For new drivers, buying their first car can be confusing. You wonder which are the best, or top cars for first-time buyers in India. Let us help you decide which option to choose as a first-time car buyer. We look at the Nissan Magnite and Maruti Suzuki Swift, and find out which of their 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
- Nissan Magnite vs Maruti Suzuki Swift – an in-depth guide to their 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.
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 prioritize affordability, fuel efficiency, safety features, and ease of driving when choosing their first vehicle. They seek cars with competitive pricing, ensuring that they get the most value for their money.
Fuel efficiency is crucial, as it helps minimize running costs. Safety features like airbags, ABS, and a high GNCAP rating provide peace of mind. Additionally, first-time buyers prefer cars that are easy to maneuver and have a smooth driving experience, making their transition to car ownership less daunting.
Why Nissan Magnite and Maruti Suzuki Swift are popular
Nissan Magnite and Maruti Suzuki Swift have gained popularity among first-time car buyers due to their attractive pricing, fuel-efficient engines, and impressive safety features. Both models offer a range of variants that cater to different budgets, making them accessible to a wide audience.
The Nissan Magnite boasts a fuel-efficient 1.0-liter petrol engine that delivers excellent mileage, helping first-time buyers save on running costs. It also comes equipped with safety features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and a 4-star GNCAP safety rating, providing a secure driving experience.
The Maruti Suzuki Swift, on the other hand, offers a 1.2-liter petrol engine that strikes a balance between performance and fuel efficiency. It has received a 1-star GNCAP safety rating, which is a concern for safety-conscious buyers. However, the Swift compensates with its agile handling, smooth transmission options, and a spacious cabin, making it a popular choice among first-time buyers.
Both the Magnite and Swift offer a smooth and easy driving experience, with light steering and good visibility, making them ideal for first-time drivers. They also come with features like a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors, and manual air conditioning in higher variants, enhancing convenience and comfort.
Nissan Magnite and Maruti Suzuki Swift variants shortlist in Rs 7-8 lakh range
For Nissan Magnite, we have:
| Variant | Price as on 25 April 2024 |
| XL | ₹704,000 |
| XV | ₹781,000 |
| XV DT | ₹797,000 |
For Maruti Suzuki Swift, we have:
| Variant | Price as on 25 April 2024 |
| VXI AGS | ₹745,000 |
| ZXI | ₹758,000 |
Nissan Magnite XL
The Nissan Magnite XL variant is an excellent choice for first-time car buyers, offering an affordable price point and a host of safety features. It comes equipped with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and a 4-star GNCAP safety rating, ensuring a secure driving experience. The variant also offers a fuel-efficient 1.0-liter petrol engine, helping buyers save on running costs. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read our comparison of the Magnite with Kia Sonet 2024.
Nissan Magnite XV and XV DT
The Nissan Magnite XV and XV DT variants are ideal for first-time buyers who want additional features and a touch of premium feel. These variants offer the same safety features and fuel efficiency as the XL variant, along with the convenience of a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking camera, and alloy wheels. The XV DT variant also adds the convenience of push-button start and hill hold assist. If you’re a gadget lover, you can check out our comparison of the Magnite with Tata Nexon 2023.
Maruti Suzuki Swift VXI AGS
The Maruti Suzuki Swift VXI AGS variant is a good choice for first-time buyers who prefer the convenience of an automatic transmission. It offers an AMT gearbox, which provides a hassle-free driving experience in city traffic conditions. The variant comes with safety features like dual airbags and ABS, along with rear parking sensors and a manual air conditioning system. We have also compared the Swift with Hyundai Exter for first-time car buyers.
Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI
The Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI variant is suitable for first-time buyers who want a more premium experience. It offers additional features like a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and alloy wheels. The variant also comes with safety features like dual airbags and ABS, providing a secure driving experience.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Nissan Magnite and Maruti Suzuki Swift for First-time car buyers
After careful consideration, the Nissan Magnite XV emerges as the best variant for first-time car buyers. This variant offers an exceptional combination of affordability, safety features, and convenience, making it an ideal choice for those venturing into car ownership for the first time.
The Nissan Magnite XV’s affordable pricing is one of its key strengths. With a price tag of INR 781,000, it offers excellent value for money, ensuring that first-time buyers can own a well-equipped car without stretching their budget too thin. This competitive pricing makes it accessible to a wide range of buyers, especially those on a tight budget.
Safety is a top priority for first-time car buyers, and the Nissan Magnite XV excels in this aspect. It boasts a 4-star GNCAP safety rating, which is commendable for a car in its segment. The variant comes equipped with essential safety features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and traction control, providing a secure driving experience for first-time buyers.
Fuel efficiency is another crucial factor for first-time buyers, as it directly impacts the running costs of the vehicle. The Nissan Magnite XV is powered by a 1.0-liter petrol engine that delivers an impressive mileage of 18.75 kmpl, helping buyers save on fuel expenses in the long run. This fuel efficiency, combined with the car’s affordable pricing, makes it an economical choice for first-time owners.
In terms of convenience features, the Nissan Magnite XV offers a touchscreen infotainment system with voice-activated controls and smartphone connectivity, enhancing the overall driving experience. It also comes with a rear parking camera, making it easier for first-time drivers to park and maneuver the car in tight spaces. The variant features alloy wheels, adding a touch of style and premium feel to the car’s exterior.
The Nissan Magnite XV also offers a smooth and easy driving experience, thanks to its light steering and good visibility. These factors make it less intimidating for first-time drivers to navigate city roads and parking spaces. The variant comes with hill hold assist, which prevents the car from rolling back on inclines, providing an added layer of confidence for novice drivers.
Overall, the Nissan Magnite XV’s combination of affordability, safety features, fuel efficiency, and convenience make it the best variant for first-time car buyers. Its 4-star GNCAP safety rating, competitive pricing, and economical running costs provide peace of mind and value for money, making it an ideal choice for those stepping into the world of car ownership.
The Top 3 choices
- Nissan Magnite XV
- Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI
- Nissan Magnite XL
| Attributes | Nissan Magnite XV | Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI | Nissan Magnite XL |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dual Airbags | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen Infotainment | Yes | Yes | No |
| GNCAP Rating | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Fuel Efficiency (kmpl) | 18.75 | 22.38 | 18.75 |
| Engine Displacement (cc) | 999 | 1197 | 999 |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USB Ports | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual | Manual |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Nissan Magnite XV takes the top spot, thanks to its exceptional combination of affordability, safety features, and convenience. Its 4-star GNCAP safety rating, competitive pricing, and fuel-efficient engine make it an ideal choice for first-time buyers who prioritize safety and value for money.
- The Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI secures the second position, offering a balance of performance, features, and ease of driving. It comes with a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and alloy wheels, providing a premium experience for first-time buyers. The Swift’s agile handling and smooth petrol engine make it a joy to drive, especially in city conditions.
- The Nissan Magnite XL ranks third, catering to first-time buyers who are on a tight budget but still want a safe and fuel-efficient car. It offers essential safety features like dual airbags and ABS with EBD, along with a fuel-efficient 1.0-liter petrol engine. The Magnite XL’s affordable pricing and low running costs make it an attractive option for budget-conscious first-time buyers.
All three variants offer a compelling package for first-time car buyers. The choice among these three variants will depend on the specific preferences and requirements of individual first-time buyers, such as budget, features, and brand preference.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
