2023 |
| VXi Plus | ₹ 535,000 |
| VXi AT | ₹ 561,000 |
| VXi Plus AT | ₹ 590,000 |
For Maruti Suzuki Celerio, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 1 August 2023 |
| VXI | ₹ 583,000 |
| ZXI | ₹ 612,000 |
| VXI AMT | ₹ 638,000 |
Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 VXi Plus
The Alto K10 VXi Plus offers a great package with features like power steering, rear parking sensors, and an OEM audio system at a reasonable price. Its LCD touchscreen adds a touch of modernity, making it appealing to young buyers.
Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 VXi AT
The VXi AT variant offers similar features but with the convenience of automatic transmission, which is a plus for first-time drivers. If you’re a senior citizen car buyer, you can read our comparison of the Alto K10 with Renault Kwid.
Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 VXi Plus AT
The VXi Plus AT, despite being the most expensive, provides both the luxury of an LCD touchscreen and the ease of automatic transmission, justifying its price tag.
Maruti Suzuki Celerio VXI
The Celerio VXI is an affordable choice offering basic yet crucial features like ABS and power steering, coupled with impressive fuel efficiency. We also have our comparison of the Celerio with Renault Kwid for first-time car buyers.
Maruti Suzuki Celerio ZXI
The ZXI variant provides additional amenities like a tilt steering column and steering mounted controls, enhancing the driving experience.
Maruti Suzuki Celerio VXI AMT
Lastly, the VXI AMT, with its automatic transmission and high mileage, strikes a good balance between convenience and cost-effectiveness. If you are a budget-conscious buyer, you can check out our comparison of the Celerio with Alto K10.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 and Maruti Suzuki Celerio for First-time car buyers
Considering all aspects, the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 VXi Plus stands out as the best option for first-time car buyers. It offers a comprehensive package of essential features at a very reasonable price.
Its safety features like ABS and rear parking sensors provide the necessary protection for novice drivers. Moreover, the overall fuel efficiency and ground clearance are appropriate for both city and occasional long drives.
The presence of power steering and front power windows add to the convenience, and the addition of an audio system and LCD touchscreen caters to the desire for modern amenities.
The linear power delivery of this variant ensures smooth driving and better control, boosting the confidence of new drivers. In short, this can be the right car for first-time buyers.
Despite not having an automatic transmission, it compensates with other features at a lower price than its automatic counterpart, making it a cost-effective choice for first-time buyers.
The Top 3 choices
The top three choices among Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 and Celerio for first-time buyers are:
- Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 VXi Plus
- Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 VXi AT
- Maruti Suzuki Celerio VXI AMT
These three cars were chosen because they offer a good balance between cost, safety, convenience, and fuel efficiency.
| Attribute | Alto K10 VXi Plus | Alto K10 VXi AT | Celerio VXI AMT |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 167 | 167 | 170 |
| Highway Mileage (kmpl) | 24.39 | 24.39 | 26.68 |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Windows – Front | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Transmission – Auto Type | None | AMT | AMT |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Alto K10 VXi Plus stands out for its additional features like an audio system and LCD touchscreen.
- The Alto K10 VXi AT and Celerio VXI AMT provide the convenience of automatic transmission, beneficial for new drivers.
- The Celerio VXI AMT offers superior fuel efficiency, making it a great option for those who prioritize economic driving.
In summary, all three variants provide safety and convenience at competitive prices. These three variants cater to different preferences while providing core features necessary for first-time car buyers.
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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