Best Affordable Options for the Budget-conscious Buyer: A Deep Dive into Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Kia Carens Variants

What a Budget-conscious buyer looks for in a car

Budget-conscious buyers typically prioritize value for money, fuel efficiency, cost of ownership, and durability in a car. In their pursuit for the best budget cars, they also consider essential safety features and basic convenience functions, seeking the best blend of cost-effectiveness and utility. While luxurious additions are nice, these buyers often favor practicality over extravagance.

High mileage, low maintenance cost, and good resale value also rank high in their considerations. The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Kia Carens are MPVs and Carens, especially, does not readily fit into the ‘best budget car’ category. That said, some of their variants are economically priced for those on a tight budget.

Why Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Kia Carens are popular among Budget-conscious buyers

Both Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Kia Carens, with their affordable automatic variants, have built a reputation for being economical and reliable — qualities highly esteemed by budget-conscious buyers.

Known for its fuel efficiency, low maintenance cost, and competitive pricing, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is a favorite among those who want a balance of affordability and functionality. Its spacious interiors and impressive mileage, coupled with Maruti’s extensive service network, make it a practical choice.

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Similarly, Kia Carens, though relatively new in the market, has quickly gained popularity. With its aggressive pricing, fuel-efficient engine options, and extensive feature list, it provides a great value proposition. The brand also offers a commendable warranty policy, which adds to the car’s appeal by ensuring low-cost ownership. We have also compared the Maruti Ertiga and Kia Carens for family-focused buyers.

Automatic Variants of Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Kia Carens

Variants and Price Details:

Product	Variant	Price (INR)
Kia Carens	Premium Diesel iMT	1,265,000
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga	VXI AT	1,128,000
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga	ZXI AT	1,238,000

Kia Carens Premium Diesel iMT: This variant stands out for its diesel engine, providing better mileage than its petrol counterparts. With six airbags and ABS, it also scores high on safety. While it lacks a touchscreen and alloy wheels, it does have rear AC vents and a manual transmission, offering a blend of comfort and control at a reasonable price. You can also read how the Kia Carens compares with Hyundai Alcazar as a family car.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga VXI AT: This variant is the cheapest of the lot. While it has fewer airbags than the Carens variant, it has commendable fuel efficiency with 20.3 kmpl. It also includes a power steering, front and back power windows, and rear parking sensors, offering a lot of utility for its price. Budget-conscious buyers could also read our guide to the most value-for-money Ertiga variants.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI AT: While slightly more expensive, this variant offers additional features like a touchscreen and alloy wheels, bringing a touch of luxury without a significant price hike. It also maintains the same impressive fuel efficiency of 20.3 kmpl.

Best variant among Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Kia Carens for Budget-conscious buyers

Among these, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga VXI AT emerges as the best variant for a budget-conscious buyer. Its affordable price, along with excellent fuel efficiency, makes it an economical choice. The inclusion of essential features like power steering, power windows, and rear parking sensors enhances its value proposition. Its relatively lower cost of ownership and Maruti’s widespread service network add to its appeal as an affordable car in the MPV segment.

The Automatic Variants Ranked

The three choices for a budget-conscious buyer are ranked as follows:

1. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga VXI AT: For its excellent value for money, good fuel efficiency, and inclusion of essential features at a competitive price.
2. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI AT: It is a slight step up, offering extra features like touchscreen and alloy wheels for a moderate price increase.
3. Kia Carens Premium Diesel iMT: Despite being the most expensive, its diesel engine provides better mileage, and the safety features are impressive with six airbags and ABS.

Attribute	Maruti Suzuki Ertiga VXI AT	Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI AT	Kia Carens Premium Diesel iMT
ABS	Yes	Yes	Yes
Airbags	2	2	6
City Mileage (kmpl)	20.3	20.3	Diesel
Engine – Fuel type	Petrol	Petrol	Diesel
Highway Mileage (kmpl)	20.3	20.3	Diesel
Power Steering	Yes	Yes	Yes
Power Windows – Back	Yes	Yes	Yes
Power Windows – Front	Yes	Yes	Yes
Transmission – Auto Type	Torque Converter	Torque Converter	Manual

All three variants are cars that will fit within your budget, and offer excellent value for money, with a good balance of price, safety features, fuel efficiency, and basic comforts. The best choice depends on the specific needs and preferences of the buyer.

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