What a Budget-conscious buyer looks for in a car
A budget-conscious buyer seeks value for money, focusing on factors such as fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, affordability, and essential features. They prioritize practicality over luxury, preferring cars that provide reliability and a comfortable driving experience without breaking the bank. Safety features and resale value are also important considerations for these buyers. We take a look at the best budget cars in India, and find out which of these are the most affordable options.
Why Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai i10 Grand NiOS hatchbacks are popular among Budget-conscious buyers
Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai i10 Grand NiOS are popular choices in the hatchback segment among budget-conscious buyers due to their competitive pricing, fuel efficiency, and low maintenance costs. Both cars offer a range of variants with essential features, catering to buyers with different budgets.

Maruti Suzuki, known for its extensive service network and reliable after-sales support, ensures the Swift has a strong resale value, while Hyundai’s growing reputation for quality and durability makes the i10 Grand NiOS an appealing option.

Reviews from teambhp.com and autocarindia.com emphasize the practicality and value for money of both these models. Maruti Suzuki Swift’s refined engine and fuel efficiency make it an attractive option for daily commuters. The Hyundai i10 Grand NiOS, on the other hand, offers a comfortable and spacious cabin, which is essential for those looking for a family car. First-time car buyers can also check out our comparison of the Maruti Swift with Hyundai Grand i10 Nios.
Our variants shortlist for Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai i10 Grand NiOS
Product | Variant | Price (INR) |
Maruti Suzuki Swift |
VXI |
6,90,000 |
Maruti Suzuki Swift |
VXI AGS |
7,45,000 |
Maruti Suzuki Swift |
ZXI |
7,58,000 |
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios |
Magna |
6,61,000 |
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios |
Sportz Executive |
7,16,000 |
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios |
Sportz |
7,20,000 |
Maruti Suzuki Swift VXI: Priced at INR 6.9 lakh, this variant provides essential features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and a music system, making it a good choice for budget-conscious buyers who want a balance of affordability and basic functionality without having to break the bank. First-time car buyers might find our guide on Maruti Suzuki Swift useful.
Maruti Suzuki Swift VXI AGS: For buyers willing to spend a little more for convenience, the VXI AGS, priced at INR 7.45 lakh, offers an automated manual transmission (AMT) for a smoother driving experience.
Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI: The ZXI variant, priced at INR 7.58 lakh, adds alloy wheels, fog lamps, and a touchscreen infotainment system, making it a suitable choice for those who want additional features that will still fit their wallet.

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Magna: At INR 6.61 lakh, the Magna variant is the most affordable option in our list, offering essential safety features like dual airbags and ABS with EBD, along with a basic music system, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers. We also have our exclusive guide on Hyundai Grand i10 Nios for first-time car buyers.
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Sportz Executive: Priced at INR 7.16 lakh, this variant offers additional features such as a touchscreen infotainment system and rear parking sensors, providing more value for those with slightly higher budgets.
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Sportz: The Sportz variant, priced at INR 7.2 lakh, comes with projector fog lamps, wireless phone charger, and a digital instrument cluster, catering to buyers who want extra convenience features while staying within a budget.
Best variant among Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai i10 Grand NiOS for Budget-conscious buyer
The best hatchback variant for a budget-conscious buyer is the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Magna. Priced at INR 6.61 lakh, it is the most affordable option among the shortlisted variants, offering essential safety and entertainment features without compromising on value for money. The Magna variant provides dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and a basic music system, meeting the needs of budget-conscious buyers who prioritize practicality and essential features.
The Top 3 choices
- Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Magna
- Maruti Suzuki Swift VXI
- Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Sportz Executive
Top Choices | Dual Airbags | ABS with EBD | Music System | Touchscreen Infotainment | Rear Parking Sensors |
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Magna | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Maruti Suzuki Swift VXI | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Sportz Executive | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The top three choices for budget-conscious buyers are the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Magna, Maruti Suzuki Swift VXI, and Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Sportz Executive. These variants offer a balance of affordability, safety features, and essential entertainment options, catering to the needs of buyers with different budgets.

The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Magna, as the most affordable option, provides essential safety and entertainment features, making it an attractive choice for those on a tight budget. The Maruti Suzuki Swift VXI, priced slightly higher, offers similar features with the added advantage of Maruti’s extensive service network and strong resale value. The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Sportz Executive, though priced higher, adds a touchscreen infotainment system and rear parking sensors, providing more value for money for those willing to spend a bit extra.
In conclusion, these three variants cater to the needs of budget-conscious buyers, offering a balance of affordability, safety, and essential features that make them attractive choices in the competitive hatchback market.