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 Skoda Slavia, Hyundai Verna and Volkswagen Virtus, and find out which of their base 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
- Skoda Slavia vs Hyundai Verna vs Volkswagen Virtus – an in-depth guide to their base 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 base 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
A first-time car buyer typically seeks a vehicle that offers a balance of affordability, reliability, and ease of use. They prioritize safety features such as airbags, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), and electronic stability control (ESC). Fuel efficiency is another crucial factor, as it helps keep running costs low. First-time buyers also appreciate user-friendly features like a simple infotainment system, rearview camera, and parking sensors.
A comfortable and spacious interior, along with a smooth and forgiving ride quality, is essential for new drivers. Lastly, a car with a strong brand reputation and good after-sales service is highly desirable for peace of mind.
Why Skoda Slavia, Hyundai Verna, and Volkswagen Virtus are Popular
The Skoda Slavia, Hyundai Verna, and Volkswagen Virtus have gained popularity among first-time car buyers due to their combination of affordability, reliability, and features. These sedans offer a premium feel and build quality, making them attractive options for those looking to step into car ownership.
The Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus, being part of the Volkswagen Group, share many components and offer a solid driving experience. They come equipped with essential safety features, fuel-efficient engines, and a comfortable ride quality. The Hyundai Verna, on the other hand, is known for its feature-rich packages, user-friendly controls, and low maintenance costs.
All three models have a strong brand reputation and extensive dealer networks, ensuring good after-sales support. They also offer a range of variants at different price points, allowing first-time buyers to choose a model that fits their budget and requirements. Additionally, these sedans have a spacious interior and a large boot space, making them practical for daily use and family needs.
Base Variants Shortlist for Skoda Slavia, Hyundai Verna, and Volkswagen Virtus
For Hyundai Verna, we have:
| Variant | Price as on 18 April 2024 |
| EX | ₹11,00,000 |
| S | ₹11,99,000 |
For Skoda Slavia, we have:
| Variant | Price as on 18 April 2024 |
| 1.0 TSI Active | ₹11,53,000 |
| 1.0 TSI Ambition Plus | ₹12,49,000 |
For Volkswagen Virtus, we have:
| Variant | Price as on 18 April 2024 |
| Comfortline | ₹11,56,000 |
Hyundai Verna EX and S
The Hyundai Verna EX and S variants are excellent choices for first-time car buyers. The EX variant offers essential features such as dual airbags, ABS, rear parking sensors, and a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, making it a safe and convenient option. The S variant builds upon these features and adds a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and a rear-view camera, providing additional comfort and convenience. If you’re a family-focused car buyer, you can check out our comparison of the Verna with Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Active and Ambition Plus
The Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Active and Ambition Plus variants are well-suited for first-time car buyers. The Active variant comes equipped with essential safety features like dual airbags, ABS, and ESC, along with a touchscreen infotainment system and rear parking sensors. The Ambition Plus variant adds more features such as a rear-view camera, automatic climate control, and cruise control, enhancing the overall driving experience. You can also read our guide to the most value for money Slavia variants.
Volkswagen Virtus Comfortline
The Volkswagen Virtus Comfortline variant is a strong contender for first-time car buyers. It offers important safety features like dual airbags, ABS, and ESC, ensuring a secure driving experience. The variant also comes with a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors, and automatic climate control, providing a comfortable and convenient drive. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read our comparison of the Virtus with Honda City.
Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Skoda Slavia, Hyundai Verna, and Volkswagen Virtus for First-Time Car Buyers
After considering the needs and preferences of a first-time car buyer, the Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition Plus emerges as the best variant among the Skoda Slavia, Hyundai Verna, and Volkswagen Virtus. This variant offers a comprehensive package that balances affordability, safety, and features, making it an ideal choice for new drivers.
The Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition Plus prioritizes safety, which is crucial for first-time car buyers. It comes equipped with essential features like dual airbags, ABS, and ESC, ensuring a secure driving experience. The variant also offers hill hold control, which prevents the car from rolling back on inclines, providing an added layer of safety and confidence for new drivers.
In terms of convenience and ease of use, the Ambition Plus variant excels. It features a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with voice-activated controls, making it simple for first-time buyers to navigate through various functions. The rear-view camera and parking sensors assist in effortless parking maneuvers, reducing stress for new drivers.
The 1.0-liter TSI engine in the Skoda Slavia Ambition Plus offers a perfect balance of performance and fuel efficiency. It delivers a peppy and responsive drive, making it easy for first-time buyers to handle city traffic and highway cruising. The turbocharged engine provides good power and torque figures, ensuring a confident driving experience.
The variant also offers a comfortable and spacious interior, with ample legroom and headroom for passengers. The manual seat adjustments and tilt and telescopic steering wheel allow for a personalized driving position, enhancing comfort during long drives.
Other notable features in the Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition Plus include automatic climate control, cruise control, and a cooled glove box, adding to the overall convenience and comfort of the vehicle.
Considering the safety features, ease of use, performance, and comfort, the Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition Plus presents itself as the best choice for first-time car buyers among the compared variants.
The Top 3 Choices
- Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition Plus
- Hyundai Verna S
- Volkswagen Virtus Comfortline
| Attribute | Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition Plus | Hyundai Verna S | Volkswagen Virtus Comfortline |
| Push Button Start | Yes | No | No |
| USB Ports (mumber) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Steering Mounted Controls | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Overall Mileage (kmpl) | 19.47 | 18.6 | 19.4 |
| Lane keeping assist | Yes | No | Yes |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 179 | 165 | 179 |
| Traction Control | Yes | No | Yes |
| Power Windows – Front | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Hold assist | Yes | Yes | No |
| ESC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Audio System – # of speakers | 8 | 4 | 8 |
| Keyless Entry | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Windows – Back | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition Plus takes the top spot for its impressive blend of safety features, convenience, and performance. The variant offers essential safety features like dual airbags, ABS, and ESC, providing peace of mind for first-time buyers. The hill hold control adds an extra layer of safety during incline starts. The 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with voice commands and the rear-view camera makes driving and parking effortless for new drivers. The 1.0-liter TSI engine delivers a responsive and fuel-efficient drive, making it suitable for both city and highway conditions.
- The Hyundai Verna S secures the second position, offering a balance of affordability and features. It comes equipped with dual airbags, ABS, and rear parking sensors, ensuring a safe driving experience. The touchscreen infotainment system and automatic climate control add convenience and comfort to the driving experience. The variant also offers a spacious interior and a smooth ride quality, making it a good choice for first-time buyers.
- The Volkswagen Virtus Comfortline takes the third spot, presenting a solid package for first-time car buyers. It offers essential safety features like dual airbags, ABS, and ESC, along with a touchscreen infotainment system and rear parking sensors. The automatic climate control and LED headlights enhance comfort and visibility. The Virtus Comfortline shares the same 1.0-liter TSI engine as the Skoda Slavia, delivering a peppy and efficient performance.
These variants offer a compelling package for first-time car buyers. The choice among these top three variants depends on the specific preferences and budget of the 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.