Maruti Suzuki WagonR vs Renault KWID: Comparing 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 or top cars for first-time buyers in India, and which option to choose? Let’s look at the Maruti Suzuki WagonR and Renault KWID, and find out which 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 WagonR vs Renault KWID – 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 seek affordability, fuel efficiency, easy maneuverability, and basic safety features. They prioritize straightforward functionality over luxury, valuing ease of driving, low maintenance costs, and reliability. 

Being new to driving or car ownership, they lean towards vehicles that offer a sense of security and convenience without being overwhelming. Compact or midsize cars with simple controls and an uncomplicated driving experience attract this buyer persona.

Why Maruti Suzuki WagonR and Renault KWID are Popular

Both Maruti Suzuki WagonR and Renault KWID have carved a niche among first-time car buyers due to their affordability, compact size, and reputation for low maintenance. Maruti Suzuki, with its widespread service network and resale value, instills confidence among buyers. 

WagonR’s spacious interiors and fuel efficiency further accentuate its appeal. On the other hand, Renault KWID with its stylish SUV-like design, high ground clearance, and modern features at a competitive price point, is an attractive proposition. 

Additionally, KWID’s automated manual transmission (AMT) options make city driving easier for novices. Reviews and forums echo these sentiments, highlighting the cars’ ease of use, cost-efficiency, and suitability for urban and semi-urban settings. 

These cars encapsulate essential attributes that alleviate the concerns and meet the basic requirements of first-time buyers.

Maruti Suzuki WagonR and Renault KWID variants shortlist in Rs 6-7 lakh range

For Maruti Suzuki WagonR, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 2 October 2023
ZXI	₹628,000
VXI AT	₹654,000
ZXI AT	₹683,000

For Renault KWID, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 2 October 2023
1.0 RXT AMT	₹612,000
CLIMBER AMT	₹633,000

Maruti Suzuki WagonR ZXI

The WagonR ZXI variant offers essential safety features like ABS, power steering, and rear parking sensors which are crucial for first-time buyers. The presence of power windows and steering mounted controls enhances convenience, making it a worthy choice. If you’re a budget-conscious car buyer, you can read our comparison of the WagonR with Tata Tiago. 

Maruti Suzuki WagonR VXI AT

The WagonR VXI AT variant, with its Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), eases the driving experience in city traffic, a boon for new drivers. However, it misses out on steering mounted controls. 

Maruti Suzuki WagonR ZXI AT

The ZXI AT variant amalgamates the benefits of ZXI and VXI AT, providing a balanced feature set along with AMT, but at a higher price.

Renault KWID 1.0 RXT AMT

The KWID 1.0 RXT AMT variant boasts higher ground clearance, AMT, rear parking sensors, and the addition of a touchscreen, encapsulating a modern yet easy driving experience. If you’re a style-conscious buyer, you can read our comparison of the KWID with Maruti S-Presso.

Renault KWID CLIMBER AMT

The CLIMBER AMT variant builds upon the RXT AMT’s features, offering more aesthetics and similar functional benefits at a slightly higher price point. Both Renault variants hold an edge with a rear parking camera, a feature absent in the WagonR variants. We have also compared the KWID with Maruti S-Presso for tech-savvy gadget lovers.

Our Pick for the Best variant among Maruti Suzuki WagonR and Renault KWID for First-time car buyers

Considering the balance of price, safety features, and ease of driving, the Maruti Suzuki WagonR ZXI variant emerges as a favorable choice for first-time buyers. It encapsulates essential safety features like ABS and rear parking sensors, coupled with convenience features like power steering and power windows at a reasonable price point. 

Although it lacks an automated transmission, its simple, reliable, and has a well-regarded fuel efficiency which is a significant concern for first-time buyers. The wide service network of Maruti Suzuki adds to the peace of mind for new car owners. In short, this is the right car on this list for first-time car buyers.

The Top 3 choices

The top three choices for first-time car buyers would be Maruti Suzuki WagonR ZXI, Renault KWID 1.0 RXT AMT, and Maruti Suzuki WagonR VXI AT.

Attribute	WagonR ZXI	KWID 1.0 RXT AMT	WagonR VXI AT
ABS	Yes	Yes	Yes
Crash Warning	No	No	No
Ground Clearance	165 mm	184 mm	165 mm
Overall Mileage	23.56 kmpl	22.3 kmpl	25.19 kmpl
Power Steering	Yes	Yes	Yes
Rear Parking Sensors	Yes	Yes	Yes
AMT	No	Yes	Yes

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The WagonR ZXI provides a balanced feature set at a moderate price, making it an appealing choice. 
• KWID 1.0 RXT AMT, with its modern features, higher ground clearance, and automated transmission, is attractive for those who are willing to spend a little more for added comfort and modern tech. 
• WagonR VXI AT, being the least expensive AMT variant among the shortlisted, offers a simplistic yet convenient driving experience, crucial for first-time buyers. 

The comparison elucidates that while each variant has its own set of merits, they all encapsulate essential features conducive for novice drivers easing them into the car-owning experience.

If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.

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