Hyundai i20 vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno for First-time Car Buyers: The Best Variant in Rs 7-8 Lakh Range

If you are buying your first car, but are confused about which are the best, or top cars for first-time buyers in India, then let us help you decide which option to choose. We look at the Hyundai i20 and Maruti Suzuki Baleno, 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 i20 vs Maruti Suzuki Baleno – 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

First-time car buyers prioritize affordability, reliability, and fuel efficiency when choosing their first vehicle. They seek a car that offers a comfortable driving experience, modern features, and ample space for passengers and cargo. 

Safety features such as airbags, ABS, and parking sensors are also important considerations. Additionally, first-time buyers often prefer cars with low maintenance costs and a good resale value.

Why Hyundai i20 and Maruti Suzuki Baleno are Popular

The Hyundai i20 and Maruti Suzuki Baleno are popular choices among first-time car buyers due to their combination of affordability, features, and performance. Both cars offer a range of variants to suit different budgets and preferences.

The Hyundai i20 is known for its stylish design, premium interiors, and advanced safety features. It offers a comfortable ride, spacious cabin, and efficient engines. The i20’s touchscreen infotainment system, rear AC vents, and automatic climate control add to its appeal.

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno is renowned for its fuel efficiency, spacious interiors, and smooth performance. Its lightweight construction and peppy engines ensure a fun driving experience. The Baleno’s modern features, such as the touchscreen infotainment system, steering-mounted controls, and push-button start, make it an attractive option for first-time buyers.

Hyundai i20 and Maruti Suzuki Baleno Variants Shortlist in Rs 7-8 Lakh Range

For Hyundai i20, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 24 April 2024
Era	₹7,04,000
Magna	₹7,75,000

For Maruti Suzuki Baleno, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 24 April 2024
Delta	₹7,45,000
Delta AMT	₹8,00,000

Hyundai i20 Era

The base variant offers essential features like power steering, front power windows, and a USB port at an affordable price. Its efficient engine and comfortable ride make it a good choice for budget-conscious buyers. You can also read our comparison of the i20 with Kia Sonet 2024 for first-time car buyers.

Hyundai i20 Magna

This variant adds features such as automatic ORVMs, steering-mounted controls, and rear parking sensors. The Magna strikes a balance between affordability and features, making it an attractive option for first-time buyers. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can check out our comparison of the i20 with Tata Tigor.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta

The Delta variant offers a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and steering-mounted controls. Its spacious interiors, fuel-efficient engine, and smooth performance make it a popular choice among first-time buyers. If you value a car’s design and style, you can read our comparison of the Baleno with Hyundai Exter.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta AMT

This variant combines the features of the Delta with the convenience of an AMT gearbox. The AMT ensures a smooth and effortless driving experience, making it ideal for city driving and traffic conditions.

Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Hyundai i20 and Maruti Suzuki Baleno for First-time Car Buyers

After careful consideration, we recommend the Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta as the best variant for first-time car buyers. The Baleno Delta offers a compelling package of features, performance, and value.

The Delta variant comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and steering-mounted controls, which enhance the driving experience. Its spacious interiors provide ample room for passengers and luggage, making it suitable for small families or those who frequently travel with friends.

The Baleno’s 1.2-liter petrol engine delivers a perfect balance of performance and fuel efficiency. With a claimed mileage of 22.35 kmpl, the Baleno Delta helps keep running costs low, which is a significant advantage for first-time buyers.

Moreover, the Baleno’s lightweight construction and agile handling make it easy to maneuver in city traffic and park in tight spaces. The car’s smooth ride quality and minimal body roll ensure a comfortable driving experience.

In terms of safety, the Baleno Delta comes with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors, providing peace of mind to first-time buyers.

Considering its combination of features, performance, fuel efficiency, and value for money, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta emerges as the best choice for first-time car buyers.

The Top 3 Choices

1. Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta
2. Hyundai i20 Magna
3. Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta AMT

Feature	Baleno Delta	i20 Magna	Baleno Delta AMT
Push Button Start	No	No	No
Steering Mounted Controls	Yes	Yes	Yes
Rear Parking Sensors	Yes	Yes	Yes
Power Steering	Yes	Yes	Yes
ABS	Yes	Yes	Yes
Power Windows – Front	Yes	Yes	Yes
Fog Lights	No	Yes	No

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Baleno Delta tops our list for its excellent blend of features, performance, and affordability. Its spacious interiors, fuel-efficient engine, and modern amenities make it an ideal choice for first-time buyers.
• The i20 Magna secures the second spot for its premium features, comfortable ride, and stylish design. It offers a balance of affordability and features, making it an attractive option for those willing to stretch their budget slightly.
• The Baleno Delta AMT takes the third position for its convenience and ease of driving. The AMT gearbox is perfect for city driving and appeals to first-time buyers who prefer an automatic transmission.

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta and Delta AMT, along with the Hyundai i20 Magna, offer the most attractive packages for first-time car buyers. These variants strike the right balance between affordability, features, performance, and value, making them excellent choices for those stepping into car ownership for the first time.

If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.