Maruti Suzuki XL6 vs Kia Seltos 2023 vs Honda City: Comparing Their Cheapest Automatic Variants 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 cheapest automatic variants of Maruti Suzuki XL6, Kia Seltos 2023 and Honda City, 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 XL6 vs Kia Seltos 2023 vs Honda City – an in-depth guide to their cheapest automatic 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 first-time car buyers, the decision is often driven by a combination of affordability, reliability, and ease of use. They typically look for vehicles with a comfortable driving experience, low maintenance costs, and efficient fuel consumption. 

Safety features like airbags and ABS are also a priority, along with user-friendly technology such as touchscreen infotainment systems and rear parking sensors. The overall aesthetic appeal and spaciousness of the car can also influence their decision, as it reflects their personal style and meets practical needs like family space or luggage capacity.

Why Maruti Suzuki XL6, Kia Seltos 2023, and Honda City are Popular

Maruti Suzuki XL6, Kia Seltos 2023, and Honda City are popular choices among first-time car buyers for various reasons. 

The Maruti Suzuki XL6 stands out for its spacious interior and reliable performance, making it ideal for families or individuals needing extra space. Kia Seltos, with its modern design and advanced features, appeals to those looking for a stylish yet practical vehicle.

Honda City, known for its refined driving experience and fuel efficiency, is a favorite for those who prioritize comfort and cost-effectiveness. 

All three models offer a good balance of safety, technology, and affordability, key factors for new drivers.

Cheapest Automatic Variants of Maruti Suzuki XL6, Kia Seltos 2023, and Honda City

For Kia Seltos 2023, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 11 December 2023
HTE Diesel iMT	₹12,00,000

For Honda City, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 11 December 2023
V CVT	₹13,62,000

For Maruti Suzuki XL6, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 11 December 2023
Zeta AT	₹13,06,000

Kia Seltos HTE Diesel iMT

The Kia Seltos HTE Diesel iMT is an excellent choice for first-time buyers looking for a budget-friendly option with essential features. Its diesel engine, combined with an AMT transmission, offers a balance of power and ease of driving. Key safety features like ABS and rear parking sensors, along with a fuel-efficient performance (20.7 kmpl overall mileage), make it an attractive option. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can check out our comparison of the Seltos 2023 with Tata Harrier 2023.

Honda City V CVT

The Honda City V CVT is ideal for those seeking a blend of luxury and performance. Priced at ₹13,62,000, it offers a smooth CVT transmission, essential safety features like ABS and airbags, and a comfortable interior. Its fuel efficiency (18.4 kmpl) and user-friendly tech features like an LCD touchscreen and automatic headlights add to its appeal for new drivers. If you’re safety-conscious, you can read our comparison of the City with Hyundai Verna.

Maruti Suzuki XL6 Zeta AT

The Maruti Suzuki XL6 Zeta AT, with a price tag of ₹13,06,000, combines the reliability of Maruti Suzuki with advanced features. It offers a practical mild-hybrid engine, comfortable seating, and an easy-to-use automatic transmission. Safety features such as ABS and airbags, along with a spacious interior, make it a suitable choice for first-time buyers. If you’re a long-distance road trip lover, you can read our comparison of the XL6 with Kia Carens.

Our Pick for the Best Variant among Maruti Suzuki XL6, Kia Seltos 2023, and Honda City for First-time Car Buyers

The Honda City V CVT emerges as the best option for a first-time car buyer. Its combination of features, such as the efficient CVT transmission, comprehensive safety package (ABS, airbags), and high fuel efficiency (18.4 kmpl), cater well to the needs of new drivers. 

The car’s overall design and comfort, including a spacious interior and sleek exterior, add to its appeal. Priced at ₹13,62,000, it strikes a balance between luxury and practicality, offering value for money and a reassuring driving experience for first-time buyers.

The 3 Variants Ranked in Order of Preference

1. Honda City V CVT
2. Kia Seltos HTE Diesel iMT
3. Maruti Suzuki XL6 Zeta AT

Attributes	Honda City V CVT	Kia Seltos HTE Diesel iMT	Maruti Suzuki XL6 Zeta AT
Price	₹13,62,000	₹12,00,000	₹13,06,000
Overall Mileage (kmpl)	18.4	20.7	20.27
ABS	Yes	Yes	Yes
Rear Parking Sensors	Yes	Yes	Yes
Automatic Transmission Type	CVT	AMT	Torque Converter
Airbags	Yes	Yes	Yes

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Honda City V CVT stands out for its balance of luxury and practicality, ideal for those seeking a refined driving experience. 
• The Kia Seltos HTE Diesel iMT offers great value for money with its diesel efficiency and essential safety features, making it perfect for budget-conscious buyers. 
• The Maruti Suzuki XL6 Zeta AT is a practical choice with its spacious interior and mild-hybrid technology, appealing to families or those needing extra space. 

The three choices offer a diverse range of features suitable for first-time car buyers. Each of these models combines safety, comfort, and efficiency, making them highly attractive for first-time buyers.

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