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 Hyundai Creta 2024 and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, 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
- Hyundai Creta 2024 vs Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara – 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.
For most first-time buyers, affordability is the top priority along with decent features and solid safety equipment. Reliable after-sales service provides peace of mind. They prefer no-frills, low maintenance variants that are easy to drive daily over more powerful or feature-packed trims. The idea is to get a worry-free, value-for-money ownership experience. Good fuel economy, visibility and manoeuvrability also make drives hassle-free.
Why Hyundai Creta 2024 and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara are popular
Both the Creta and Grand Vitara score highly as good starter vehicles. Hyundai’s aggressive Creta pricing starts from just ₹10.44 lakhs making it very affordable for new buyers. The Grand Vitara isn’t far behind either with pricing from ₹10.45 lakhs.
Their fuel-efficient engines returning around 18-21 km/l combined economy help keep running costs low too. Generous safety equipment including up to 6 airbags give peace of mind. Cabins offer decent space for four and ride height handles broken roads well. Additionally, Maruti’s widespread service network ensures support everywhere.
For all these reasons, both SUVs make practical and hassle-free first cars.
Hyundai Creta 2024 and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara variants shortlist in Rs 10-12 lakh range
For Hyundai Creta 2024, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 20 February 2024 |
|---|---|
| E | ₹11 lakhs |
For Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 20 February 2024 |
|---|---|
| Sigma | ₹10.7 lakhs |
Hyundai Creta E
The Creta E variant itself offers essential safety like 6 airbags, vehicle stability management, rear sensors, tilt steering at an affordable budget price for new buyers. Worth considering as a no-frills first car. If you’re a gadget lover, you can check out our comparison of the Creta 2024 with Honda City.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Sigma
The base Sigma variant also provides fundamentals like dual airbags, electronic stability program, hill hold assist, rear sensors, manual AC at a reasonable price point for first-time buyers on tight budget. Decent value. If you’re budget-conscious, you can read our comparison of the Grand Vitara with Volkswagen Taigun.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Hyundai Creta 2024 and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara for First-time car buyers
The Hyundai Creta E variant priced at ₹11 lakhs makes a strong case as the best first car choice when considering its balance of pricing and safety equipment.
While sharply undercutting the Grand Vitara Sigma by ₹30,000, the Creta E itself packs segment essentials like 6 airbags, vehicle stability management, rear sensors, front power windows and more ensuring occupants are well protected and basics are covered.
In contrast, the Sigma makes do with just dual airbags overlooking important kit like hill start assist and stability control which first-time buyers appreciate when learning to drive.
Considering safety is the priority for new drivers, the abundant protection standards in the Creta E even in base form tip the scales in its favor. Yes, compromises exist on features but protection beats creature comforts for these novice buyers.
For offering robust safety kit from the start at excellent value, the Creta E emerges a safer initiation into car ownership for first timers.
The 2 Variants Compared
| Attribute | Hyundai Creta E | Maruti Grand Vitara Sigma |
|---|---|---|
| Price (₹ lakhs) | 11 | 10.7 |
| Airbags | 6 | 2 |
| Infotainment screen | None | None |
| Rear parking sensors | Yes | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Creta E clearly leads on the safety aspect by packing in 6 airbags and robust stability systems from the start at just ₹11 lakhs, crucial for new owners. Offers reassurance.
- The Sigma presents itself as an affordable starting point to car ownership at ₹10.7 lakhs. Compromises on safety but keeps the basics covered for the budget minded.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.