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 Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Nissan Magnite and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, 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
- Maruti Suzuki Brezza vs Nissan Magnite vs Maruti Suzuki Ciaz – 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 Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Nissan Magnite and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz are popular
The Brezza, Magnite and Ciaz score highly as good first car options. Both the Brezza and Ciaz start at excellent prices of ₹8.35 lakhs and ₹9.98 lakhs respectively making them affordable. The Magnite has an aggressive base sticker of just ₹5.97 lakhs.
Their frugal engines ensure low running costs. Generous safety equipment like dual airbags provide reassurance. Cabins mostly offer good visibility and space for four. Additionally, Maruti’s extensive service network ensures peace of mind for buyers everywhere.
So these models check the right boxes for those buying their first car and wanting basic transportation without headaches.
Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Nissan Magnite and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz variants shortlist in Rs 10-12 lakh range
For Maruti Suzuki Brezza, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 21 February 2024 |
| ZXi AT | ₹11.14 lakhs |
For Nissan Magnite, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 21 February 2024 |
| Turbo CVT XV | ₹10 lakhs |
For Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 21 February 2024 |
| Zeta | ₹10.3 lakhs |
Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXi AT
The mid-spec ZXi AT itself gets essentials like auto AC, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and most crucially – 6 airbags offered at a reasonable ₹11.14 lakhs price point for first-time buyers. Represents good value without too many frills. If you’re budget conscious, you can read our comparison of the Brezza with Kia Sonet 2024.
Nissan Magnite Turbo CVT XV
The XV keeps things simple with basics like LED DRLs, push button start, auto AC and rear camera offered at a tempting ₹10 lakh price point. Easy on first-timers’ wallets. If you’re style-conscious, you can read our comparison of the Magnite with Maruti Suzuki WagonR.
Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Zeta
The mid Zeta strikes ideal balance between price and features. Rear camera, auto headlamps, climate control system along with decent safety equipment like dual airbags make it practical buy for new drivers. If you’re looking for a family car, you can check out our comparison of the Ciaz with Tata Tigor.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Nissan Magnite and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz for First-time car buyers
The Nissan Magnite Turbo CVT XV variant priced at ₹10 lakhs makes a strong case as the sensible first car choice based on its combination of adequate features and safety equipment coupled with its tempting price point.
While sharply undercutting key rivals by over ₹1 lakh, modern basics like auto AC, push button start, rear sensors, height adjustable driver seat etc. maximise the Magnite’s value. It also packs essential safety with dual airbags, traction control, ABS, EBD, brake assist. Cabin space for four is good as well.
Though the Brezza and Ciaz pack in more features, they are also priced at a considerable 15-20% premium over the Magnite – stretching budgets of many first-time owners. More importantly, claimed mileage on the Magnite at 20 km/l is appreciably better optimising running costs too.
So considering the Magnite 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
- Nissan Magnite Turbo CVT XV
- Maruti Brezza ZXi AT
- Maruti Ciaz Zeta
| Attribute | Nissan Magnite Turbo CVT XV | Maruti Brezza ZXi AT | Maruti Ciaz Zeta |
| Price (₹ lakhs) | 10 | 11.14 | 10.3 |
| Mileage | 20 km/l | 19.89 km/l | 20.65 km/l |
| Airbags | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Infotainment | 8-inch | 7-inch | 7-inch |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Magnite XV clearly leads on value thanks to modern essentials like push button start, auto AC and adequate safety equipment offered at a tempting ₹10 lakh sticker price – excellent for first car buyers.
- The Brezza ZXi AT reassures first-timers thanks to Maruti’s brand familiarity, promise of low maintenance and high 19.89 km/l mileage. However, it skimps on rear seat comfort and lacks features expected today.
- And the Ciaz Zeta redeems itself by maximising interior space and boot volume for the chauffeur-driven. Climate control, auto headlamps, rear camera justify the price too. But the dated engine and mediocre handling may underwhelm.
Tempting value, reliability and practicality help determine the ideal first car choice from these three strongly recommended starter variants targeting 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.
