Tata Tiago vs Maruti Suzuki Swift: Comparing Their Variants Priced Rs 5-6 Lakh 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 Tata Tiago and Maruti Suzuki Swift, and find out which 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 Tiago 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.

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.

First-time car buyers often seek vehicles that balance affordability, fuel efficiency, safety, and ease of driving. They prioritize cars that offer reliable performance and low maintenance costs, critical for users with limited experience handling car upkeep. 

Safety features like ABS and airbags, fuel efficiency that promises economic daily usage, and driver assistance systems contribute to a stress-free driving experience. Moreover, first-time buyers tend toward compact vehicles for easier navigation and parking in urban scenarios. 

Lastly, simple yet modern conveniences like power windows and touchscreen interfaces can sway their decision.

Why Tata Tiago and Maruti Suzuki Swift are Popular

The Tata Tiago and Maruti Suzuki Swift have cemented their popularity among first-time car buyers with their compact design, reasonable pricing, and trustworthy performance. 

The Tata Tiago is often praised for its  robust safety features, with its high ground clearance suitable for uneven roads, and an impressive overall mileage that ensures cost-effective long-term usage. Its competitive pricing, especially evident in the XE and XT variants, accommodates the budget limitations common for new buyers.

Conversely, the Maruti Suzuki Swift excels in its legacy of reliability, resell value, and extensive service network, critical considerations for new entrants in car ownership. It’s praised for its smooth power delivery, offering a hassle-free driving experience, and its impressive fuel efficiency, particularly in the LXI variant, reduces running costs. 

Both cars’ compact dimensions make them ideal for city driving, easing worries about maneuvering and parking in tight spaces. Additionally, their modern yet uncluttered interfaces, with features like power steering and straightforward control layouts, are user-friendly for those still familiarizing themselves with automotive functionalities.

Tata Tiago and Maruti Suzuki Swift Variants Shortlist in Rs 5-6 Lakh Range

For Maruti Suzuki Swift, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 13 October 2023
LXI	₹599,450

For Tata Tiago, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 13 October 2023
XE	₹560,000
XT Option	₹600,000

Maruti Suzuki Swift LXI

The Swift LXI, priced at INR 599,450, is a prime choice for first-time buyers. Its hallmark lies in its commendable overall mileage and ABS feature, ensuring both economy and safety. While it lacks some advanced features like curtain airbags and adaptive cruise control, its inclusion of essential safety features and power steering, coupled with an efficient fuel consumption rate, makes it a practical selection for new car owners. We have also compared the Swift with Tata Tiago for budget-conscious car buyers.

Tata Tiago XE

Priced attractively at INR 560,000, the Tiago XE offers an edge in affordability. It boasts a higher ground clearance of 170mm, perfect for tackling various road conditions, although its highway mileage is slightly lower. The absence of curtain airbags is offset by the presence of ABS and power steering, foundational for any first-time car buyer prioritizing safety and ease of driving. If you’re a safety-conscious car buyer, you can read our comparison of the Tiago with Hyundai Grand i10 Nios.

Tata Tiago XT Option

The Tiago XT Option stands out with its additional conveniences despite the higher price of INR 600,000. It maintains the same safety and performance standards as the XE but includes power windows at the front and rear parking sensors, enhancing its comfort and convenience profile, which can be a significant plus for new drivers. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover with a budget, you can read our comparison of the Tiago with Maruti Suzuki WagonR.

Our Pick for the Best Variant among Tata Tiago and Maruti Suzuki Swift for First-time Car Buyers

The Tata Tiago XE emerges as the best variant for first-time car buyers, balancing cost-effectiveness, safety, and user-friendly features. 

Priced the lowest among the options, it presents new car owners with an affordable entry point without compromising on essential attributes. Its ground clearance surpasses the Maruti Suzuki Swift LXI, providing better versatility on diverse road surfaces, a boon for inexperienced drivers.

While the Tiago XE doesn’t offer the highest fuel efficiency, its overall mileage is practical for everyday use. The inclusion of ABS is a critical safety element for new drivers, contributing to secure driving dynamics. 

Although it lacks some convenience features present in the higher-priced Tiago XT Option, the XE variant covers all the fundamental requirements of a first-time car buyer, including power steering for ease of maneuverability.

The simplicity of the Tiago XE’s features also means fewer distractions, allowing first-time drivers to focus on honing their driving skills. Furthermore, the cost saved on initial purchase leaves room for future upgrades or custom additions, catering to the buyer’s evolving preferences.

The 3 Variants Ranked in Order of Preference

1. Tata Tiago XE
2. Maruti Suzuki Swift LXI
3. Tata Tiago XT Option

Attributes	Maruti Suzuki Swift LXI	Tata Tiago XE	Tata Tiago XT Option
ABS	Yes	Yes	Yes
Crash warning	No	No	No
Ground clearance (mm)	163	170	170
Highway Mileage (kmpl)	22	No	No
Knee/curtain airbags	No	No	No
Lane keeping assist	No	No	No
Power Steering	Yes	Yes	Yes
Push Button Start	No	No	No
Rear Parking Sensors	Yes	Yes	Yes
Steering Mounted Controls	No	No	Yes
Transmission – Auto Type	None	None	None
USB Ports (number)	No	No	No

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• Tata Tiago XE is the most cost-effective option, offering essential safety features such as ABS and a high ground clearance, beneficial for navigating various terrains. Though it lacks certain convenience attributes, its balance between the necessary specifications and affordability makes it ideal for first-time buyers.
• Maruti Suzuki Swift LXI is notable for its superior highway mileage, promising more fuel-efficient long journeys, a factor contributing to ongoing savings on fuel costs. Like the Tiago XE, it includes vital safety features and power steering, although it has a slightly lower ground clearance.
• Tata Tiago XT Option presents itself as a higher-tier choice due to additional convenience features like power windows and steering mounted controls, which contribute to a more comfortable driving experience. Its safety and performance parameters align with the XE, but the added comfort makes it a suitable option for those willing to invest a bit more for extra ease.

These three choices stand out for first-time car buyers due to their combination of affordability, safety, performance, and convenience. The Tiago XE leads in affordability, the Swift LXI in fuel efficiency, and the Tiago XT Option in comfort, thereby addressing the varied priorities of new drivers.

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