Buying a car for the first time, but confused about which are the best cars for first-time buyers in India, and which option to choose? Let’s look at Tata Altroz and Maruti Suzuki Swift, and find out which variant 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
- Tata Altroz vs Maruti Suzuki Swift – an in-depth guide to their variants, features, cost, and driveability
- How to pick the right car for you
While Swift is a hatchback, the Altroz is a premium hatchback. But, are they affordable cars for first-time buyers in India? Let us 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, key factors include safety, ease of driving, and fuel efficiency. In the top cars for the first-time buyers, desirable attributes such as ABS, crash warning systems, automatic transmission, and ground clearance matter for navigating city traffic.
They also emphasize features like push-button start and power steering, which add convenience and bolster confidence on the road. A balance of these aspects makes the car user-friendly and economical, especially for novice drivers.
Why Tata Altroz and Maruti Suzuki Swift are Popular
Tata Altroz and Maruti Suzuki Swift are renowned for their balance of value, reliability, and innovative features. The Swift is appreciated for its robust build and efficient performance, while the Altroz shines with its contemporary design and spacious interiors.
Their compact nature makes them ideal for city driving, and their variants are equipped with essential safety features that novice drivers prioritize.
Automatic transmission options further simplify driving in congested urban environments. The combination of brand reputation, safety attributes, and affordability has cemented their popularity among first-time buyers.
Tata Altroz and Maruti Suzuki Swift Variants Shortlist in Rs 7-8 Lakh Range
For Maruti Suzuki Swift, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 24 August 2023 |
| VXI AGS | ₹745,000 |
| ZXI | ₹758,000 |
For Tata Altroz, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 24 August 2023 |
| XM plus | ₹745,000 |
| XT | ₹800,000 |
Maruti Suzuki Swift VXI AGS
This variant is equipped with essential safety features like ABS. With a ground clearance of 163mm, highway mileage of 24 kmpl, and AMT transmission, it simplifies city driving for novices. However, it lacks some advanced safety features like crash warning.
Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI
Similar to VXI AGS but with slightly less overall mileage (22.38 kmpl). While it boasts ABS and adequate ground clearance, it misses an automatic transmission, making driving slightly more demanding. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read how the Swift compares with Hyundai Grand i10 Nios.
Tata Altroz XM plus
This model, priced identically to Swift VXI AGS, has superior ground clearance at 165mm. It has ABS and offers an overall mileage of 19.33 kmpl. However, it does not come with an automatic transmission. If you’re a safety-conscious buyer, you can read our comparison of the Altroz with Maruti Suzuki Balen0.
Tata Altroz XT
Priced slightly higher, this variant stands out with features like push-button start and rear parking camera. It retains the 165mm ground clearance and ABS safety feature, making it a comprehensive option for new drivers.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Tata Altroz and Maruti Suzuki Swift for First-time car buyers
The Maruti Suzuki Swift VXI AGS emerges as the top pick for first-time car buyers. With its ABS, ground clearance of 163mm, and an impressive highway mileage of 24 kmpl, it ensures both safety and efficiency.
The AMT transmission makes urban commuting easier and less stressful. The combination of these attributes, along with its affordability, makes it a balanced choice for those new to driving. If you’re a budget-conscious buyer, you can check out our comparison of the Swift with Tata Tiago.
The Top 3 choices
- Maruti Suzuki Swift VXI AGS
- Tata Altroz XT
- Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI
| Attributes | Swift VXI AGS | Altroz XT | Swift ZXI |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Crash warning | No | No | No |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 163 | 165 | 163 |
| Highway Mileage (kmpl) | 24 | 19.33 | 24 |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Maruti Suzuki Swift VXI AGS, with its efficient mileage, safety attributes, and AMT transmission, is the first choice.
- Tata Altroz XT, though slightly pricier, offers a comprehensive set of features, including a rear parking camera and push-button start, placing it second.
- The Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI is third, with its balance of safety and efficiency.
In summary, these three variants present a blend of safety, efficiency, and convenience, making them the right cars for first-time car 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
