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 hatchbacks Maruti Suzuki WagonR and Tata Tiago, and find out which of their base automatic 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 Tata Tiago – an in-depth guide to their features, cost, and driveability
- How to pick the right car for you
Can these be considered affordable cars for first-time buyers in India? And which of these models is the right car for a first-time car buyer? Let’s find out.
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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, reliability, fuel efficiency, and ease of driving. Novice drivers prefer cars that are easy to handle, with user-friendly features such as an automatic transmission, power steering, and rear parking sensors.
They also look for a car with good mileage to ensure cost-effectiveness in fuel consumption. The presence of basic safety features like airbags and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is also crucial for peace of mind.
Why Maruti Suzuki WagonR and Tata Tiago are Popular
Maruti Suzuki WagonR and Tata Tiago have become popular choices for first-time car buyers due to their blend of affordability, reliability, and feature-rich variants.
The WagonR, known for its spacious interior and fuel-efficient engines, offers a comfortable drive, essential for new drivers. It also boasts a higher seating position, providing better visibility. Tata Tiago, on the other hand, stands out with its robust build quality and attractive design, appealing to the younger demographic.
Both cars offer variants with automatic transmission, making them ideal for city driving. Their compact size eases the challenge of navigating and parking in tight urban spaces, a significant advantage for less experienced drivers.
The presence of essential safety features, combined with their economic maintenance costs, further solidifies their appeal to first-time buyers.
Maruti Suzuki WagonR and Tata Tiago Base Automatic Variants
For Tata Tiago, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 16 November 2023 |
| XTA AMT | ₹6,95,000 |
For Maruti Suzuki WagonR, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 16 November 2023 |
| VXI AT | ₹6,54,000 |
Tata Tiago XTA AMT
This variant offers an automated manual transmission (AMT), making it ideal for new drivers not comfortable with manual gear shifting. The steering-mounted controls and rear parking sensors enhance driving ease, crucial for first-time buyers. The Tiago’s overall and highway mileage figures are practical for both city and longer drives.
The inclusion of features like a TFT touchscreen, Harman audio system, and automatic ORVMs add a touch of modernity and convenience. You can also read our comparison of the Tiago with Hyundai Grand i10 Nios for first-time car buyers.
Maruti Suzuki WagonR VXI AT
The WagonR’s VXI AT variant is slightly more affordable than the Tiago. It also comes with an AMT, power steering, and rear parking sensors. The higher overall mileage of 25.19 kmpl is a significant advantage for cost-conscious first-time buyers.
While it lacks a touchscreen, the presence of power windows, a simple but effective audio system, and adequate safety features like dual airbags and ABS make it a strong contender. We have also compared the Tiago and WagonR for family focused car buyers.
Our Pick for the Best Automatic Variant Among Maruti Suzuki WagonR and Tata Tiago for First-time Car Buyers
The Tata Tiago XTA AMT emerges as the best variant for first-time car buyers. Priced at ₹6,95,000, it strikes a balance between cost and features. The AMT simplifies driving, a crucial aspect for new drivers.
Its steering-mounted controls, rear parking sensors, and power steering enhance the driving experience, making it more comfortable and less intimidating for a novice. The added bonuses of a TFT touchscreen and a superior Harman audio system contribute to a more enjoyable ride.
The Tiago’s robust build quality and higher safety rating compared to the WagonR make it a safer choice. Although it’s slightly more expensive than the WagonR, the Tiago’s additional features and overall driving experience justify the premium, making it the ideal choice for a first-time car buyer.
The 2 Automatic Variants Compared
| Attribute | Tata Tiago XTA AMT | Maruti Suzuki WagonR VXI AT |
| Price | ₹6,95,000 | ₹6,54,000 |
| AMT Transmission | Yes | Yes |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Overall Mileage (kmpl) | 19.01 | 25.19 |
| Touchscreen | TFT | No |
| Audio System | Harman | OEM |
| Power Windows – Front | Yes | Yes |
| Airbags | 2 | 2 |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- For first-time buyers, the Tata Tiago XTA AMT stands out as the best option, offering an ideal mix of features, safety, and ease of driving.
- The Maruti Suzuki WagonR VXI AT, while less feature-rich, scores high on fuel efficiency and affordability.
Both these cars cater well to the needs of a novice driver, offering a balance between price, comfort, and safety. The choice ultimately boils down to individual preferences in terms of features and driving experience.
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