Buying a car for the first time, but confused about which are the best cars for first-time buyers in India, and which option to choose? Let’s look at the premium hatchbacks Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Tata Altroz, and find out which 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
- Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Tata Altroz – an in-depth guide to their variants, features, cost, and driveability
- How to pick the right car for you
So, are these affordable cars in the premium hatchback segment for first-time car buyers? Let’s find out.
Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500
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 car buyer often seeks a mix of affordability, reliability, safety, and fuel efficiency. Since they are just starting their driving journey, features that ensure safety and ease of driving, like power steering, parking sensors, and ABS, are crucial in top cars for first-time buyers.
Furthermore, modern conveniences such as a touchscreen and USB ports enhance the driving experience. Ultimately, first-timers want a car that provides value for money without compromising on essential features.
Why Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Tata Altroz are Popular
Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Tata Altroz have etched their popularity among first-time car buyers due to multiple reasons.
Starting with the Baleno, Maruti’s legacy of reliability and vast service network plays a pivotal role. Baleno, known for its efficient fuel consumption, ensures savings in the long run.
On the other hand, Tata Altroz, with its striking design and robust safety features, has been an attention grabber. Tata’s commitment to building sturdy vehicles, as seen in teambhp.com and autocarindia.com reviews, instills confidence among buyers.
Additionally, both these models provide modern features even in their base variants, ensuring that first-time buyers don’t miss out on essential conveniences. Their competitive pricing complements their offerings, striking the right balance between cost and feature-set, making them top choices for novices.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Tata Altroz Variants Shortlist in Rs 6-8 Lakh Range
For Maruti Suzuki Baleno, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 7 September 2023 |
| Sigma | ₹661,000 |
| Delta | ₹745,000 |
| Delta AMT | ₹800,000 |
For Tata Altroz, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 7 September 2023 |
| XE | ₹660,000 |
| XE Plus | ₹680,000 |
| XT | ₹800,000 |
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Sigma
Priced at ₹661,000, this variant offers safety features like ABS and power steering. Its impressive overall mileage of 22.35 kmpl is a draw for those seeking fuel efficiency. If you’re a budget-conscious buyer, you can read our comparison of the Baleno with Hyundai i20.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta
At ₹745,000, the Delta variant brings in additional conveniences like USB ports and an LCD touchscreen. With similar mileage as the Sigma, it provides added features without compromising on efficiency.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta AMT
For those looking for the convenience of automated manual transmission (AMT) without a significant price hike, the Delta AMT at ₹800,000 is ideal. It also includes OEM audio systems, enhancing the driving experience. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read how the Baleno compares with Maruti Swift.
Tata Altroz XE
Priced similarly to Baleno’s Sigma at ₹660,000, this variant provides essential features like ABS, power steering, and a decent mileage of 19.33 kmpl. It’s a good starting point for Tata enthusiasts.
Tata Altroz XE Plus
With a slight increase in price at ₹680,000, the XE Plus brings the luxury of a TFT touchscreen and a premium Harman audio system. We have also compared the Altroz with Tata Nexon and Punch for tech-savvy gadget lovers.
Tata Altroz XT
Priced at ₹800,000, the XT is the pricier option among the list but justifies with features like fog lights, rear parking camera, and an LCD touchscreen.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Tata Altroz for First-time car buyers
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta stands out as the best choice for first-time car buyers. While it is mid-priced, it offers a commendable balance between essential safety features and modern conveniences without the hefty price tag of automated transmission.
The addition of USB ports and an LCD touchscreen infotainment system enhance the driving and user experience, making long drives enjoyable.
Furthermore, the trust associated with Maruti’s after-sales service and the vehicle’s fuel efficiency ensures peace of mind and reduced running costs. From our list, this is the right car for a first-time car buyer.
The Top 3 choices
- Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta
- Tata Altroz XE Plus
- Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta AMT
| Attributes | Baleno Delta | Altroz XE Plus | Baleno Delta AMT |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 170 | 165 | 170 |
| Overall Mileage (kmpl) | 22.35 | 19.33 | 22.94 |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Push Button Start | No | No | No |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USB Ports | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Transmission – Auto Type | None | None | AMT |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta, with its comprehensive feature list, leads the pack.
- Tata Altroz XE Plus, with its premium audio system and TFT display, offers a touch of luxury at a nominal price increase.
- Lastly, for those willing to spend a bit more for the convenience of an automatic, Baleno Delta AMT is the way to go.
These choices offer a blend of safety, entertainment, and driving ease, ensuring a memorable first-time car ownership experience.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered
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