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 Volkswagen Taigun, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Honda Elevate, 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
- Volkswagen Taigun vs Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder vs Honda Elevate – 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
A first-time buyer wants good mileage, safety features like airbags/ABS, automatic transmission for easy driving, latest features but not too complex, responsive engine with good power, sufficient space and boot capacity, after-sales service quality and a reasonable price around 10-13 lakh.
Why Volkswagen Taigun, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Honda Elevate are popular
The Taigun, Hyryder and Elevate strike an ideal balance of features, safety and pricing for new buyers. These mid-size SUVs pack in smart looks, latest tech and safety kit even in base variants. The automatic options simplify driving while engines deliver good power. After-sales service network is wide too.
Volkswagen Taigun, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Honda Elevate variants shortlist in Rs 10-12 lakh range
For Volkswagen Taigun, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 23 February 2024 |
| 1.0 TSI Comfortline | ₹11,62,000 |
For Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 23 February 2024 |
| E | ₹11,14,000 |
For Honda Elevate, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 23 February 2024 |
| SV | ₹11,58,000 |
Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Comfortline
Key Features: 6 airbags, Traction control, Rear sensors, 178Nm torque
If you’re a gadget lover, you can check out our comparison of the Taigun with Hyundai Creta 2024.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder E
Key Features: 5 airbags, Hill hold, Rear sensors, 101 BHP power
If you’re safety conscious, you can read our comparison of the Hyryder with Hyundai Verna.
Honda Elevate SV
Key Features: 6 airbags, Traction control, Lane assist, 119 BHP power
If you’re seeking value for money cars, you can read our comparison of the Elevate with Hyundai Verna.
These specific variants provide an optimal mix of safety, performance, features and value at around 11-12 lakh budget. The VW and Honda variants provide added protection with 6 airbags while Toyota also packs in essentials like hill hold assist suiting novice drivers. The engines strike a balance between efficiency and enthusiastic power delivery.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Volkswagen Taigun, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Honda Elevate for First-time Car Buyers
The Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Comfortline is the best variant for a first car buyer. It stands out for its turbocharged petrol engine that delivers an eager 113 BHP power and 178 Nm torque. This enthusiastic yet efficient motor makes driving enjoyable.
Plus, the car provides Electronic Stability Control, traction control and 6 airbags for all-round safety. So the driving dynamics inspire confidence in new owners to push limits safely. Further, it gets rear sensors, auto headlamps, auto wipers, cooled glovebox and 16-inch alloy wheels pack practicality, comfort and style at a reasonable Rs. 11.62 lakh price.
The 3 Variants Ranked in Order of Preference
- Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI
- Honda Elevate SV
- Toyota Hyryder E
| Attributes | Taigun | Elevate SV | Hyryder E |
| 100+ BHP Power | Yes | Yes | No |
| 6 Airbags | Yes | Yes | No |
| Traction Control | Yes | Yes | No |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The VW Taigun Comfortline strikes the best balance as a first car with its lively engine, safety kit and reasonable pricing.
- The Elevate SV is also a worthy option packing segment leading power and protection.
- Though the Hyryder E model skimps on some key aspects, it remains a practical choice for cautious first buyers thanks to efficiency and Toyota badge.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
