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 Tata Nexon 2023 and Honda Amaze, 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
- Tata Nexon 2023 vs Honda Amaze – 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, reliability, fuel efficiency, and safety when choosing a vehicle. They seek a car that offers good value for money, with low maintenance costs and a comfortable driving experience. User-friendly features such as power steering, air conditioning, and a decent audio system are also important.
First-time buyers often prefer compact cars that are easy to maneuver in city traffic and have sufficient storage space for everyday needs. Additionally, they may consider factors like brand reputation, after-sales service, and resale value when making their decision.
Why Tata Nexon 2023 and Honda Amaze are popular
Tata Nexon 2023 and Honda Amaze have gained popularity among first-time car buyers due to their unique offerings and competitive pricing.
The Tata Nexon, a compact SUV, offers a stylish design, spacious interior, and a host of safety features. Its high ground clearance, turbocharged petrol engine, and affordable pricing make it an appealing option for buyers looking for a feature-rich and practical vehicle.
On the other hand, the Honda Amaze is a well-built compact sedan that offers a refined driving experience, impressive fuel efficiency, and a spacious cabin. Its reliability, low maintenance costs, and Honda’s strong brand reputation make it an attractive choice for first-time buyers.
Both the Nexon and Amaze come with essential safety features like ABS with EBD and dual front airbags, providing peace of mind to first-time buyers. Additionally, Tata and Honda have extensive dealer networks and reliable after-sales service, which further enhances the ownership experience. These factors, combined with their competitive pricing and unique offerings, make the Tata Nexon and Honda Amaze popular choices among first-time car buyers.
Tata Nexon 2023 and Honda Amaze variants shortlist in Rs 8-10 lakh range
For Tata Nexon 2023, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 21 March 2024 |
| Smart | ₹8,10,000 |
| Smart Plus | ₹9,10,000 |
| Smart Plus S | ₹9,70,000 |
For Honda Amaze, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 21 March 2024 |
| S CVT | ₹8,73,000 |
| VX | ₹8,95,000 |
| VX CVT | ₹9,10,000 |
Tata Nexon Smart
The Tata Nexon Smart variant is an excellent choice for first-time buyers as it offers a host of safety features like six airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors at an affordable price point. The variant also comes with a turbocharged petrol engine, providing peppy performance and good fuel efficiency. If you’re budget conscious, you can read our guide to the best Nexon 2023 variants for you.
Tata Nexon Smart Plus
The Tata Nexon Smart Plus adds more features to the Smart variant, such as a touchscreen infotainment system, steering-mounted controls, and automatic ORVMs, making it an attractive option for buyers who want additional convenience features.
Tata Nexon Smart Plus S
The Tata Nexon Smart Plus S further enhances the offerings with the addition of a rain-sensing wiper, making it a well-rounded package for first-time buyers looking for a feature-rich compact SUV experience. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can check out our comparison of the Nexon 2023 with Nissan Magnite and Mahindra XUV300.
Honda Amaze S CVT
The Honda Amaze S CVT is an excellent choice for first-time buyers who prioritize the convenience of an automatic transmission. It offers a smooth and responsive CVT gearbox, making it ideal for city driving. The variant also comes with essential features like power steering, rear parking sensors, and dual front airbags.
Honda Amaze VX
The Honda Amaze VX is a well-rounded variant that offers a good balance of features and affordability. It comes with a touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, and LED headlamps, providing a premium experience at a competitive price. You can also read our guide to the best Amaze variants for family car buyers.
Honda Amaze VX CVT
The Honda Amaze VX CVT combines the premium features of the VX variant with the convenience of a CVT gearbox. It is an ideal choice for first-time buyers who want a feature-rich compact sedan with the ease of an automatic transmission.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Tata Nexon 2023 and Honda Amaze for First-time car buyers
After analyzing the various variants of the Tata Nexon and Honda Amaze, we recommend the Tata Nexon Smart Plus as the best choice for first-time car buyers. This variant offers a comprehensive package that balances affordability, features, and safety.
The Tata Nexon Smart Plus is powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine that delivers an impressive balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The manual transmission offers smooth and precise shifts, making it easy for first-time drivers to navigate city traffic and highways alike.
In terms of features, the Smart Plus variant offers a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, allowing seamless smartphone integration. The steering-mounted controls provide easy access to audio and phone functions, while the automatic ORVMs add convenience.
Safety is a crucial aspect for first-time buyers, and the Tata Nexon Smart Plus excels in this regard. It comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors, providing all-around protection for occupants. The car also features a high-strength steel body structure, enhancing its structural integrity and crash protection.
Moreover, the Tata Nexon Smart Plus offers a spacious and well-appointed interior with premium fabric upholstery, ample headroom, and sufficient boot space for luggage. The car’s high ground clearance and compact dimensions make it easy to handle in city traffic while still offering a comfortable ride quality.
Considering its competitive pricing, extensive feature list, and robust safety package, the Tata Nexon Smart Plus emerges as the best choice for first-time car buyers looking for a stylish, safe, and feature-rich compact SUV.
The Top 3 choices
- Tata Nexon Smart Plus
- Honda Amaze VX CVT
- Tata Nexon Smart Plus S
| Attribute | Tata Nexon Smart Plus | Honda Amaze VX CVT | Tata Nexon Smart Plus S |
| Push Button Start | No | Yes | No |
| Steering Mounted Controls | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen | LCD | LCD | LCD |
| Power Windows – Front | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Camera | No | Yes | No |
| Engine – Fuel type | Petrol | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine – Transmission | Manual | CVT | Manual |
| Airbags | 6 | 2 | 6 |
| DRLs | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise Control | No | No | No |
| Keyless Entry | No | Yes | No |
| Power Windows – Back | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rain Sensing Wiper | No | No | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Tata Nexon Smart Plus takes the top spot due to its impressive safety features, turbocharged petrol engine, and a host of comfort and convenience features. It offers a touchscreen infotainment system, steering-mounted controls, and automatic ORVMs, providing a modern and safe driving experience. The six airbags and high-strength steel body structure ensure the safety of occupants.
- The Honda Amaze VX CVT secures the second position, combining the premium features of the VX variant with the convenience of a CVT gearbox. It offers a smooth and refined driving experience, making it ideal for first-time buyers who prioritize comfort and ease of driving. The variant comes with a touchscreen infotainment system, LED headlamps, and cruise control, providing a feature-rich compact sedan experience.
- The Tata Nexon Smart Plus S takes the third spot, offering additional features over the Smart Plus variant. It comes with a rain-sensing wiper, enhancing convenience during monsoons. The variant retains all the safety features and the turbocharged petrol engine, making it an attractive choice for first-time buyers who want a bit more convenience.
These three variants offer an attractive mix of features, safety, and value for first-time car buyers. Ultimately, the choice among these three variants will depend on the specific preferences and requirements of the individual buyer.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.