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 Celerio, and find out which 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 Celerio – an in-depth guide to its variants, features, cost, and driveability
- How to pick the right car for you
So, which variants of the Celerio in the hatchback segment are affordable 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.
First-time car buyers often seek a vehicle that is affordable, fuel-efficient, and easy to drive. Safety features are paramount, along with some level of modern technology for added convenience and comfort.
They also look for reputable brands that promise low maintenance costs and a solid resale value. The compact dimensions for ease of parking and maneuvering through city traffic is another vital consideration.
Lastly, comprehensive after-sales service is looked upon favorably to ensure a hassle-free ownership experience.
Why Maruti Suzuki Celerio is Popular
Maruti Suzuki Celerio has carved a niche among first-time car buyers due to its budget-friendly price tag alongside a basket of features that cater to basic comfort, safety, and driver assistance.
The car’s compact design is ideal for urban commuting, while its commendable fuel efficiency ensures lower running costs. Being a product of Maruti Suzuki, a brand synonymous with reliability and extensive after-sales service network, adds a layer of assurance.
The Celerio’s simple yet practical interior, coupled with user-friendly tech, makes the drive less intimidating for new drivers. Its decent ground clearance and power steering provide an easy drive experience.
The presence of essential safety features like ABS and rear parking sensors in some variants further entice the first-time buyers toward Celerio. Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Celerio vs Maruti Suzuki WagonR: Comparing Their Variants Priced Rs 5-6 Lakh
Maruti Suzuki Celerio variants shortlist in Rs 5-7 lakh range
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 2 October 2023 |
| VXI | ₹583,000 |
| ZXI | ₹612,000 |
| VXI AMT | ₹638,000 |
| ZXI Plus | ₹659,000 |
| ZXI AMT | ₹667,000 |
Maruti Suzuki Celerio VXI
This variant is the most affordable, encompassing essential safety and driver assistance features like ABS, power steering, and power windows at the front. However, it lacks some convenient features like steering mounted controls and a modern audio system. If you’re a budget-conscious buyer, you can read our comparison of the Celerio with Maruti Alto K10.
Maruti Suzuki Celerio ZXI
A step up from VXI, the ZXI variant adds steering mounted controls and a basic OEM audio system which will enhance the driving experience for a first-time buyer, without a significant price hike. We have also compared the Celerio with Renault KWID for first-time car buyers.
Maruti Suzuki Celerio VXI AMT
The automatic transmission in this variant provides ease of driving, a crucial aspect for new drivers. Though it lacks some advanced features, the ease of driving offered might justify the price for a first-time car buyer. If you’re a senior citizen car buyer, you can read our comparison of the Celerio with Maruti S-Presso.
Maruti Suzuki Celerio ZXI Plus
This variant offers additional conveniences like a touchscreen LCD and fog lights. While these features provide a better driving experience, the price is considerably higher.
Maruti Suzuki Celerio ZXI AMT
Similar to VXI AMT, this variant provides the comfort of automatic transmission along with added features like steering mounted controls. However, the price is on the higher side.
Our Pick for the Best Maruti Suzuki Celerio variant for First-time car buyers
The Maruti Suzuki Celerio ZXI stands out as the most balanced option for a first-time car buyer. Priced reasonably at INR 612,000, it encapsulates the crucial safety feature of ABS, and driver assistance functions like power steering.
The inclusion of steering mounted controls and an OEM audio system offer a touch of modern convenience without overwhelming the new driver. The price difference between the VXI and ZXI variants is justified by these additional features which enhance driving ease and entertainment on the go.
Furthermore, the solid fuel efficiency ensures low running costs, a critical consideration for budget-conscious first-time buyers. The ZXI variant strikes a fine balance between essential features, added conveniences, and cost, making it an attractive option for newcomers to car ownership. As such, this is the right car on this list for a first-time car buyer. Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Celerio sales cross 7 lakh units
The Top 3 choices
- Maruti Suzuki Celerio ZXI
- Maruti Suzuki Celerio VXI
- Maruti Suzuki Celerio VXI AMT
| Attributes | ZXI | VXI | VXI AMT |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Windows – Front | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Steering Mounted Controls | Yes | No | No |
| Transmission – Auto Type | None | None | AMT |
| Audio System (Brand) | OEM | None | None |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
The ZXI provides a well-rounded feature set at a reasonable price point.
The VXI, being the most affordable, covers basic safety and driver assistance.
Meanwhile, the VXI AMT, although slightly pricier, offers the comfort of automatic transmission, significantly easing the driving task for a newbie.
These three variants are shortlisted based on their ability to fulfill the primary needs of a first-time car buyer while remaining budget-friendly. Each variant embodies a different blend of comfort, safety, and ease of driving, letting the first-time buyer choose according to their preference and budget.
If you’re interested in reading more such guides to popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered