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 Ertiga, Hyundai Creta 2024 and Honda City, 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 Ertiga vs Hyundai Creta 2024 vs Honda City – 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 a first-time buyer, 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 manoeuvrability also make drives hassle-free for these new buyers.
Why Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Hyundai Creta 2024 and Honda City are popular
The Ertiga, Creta and City all score highly as good first car options. The Ertiga and City start at excellent prices – just ₹8.35 lakhs and ₹11.82 lakhs respectively. The Creta isn’t far behind at ₹10.44 lakhs. Their fuel-efficient engines help keep running costs low.
Generous safety equipment provides reassurance. Interiors offer decent space while ride height and good visibility aid new drivers. Additionally, Maruti and Hyundai’s widespread service network ensures support everywhere.
For all these reasons, these models check the right boxes for those buying their first car.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Hyundai Creta 2024 and Honda City variants shortlist in Rs 10-12 lakh range
For Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 20 February 2024 |
| ZXI | ₹10.88 lakhs |
| VXI AT | ₹11.28 lakhs |
| ZXI Plus | ₹11.58 lakhs |
For Hyundai Creta 2024, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 20 February 2024 |
| E | ₹11 lakhs |
For Honda City, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 20 February 2024 |
| SV | ₹11.71 lakhs |
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI
The mid ZXI variant itself gets auto headlamps, climate control, 2 airbags, rear sensors, front power windows etc. making it well-equipped at a reasonable ₹10.88 lakhs price point for first-time buyers. Value for money.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga VXI AT
The VXI AT adds the convenience of automatic transmission at a small premium. Easy for new drivers.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI Plus
ZXI Plus enhances features with additions like 4 airbags, alloy wheels, push start etc. Reasonably premium. If you’re a family-focused car buyer, you can check out our comparison of the Ertiga with Kia Carens.
Hyundai Creta E
The Creta E variant offers fundamentals like 6 airbags, vehicle stability management, rear sensors, tilt steering at a reasonable budget price for new buyers. Decent value as a first car. If you’re a gadget lover, you can check out our comparison of the Creta 2024 with Honda City.
Honda City SV
The SV strikes balance between price and features like auto headlamps, rear camera, vehicle stability assist etc. 15-inch wheels aid visibility too. Has all basics covered. If you’re budget-conscious, you can read our comparison of the City with Skoda Slavia.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Hyundai Creta 2024 and Honda City for First-time car buyers
The Hyundai Creta E variant priced at ₹11 lakhs makes a strong case as the best first car choice based on its generous safety profile and low ownership costs.
While sharply undercutting both Maruti variants, the Creta E itself packs segment essentials like 6 airbags, vehicle stability management, rear sensors, tilt steering – ensuring occupants are well protected and basics covered.
Plus, its 1.5L petrol promises almost 20% better fuel efficiency than Maruti at nearly 18 km/l. This adds up to significant savings annually improving its value credentials. Service costs are economical too.
Though the Ertiga packs in more features, safety is inadvertently compromised with just 2 airbags. More worrying for new drivers. The reliable but bland City SV trim lacks creature comforts expected today.
So considering safety is the priority for first-timers, the abundant airbags and safety standards in the Creta E combined with its frugality make it a sensible first car pick.
The Top 3 choices
- Hyundai Creta E
- Maruti Ertiga ZXI
- Honda City SV
| Attribute | Hyundai Creta E | Maruti Ertiga ZXI | Honda City SV |
| Price (₹ lakhs) | 11 | 10.88 | 11.71 |
| Airbags | 6 | 2 | 4 |
| Touchscreen | None | 7-inch | None |
| Mileage | 17 kmpl | 20.5 kmpl | 17.8 kmpl |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Creta E clearly leads on the safety aspect by packing in 6 airbags and robust stability systems from the start at a reasonable ₹11 lakh pricing – crucial for new owners. Provides peace of mind.
- The Ertiga ZXI impresses with its auto headlamps, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment, climate control, steering controls etc. at just ₹10.88 lakhs. Appealing value but lacks essential airbags expected today.
- And the City SV strikes balance between price and features like stability control, rear camera, auto headlamps while prioritising visibility through its 15-inch wheels. Reliable ownership experience but misses features.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.