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 Fronx, Mahindra XUV300 and Hyundai Venue, 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 Fronx vs Mahindra XUV300 vs Hyundai Venue – 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.
Why Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Mahindra XUV300 and Hyundai Venue are popular
The Fronx, XUV300 and Venue score highly as good starter vehicles. The Fronx has an aggressive starting price of just ₹8.59 lakhs. Both the XUV300 and Venue start at excellent prices too – ₹8.70 lakhs and ₹7.53 lakhs.
Their frugal petrol engines ensure low running costs. Generous safety equipment provide reassurance to first-timers. Heightened stance aids visibility while ride quality is sorted too. Additionally, Maruti’s widespread service network ensures peace of mind for buyers everywhere.
For all these reasons, these well-rounded subcompact SUVs satisfy those buying their first car and wanting modern essentials without too many headaches.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Mahindra XUV300 and Hyundai Venue variants shortlist in Rs 10-12 lakh range
For Maruti Suzuki Fronx, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 21 February 2024 |
| Alpha Turbo DT | ₹11.63 lakhs |
For Mahindra XUV300, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 21 February 2024 |
| W8 | ₹11.51 lakhs |
For Hyundai Venue, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 21 February 2024 |
| SX Knight DT | ₹11.53 lakhs |
Maruti Suzuki Fronx Alpha Turbo DT
The top Alpha Turbo dual tone variant itself gets essentials like 4 airbags, electronic stability control, keyless entry etc. along with modern kit like wireless charger, automatic climate control offered at a reasonable ₹11.63 lakhs price. Well-equipped for new buyers. If you’re budget conscious, you can check out our comparison of the Fronx with Kia Sonet 2024.
Mahindra XUV300 W8
The mid-W8 variant strikes an ideal balance between price and features like 7 airbags, LED lamps, auto emergency braking, hill descent control offered at a reasonable ₹11.51 lakhs price point for first-time buyers. Impressive safety standards here. If you’re a gadget lover, you can check out our comparison of the XUV300 with Tata Nexon 2023.
Hyundai Venue SX Knight DT
The top SX Knight dual tone packs in essentials like curtain airbags, electronic stability control and basics like auto AC, rear camera etc. at an attractive price point of ₹11.53 lakhs for new buyers on a budget. Decent package. If you’re safety conscious, you can read our comparison of the Venue with Maruti Suzuki Brezza.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Mahindra XUV300 and Hyundai Venue for First-time car buyers
The Mahindra XUV300 W8 variant priced at ₹11.51 lakhs emerges the winner here based on its impressive mix of abundant safety equipment and driving assistance tech offered at a reasonable price point.
It packs essentials like LED headlights, climate control, auto AC, rear camera etc. ensuring basic requirements are met. At the same time, safety is well covered too – 7 airbags, ABS with corner stability control, ISOFIX child seat anchors etc. Plus it also adds handy tech like autonomous emergency braking, hill hold and hill descent control. This gives new drivers added support which is welcome.
While Fronx maximises value thanks to brand trust and Hyundai’s SX packs curtain airbags, electronic stability control, neither match the widespread safety and assistance tech standard in the XUV300. And the perceived reliability and lower maintenance of a Maruti or Hyundai is nullified by Mahindra’s excellent 5-year/unlimited km warranty covering majority of ownership period for first car buyers.
So the XUV300 W8 striking the best balance between safety and driving assistance in a reasonably priced package makes it the easiest and most reassuring transition into car ownership for first-timers.
The 3 Variants Ranked in Order of Preference
- Mahindra XUV300 W8
- Hyundai Venue SX DT
- Maruti Fronx Alpha DT
| Attribute | Mahindra XUV300 W8 | Hyundai Venue SX DT | Maruti Fronx Alpha DT |
| Price (₹ lakhs) | 11.51 | 11.53 | 11.63 |
| Airbags | 7 | 4 | 4 |
| ESC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Emergency Braking | Yes | No | No |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The XUV300 W8 clearly leads the way getting essential safety kit including 7 airbags, ABS with cornering stability control plus handy tech like hill descent control, auto emergency braking etc. – a segment first. This gives new drivers added reassurance and support.
- The Venue SX Knight DT also offers decent protection via curtain airbags and segment essential electronic stability control. Further value addition comes through features like rear AC vents, keyless entry, 15-inch diamond cut alloys. Worth considering.
- And the Fronx Alpha DT tempts young enthusiasts wanting best-in-class features like wireless charging, air purifier, connected car technology etc. Compromises on airbag count compared to XUV300 but offers indulgent equipment for slightly more liberal budgets.
The peace of mind offered by the XUV300’s safety and driving assistance capabilities make it the easiest transition into car ownership for first-timers. But additional features or value offered by Hyundai and Maruti brands keep them in contention too for buyers with specific priorities.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.