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 S-Presso and Maruti Suzuki Ignis, 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 S-Presso vs Maruti Suzuki Ignis – 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.
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.
For a first-time car buyer, the key considerations often revolve around affordability, fuel efficiency, ease of driving, and basic safety features. They typically prefer a car that is budget-friendly both in terms of upfront cost and running expenses. Fuel efficiency is a critical factor as it directly impacts ongoing costs.
Additionally, ease of driving, especially in urban environments, is essential, making features like compact size, smooth transmission, and responsive steering desirable. Basic safety features, such as airbags and ABS, are also non-negotiable for the safety-conscious buyer.
Why Maruti Suzuki S-Presso and Maruti Suzuki Ignis are Popular
Maruti Suzuki S-Presso and Ignis are popular choices for first-time car buyers due to their blend of affordability, reliability, and feature-rich variants. Both models offer a range of variants suited to different budgets, allowing buyers to choose based on their financial comfort.
Their compact size and efficient engines make them ideal for city driving, with the S-Presso offering higher fuel efficiency and the Ignis providing a more premium feel. Maruti’s reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs adds to the appeal, ensuring peace of mind for new car owners.
The availability of essential safety features, combined with the ease of driving, makes them suitable for those new to driving or owning a car. Also Read: Best Maruti Suzuki S-Presso Variant Under Rs 6 Lakh for First-Time Car Buyers
Maruti Suzuki S-Presso and Maruti Suzuki Ignis Variants Shortlist in Rs 5-7 Lakh Range
For Maruti Suzuki Ignis, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 23 November 2023 |
| Sigma | ₹584,000 |
| Delta | ₹638,000 |
For Maruti Suzuki S-Presso, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 23 November 2023 |
| VXI | ₹521,000 |
| VXi Opt AT | ₹576,000 |
| VXi Plus Opt AT | ₹605,000 |
Maruti Suzuki Ignis Sigma
The Ignis Sigma variant is the most affordable in the lineup, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. It includes essential features like power steering, rear parking sensors, and ABS, ensuring a safe and comfortable driving experience. If you value a car’s style and design, you can check out our comparison of the Ignis with Maruti Suzuki Swift.
Maruti Suzuki Ignis Delta
The Delta variant adds USB ports and steering mounted controls, enhancing convenience for the driver. The slight price increase over the Sigma variant is justified by these additional features, making it a balanced choice for those who can stretch their budget a bit further.
Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXI
As the most affordable option among the shortlisted variants, the S-Presso VXI stands out for its exceptional fuel efficiency and compact design. It’s ideal for first-time buyers looking for a cost-effective, easy-to-navigate city car. If you’re a senior citizen car buyer, you can read our comparison of the S-Presso with Maruti Suzuki WagonR.
Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXi Opt AT
This variant offers an automatic transmission (AMT), which is a boon for new drivers, especially in congested city traffic. It maintains the affordability and fuel efficiency of the S-Presso line while adding the convenience of an automatic gearbox.
Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXi Plus Opt AT
This is a top-end variant of the S-Presso with added features like a touchscreen and a more refined AMT gearbox. It combines the benefits of an automatic transmission with added infotainment features, appealing to first-time buyers who seek a bit more from their vehicle. If you’re budget-conscious, you can read our comparison of the S-Presso with Maruti Alto K10.
Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Maruti Suzuki S-Presso and Maruti Suzuki Ignis for First-time Car Buyers
The Maruti Suzuki Ignis Delta emerges as the best option for first-time car buyers. Priced at ₹638,000, it strikes an excellent balance between cost and features. For a marginally higher price than the base Sigma variant, it offers added conveniences such as USB ports and steering mounted controls, which enhance the driving experience.
Its compact size, combined with Maruti Suzuki’s reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs, makes it an ideal choice for new drivers. The presence of essential safety features like ABS and rear parking sensors further adds to its appeal, ensuring that new drivers feel confident and secure on the road.
The Top 3 Choices
- Maruti Suzuki Ignis Delta
- Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXI
- Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXi Opt AT
| Attributes | Maruti Suzuki Ignis Delta | Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXI | Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXi Opt AT |
| Price (₹) | ₹638,000 | ₹521,000 | ₹576,000 |
| USB Ports | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Steering Mounted Controls | Yes | No | No |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| AMT | – | – | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- Maruti Suzuki Ignis Delta: Offers a great balance of essential features and affordability, making it a top choice for first-time buyers.
- Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXI: Most budget-friendly option with high fuel efficiency, ideal for cost-conscious buyers prioritizing economy.
- Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXi Opt AT: Adds the convenience of an automatic transmission to the S-Presso’s value proposition, appealing to those seeking ease of driving.
All three variants provide essential safety features, making them safe, reliable, and cost-effective choices for first-time car owners.
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
