Maruti Suzuki WagonR vs Hyundai Grand i10 Nios: A Comparison of Their Variants Under Rs 7 Lakh for First-time Car Buyers

Buying a car for the first time, but confused about which are the best cars for first-time buyers in India, and which option to choose? Let’s look at the Maruti Suzuki WagonR and Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, and find out which 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 WagonR vs Hyundai Grand i10 Nios – an in-depth guide to their variants, features, cost, and driveability
• How to pick the right car for you

So, which variants of these cars 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 prioritize affordability, fuel efficiency, and low maintenance costs when seeking the ideal vehicle. Moreover, a user-friendly driving experience combined with essential safety features like ABS and airbags become pivotal to instill confidence on the road.

Compact dimensions for easy maneuverability in urban environments, along with a modest set of convenience features such as power steering and parking sensors, add to the attractiveness in top cars for first-time buyers.

Lastly, a reputable brand which holds good resale value and has a widespread service network is often sought after to ensure a hassle-free ownership experience.

Why Maruti Suzuki WagonR and Hyundai Grand i10 Nios are Popular

The Maruti Suzuki WagonR and Hyundai Grand i10 Nios have carved a niche for themselves in the Indian auto market, specifically among first-time car buyers. They both come from reputable brands known for their robust after-sales service and strong resale value. 

These cars stand out due to their compact design which makes them easy to maneuver and park, a huge plus in congested urban environments. They offer a blend of essential safety and modern convenience features without being overly extravagant.

The WagonR, with its tall-boy design, provides ample cabin space, making it comfortable for both drivers and passengers. Its fuel-efficient engine is a boon for budget-conscious buyers. 

On the other hand, the Grand i10 Nios tends to offer a more premium feel within the same price bracket, alongside a slightly better feature list. 

Moreover, these models have automatic variant options, simplifying driving for newcomers. The straightforward maintenance and availability of spare parts across the country add to the charm, making them reliable choices for the newbie car enthusiast.

Maruti Suzuki WagonR and Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Variants Shortlist in Rs 6-7 Lakh Range

For Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 26 September 2023
Magna	₹663,000

For Maruti Suzuki WagonR, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 26 September 2023
VXI	₹600,000
ZXI	₹628,000
ZXI AT	₹683,000

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Magna

The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Magna is a balanced blend of essentials at a moderate price. It offers basic safety with ABS, some convenience with steering mounted controls, and a fuel-efficient ride with 20.7 kmpl on highways. If you’re a senior citizen car buyer, you can read our comparison of the Grand i10 Nios with Maruti Suzuki Swift.

Maruti Suzuki WagonR VXI

Maruti Suzuki WagonR VXI is the most budget-friendly variant among the list. Despite its lower price, it doesn’t compromise on essential safety features and provides good fuel efficiency of 24.35 kmpl on highways which is a major plus for first-time buyers. If you’re a budget-conscious buyer, you can read our comparison of the WagnoR with Maruti Suzuki S-Presso.

Maruti Suzuki WagonR ZXI

The WagonR ZXI is a step up from VXI, offering an enhanced driving experience with steering mounted controls while maintaining a good fuel efficiency. However, the price jump is marginal for these added features. We have also compared the WagonR with Tata Tiago for first-time car buyers.

Maruti Suzuki WagonR ZXI AT

The WagonR ZXI AT, the automatic variant, simplifies driving further with its AMT transmission, a crucial feature for those who are not comfortable with manual transmissions. It also holds a slight edge in fuel efficiency compared to the ZXI.

Our Pick for the Best Variant among Maruti Suzuki WagonR and Hyundai Grand i10 Nios for First-time car buyers

The Maruti Suzuki WagonR VXI emerges as the most suitable variant for a first-time car buyer owing to its affordability, essential safety features like ABS, and impressive fuel efficiency. The low maintenance cost associated with Maruti vehicles, coupled with a robust service network across India, makes it a practical choice for newcomers. 

The absence of some convenience features is overshadowed by its budget-friendly price tag, fuel economy, and the trust associated with the brand. The car’s compact dimensions alongside power steering contribute to a user-friendly driving experience which is crucial for building confidence in first-time drivers. As such, this is the right car on this list for a first-time car buyer.

The Top 3 choices

1. Maruti Suzuki WagonR VXI
2. Maruti Suzuki WagonR ZXI AT
3. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Magna

Attributes	WagonR VXI	WagonR ZXI AT	Grand i10 Nios Magna
ABS	Yes	Yes	Yes
Crash warning	No	No	No
Ground clearance (mm)	165	165	165
Highway Mileage (kmpl)	24.35	24.43	20.7
Power Steering	Yes	Yes	Yes
Rear Parking Sensors	Yes	Yes	Yes

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The WagonR VXI stands out for its budget-friendly appeal paired with excellent fuel efficiency.
• The WagonR ZXI AT offers an automatic transmission which is a comforting feature for new drivers. 
• The Grand i10 Nios Magna provides a balance of features at a moderate price point. 

The three variants listed offer a good mix of essential safety, fuel efficiency, and convenience at competitive prices. These options provide a platform for first-time buyers to not only enjoy their first ownership but also grow their driving skills in a reliable environment. Their compact sizes, essential safety features, and user-friendly interfaces make them a notable choice for the urban first-time car buyer.

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