Buying your first car, but confused about which are the best, or top cars for first-time buyers in India? Let us help you decide which option to choose. We look at the recently launched Maruti Suzuki Swift 2024, and find out which of its variants with manual transmission 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 Swift 2024 – an in-depth guide to its manual transmission variants, features, cost, and driveability
- How to pick the right car for you
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 prioritize affordability, reliability, and ease of driving when choosing their first vehicle. They seek a car that offers good fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, and essential safety features. A user-friendly manual transmission, comfortable seating, and adequate storage space are also important considerations for first-time buyers.
Why Maruti Suzuki Swift 2024 is Popular
The Maruti Suzuki Swift has been a popular choice among first-time car buyers due to its combination of affordability, reliability, and driving convenience. The hatchback’s compact size and light steering make it easy to maneuver in city traffic and tight parking spaces, instilling confidence in new drivers.
The Swift’s 1.2-liter petrol engine, paired with a smooth 5-speed manual transmission, offers a balance of peppy performance and fuel efficiency. The car’s suspension setup provides a comfortable ride quality, while the responsive brakes ensure safety.
Maruti Suzuki’s extensive service network and reputation for low maintenance costs further add to the Swift’s appeal for first-time buyers. The car’s resale value is also strong, ensuring a good return on investment when it’s time to upgrade.
Moreover, the Swift offers a range of variants at different price points, allowing first-time buyers to choose the one that best fits their budget and requirements. From the affordable LXi to the feature-rich ZXi Plus, there’s a Swift for every first-time buyer.
Maruti Suzuki Swift 2024 Manual Transmission Variants Shortlist
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 13 May 2024 |
| LXi | ₹6,49,000 |
| VXi | ₹7,29,500 |
| VXi Opt | ₹7,56,500 |
| ZXi | ₹8,29,500 |
| ZXi Plus | ₹8,99,500 |
Maruti Suzuki Swift LXi
The base variant is an excellent choice for first-time buyers on a tight budget. It offers essential features like a 5-speed manual transmission, electric power steering, and a fuel-efficient petrol engine.
Maruti Suzuki Swift VXi
This variant adds a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, making it an attractive option for tech-savvy first-time buyers.
Maruti Suzuki Swift VXi Opt
Building upon the VXi, this variant includes additional safety features like emergency alerts and stolen vehicle tracking, providing added peace of mind for new drivers.
Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXi
The ZXi variant offers a premium feel with 15-inch alloy wheels and a rear parking camera, making it easier for first-time buyers to navigate tight spots.
Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXi Plus
As the top-spec variant, the ZXi Plus comes with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, front fog lights, and a wide-angle rear parking camera, offering a feature-rich experience for first-time buyers willing to stretch their budget.
Our Pick for the Best Manual Transmission Maruti Suzuki Swift 2024 Variant for First-time Car Buyers
After careful consideration, we recommend the Maruti Suzuki Swift VXi as the best variant for first-time buyers. Priced at ₹7,29,500, the VXi offers the right balance of affordability, essential features, and ease of driving.
The VXi variant comes equipped with a user-friendly 5-speed manual transmission that is easy to operate, even for new drivers. The light clutch and smooth gear shifts make driving in city traffic a breeze. The electric power steering provides effortless maneuverability, instilling confidence in first-time buyers.
The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity keeps first-time buyers entertained and connected on the go. The 4-speaker audio system enhances the in-cabin experience.
With six airbags and rear parking sensors, the VXi prioritizes safety, giving first-time buyers added peace of mind. The 1.2-liter petrol engine delivers a peppy performance while maintaining impressive fuel efficiency of 24.8 kmpl, helping new drivers save on fuel costs.
While the VXi may not have all the bells and whistles of the higher-end variants, it offers the essential features that first-time buyers need, making it an ideal choice for those starting their car ownership journey.
The Top 3 Choices
- Maruti Suzuki Swift VXi
- Maruti Suzuki Swift LXi
- Maruti Suzuki Swift VXi Opt
| Attribute | VXi | LXi | VXi Opt |
| Android Auto & Apple CarPlay | Yes | No | Yes |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | No | Yes |
| 7-inch Touchscreen Infotainment | Yes | No | Yes |
| Emergency Alerts | No | No | Yes |
| Stolen Vehicle Notification & Tracking | No | No | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- Maruti Suzuki Swift VXi: As mentioned earlier, the VXi variant strikes the perfect balance between affordability and essential features, making it our top pick for first-time buyers.
- Maruti Suzuki Swift LXi: For first-time buyers on a tight budget, the LXi variant is an excellent choice. It offers the basic features needed for a comfortable driving experience, such as a 5-speed manual transmission, electric power steering, and a fuel-efficient petrol engine.
- Maruti Suzuki Swift VXi Opt: First-time buyers who prioritize safety will find the VXi Opt variant appealing. It adds advanced safety features like emergency alerts and stolen vehicle tracking, providing an extra layer of security.
These three variants cater to different priorities of first-time buyers. The VXi offers the best overall package, the LXi is ideal for budget-conscious buyers, and the VXi Opt prioritizes safety. All three variants provide the ease of driving, fuel efficiency, and reliability that first-time buyers seek in their first car. With the Maruti Suzuki Swift, first-time buyers can embark on their car ownership journey with confidence and peace of mind.
If you’re interested in reading more such guides to popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
