Best Hatchbacks for First Time Buyers: Comparing Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai i10 Grand NiOS

If you’re buying a car for the first time and are confused by the options available, we take a look at the best cars you can consider as a first-time buyer. First-time car buyers typically seek an affordable, reliable, and easy-to-maintain vehicle, with fuel efficiency, ease of driving, safety features, and value for money being crucial factors.

Compact dimensions for ease of parking and basic conveniences, such as power steering and power windows, are also important. While first-time buyers appreciate additional features and gadgets, their focus remains on practicality and cost-effectiveness.

Why Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai i10 Grand NiOS are Popular Choices for First-Time Buyers

Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai i10 Grand NiOS are popular choices among first-time buyers due to their affordability, reliability, and reputation for delivering value for money. Both cars have a strong presence in the Indian market, offering good after-sales service and widespread service networks.

The Swift is known for its sporty design, peppy performance, and fuel efficiency, while the Grand i10 NiOS offers a comfortable cabin, a smooth driving experience, and good fuel economy. Both cars offer compact dimensions, making them easy to maneuver and park in congested urban areas.

Safety features such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and crash warnings are present in both cars. Moreover, both vehicles come with essential convenience features like power steering, power windows, and an audio system. Their ground clearance and overall mileage make them suitable for Indian road conditions and fuel-conscious buyers.

In short, the Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai i10 Grand NiOS cater to the needs and preferences of first-time car buyers with their affordability, fuel efficiency, safety features, and ease of maintenance, which is what makes them popular in this segment. We also have separate exclusive guides for the Hyundai i10 and the Maruti Suzuki Swift for first-time car buyers.

Our Variants Shortlist for Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai i10 Grand NiOS

1. Swift LXI – ₹5,99,450
2. Swift VXI – ₹6,90,000
3. Grand i10 Nios Era – ₹5,68,500
4. Grand i10 Nios Magna – ₹6,61,000

Swift LXI: The Swift LXI is the base variant but still offers essential safety features like ABS and crash warnings. It has a manual transmission, a ground clearance of 163mm, and an overall mileage of 22.38 kmpl. Power steering and power windows are present, but it lacks push-button start, rear parking sensors, and a rear parking camera. The LXI is an affordable option for first-time buyers seeking a basic yet reliable car with safety features and good fuel efficiency.

Swift VXI: The Swift VXI adds a few more features, such as push-button start and rear parking sensors, while retaining the safety features, ground clearance, and mileage of the LXI variant. It also comes with a USB port and an OEM audio system, making it a better-equipped choice for first-time buyers without significantly increasing the price.

Grand i10 Nios Era: The Grand i10 Nios Era is the base variant for the Hyundai model, offering ABS, crash warnings, and a ground clearance of 165mm. It has a slightly lower overall mileage of 20.7 kmpl but compensates with the addition of knee/curtain airbags and power windows. This variant is a cost-effective option for first-time buyers prioritizing safety and affordability. If you’re a budget-conscious buyer, you can check our comparison of the Hyundai i10 with Tata Tiago.

Grand i10 Nios Magna: The Grand i10 Nios Magna comes with additional features like Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and a USB port, while maintaining the safety features, ground clearance, and fuel efficiency of the Era variant. It also has an OEM audio system and a tilt-adjustable steering column, providing more convenience for first-time buyers at a slightly higher price than the Era variant.

Best Variant Among Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai i10 Grand NiOS for First-Time Car Buyers

The best variant for a first-time car buyer among the Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai i10 Grand NiOS is the Swift VXI. While slightly more expensive than the base Swift LXI, it provides essential safety features like ABS and crash warnings, as well as added conveniences like push-button start and rear parking sensors. The Swift VXI has a ground clearance of 163mm and an overall mileage of 22.38 kmpl, making it fuel-efficient and suitable for Indian road conditions.

The VXI variant also comes with power steering, power windows, a USB port, and an OEM audio system, ensuring a comfortable driving experience for first-time buyers. The Swift’s reputation for reliability, low maintenance costs, and its strong after-sales network make it an ideal choice for first-time buyers seeking value for their money.

The Top 3 Choices for First-Time Car Buyers

1. Swift VXI
2. Grand i10 Nios Magna
3. Swift LXI

Comparison Table:

Attribute	Swift VXI	Grand i10 Nios Magna	Swift LXI
ABS	Yes	Yes	Yes
Crash warning	Yes	Yes	Yes
DRLs	No	Yes	No
Manual Transmission	Yes	Yes	Yes
Ground clearance	163mm	165mm	163mm
Highway Mileage	22 kmpl	20.7 kmpl	22 kmpl
Power Steering	Yes	Yes	Yes
Push Button Start	Yes	No	No
Rear Parking Sensors	Yes	Yes	No

The top three choices for first-time car buyers are Swift VXI, Grand i10 Nios Magna, and Swift LXI. The Swift VXI offers the best combination of safety features, fuel efficiency, and convenience, making it the top choice. The Grand i10 Nios Magna comes in second, with additional features like DRLs and a tilt-adjustable steering column, but slightly lower fuel efficiency. The Swift LXI, being the most affordable option, is still an excellent choice for first-time buyers on a tight budget, with essential safety features and good fuel efficiency.

The Swift VXI, Grand i10 Nios Magna, and Swift LXI cater to the needs of first-time car buyers, providing a balance between affordability, safety, fuel efficiency, and convenience. Make an informed decision by comparing these top choices and selecting the best car for your needs as a first-time buyer.