Choosing Your First Car: Tata Altroz vs Hyundai i20 premium hatchbacks – A Detailed Guide

What a First-time car buyer looks for in a car

For first-time car buyers, user-friendliness, safety, and economical operation take precedence. While looking for the best cars for first-time buyers in India, features such as ABS, crash warnings, and easy to handle transmission systems are essential. Further, fuel efficiency is a critical factor considering the long-term costs of running the vehicle. Convenience features such as push-button start, power windows, rear parking sensors, and USB ports add to the appeal for everyday use. We look at what makes Tata Altroz and Hyundai i20 suitable for first-time car buyers.

Why Tata Altroz and Hyundai i20 are popular among First-time car buyers

Tata Altroz and Hyundai i20 are among the top cars for first-time buyers and popular choices, given their striking balance of features, affordability, and reliability.

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Tata Altroz, with its futuristic design and robust safety features, appeals to a broad spectrum of first-time buyers. The variants XM Plus and XT provide essential safety and convenience features, such as ABS, crash warning, and power steering. Further, the Altroz XE Plus Diesel stands out for its impressive fuel efficiency, an important consideration for economical operation.

Hyundai i20, on the other hand, blends style, comfort, and advanced features in an affordable package. The Magna variant, with its automatic transmission, ABS, crash warning, and power steering, provides a comfortable driving experience for beginners. The i20, with its modern design and impressive list of features, is a perfect blend of functionality and comfort for first-time buyers.

For this first-time car buyers’ guide, we have selected Tata Altroz and Hyundai i20 variants priced between Rs 7 lakh and Rs 8 lakh.

Our variants shortlist for Tata Altroz and Hyundai i20

Product	Variant	Price
Hyundai i20	Magna	₹719,000
Tata Altroz	XM Plus	₹740,000
Tata Altroz	XT	₹790,000
Tata Altroz	XE Plus Diesel	₹800,000

The Hyundai i20 Magna is equipped with ABS and crash warning systems, which are critical safety features. It has an automatic transmission, making it easier for first-time drivers. The i20 Magna also comes with power steering, rear parking sensors, and a push-button start, ensuring a comfortable driving experience.

The Tata Altroz XM Plus offers the same safety features as the i20 Magna. However, it lacks a push-button start, which could be a minor drawback for some buyers. On the positive side, it comes with power steering and rear parking sensors, enhancing driving convenience.

The Tata Altroz XT builds upon the XM Plus variant by including a push-button start. Its other features, including ABS, crash warning, power steering, and rear parking sensors, make it a strong contender for first-time buyers.

Lastly, the Tata Altroz XE Plus Diesel variant, despite not having a push-button start, stands out for its superior fuel efficiency. It offers safety features such as ABS and crash warnings, power steering, and rear parking sensors, contributing to an overall great package.

Best variant among Tata Altroz and Hyundai i20 for First-time car buyers

Considering the needs of a first-time buyer, the Tata Altroz XT stands out as the top choice and the right car for a first-time buyer. While all the listed variants provide the crucial safety features like ABS and crash warning, the Altroz XT offers additional convenience with a push-button start. It includes power steering and rear parking sensors, essential attributes to make a new driver’s experience more comfortable. Although it has a slightly lower overall mileage than the Hyundai i20 Magna and Altroz XE Plus Diesel, the balance of features in the XT variant makes it the top pick.

The Top 3 choices

Variant	ABS	Crash Warning	Overall Mileage	Power Steering	Power Windows
Tata Altroz XT	Yes	Yes	19.33 kmpl	Yes	Yes
Hyundai i20 Magna	Yes	Yes	21 kmpl	Yes	Yes
Tata Altroz XE Plus Diesel	Yes	Yes	23.64 kmpl	Yes	Yes

The Tata Altroz XT, Hyundai i20 Magna, and Tata Altroz XE Plus Diesel emerge as the top choices. Altroz XT’s combination of safety, performance, and convenience features make it a prime choice. Hyundai i20 Magna, despite having a higher price, offers comparable features and slightly better mileage, making it a great choice for economical operation. The Tata Altroz XE Plus Diesel, while lacking some convenience features, compensates with the best fuel efficiency, crucial for long-term economy.

In summary, all three variants offer a blend of essential safety and convenience features, catering to first-time buyers. The final decision should ideally factor in personal preferences, driving conditions, and budget considerations.

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