Buying a car for the first time, but confused about which are the best cars for first-time buyers in India, and which option to choose? Let’s look at the Hyundai Venue and Maruti Suzuki Fronx, and find out which 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 Venue vs Maruti Suzuki Fronx – an in-depth guide to their base variants, features, cost, and driveability
- How to pick the right car for you
So, are these cars in the compact SUV segment affordable for first-time car buyers? Let’s find out.
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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.
A first-time car buyer often seeks a combination of affordability, safety, efficiency, and user-friendly features. Ease of maintenance, a brand’s reputation for reliability, and good resale value are also crucial.
Additionally, with evolving technology, new drivers expect basic convenience and driver assistance systems to aid their driving experience in top cars for first-time buyers.
Why Hyundai Venue and Maruti Suzuki Fronx are Popular
Hyundai Venue and Maruti Suzuki Fronx are both celebrated names in the compact SUV segment, resonating with first-time buyers due to their compact dimensions suitable for urban conditions. These cars offer an optimal blend of space, modern features, and efficient powertrains at competitive prices.

Hyundai, known for its feature-packed offerings, and Maruti Suzuki, revered for its reliability and vast service network, naturally become primary choices for novices.

Hyundai Venue and Maruti Suzuki Fronx Base Variants in Rs 7-8 Lakh Range
For Hyundai Venue, we have:
Variant | Price (INR) as on 19 September 2023 |
E | ₹772,000 |
For Maruti Suzuki Fronx, we have:
Variant | Price (INR) as on 19 September 2023 |
Sigma | ₹746,000 |
Hyundai Venue E
Priced at ₹772,000, it comes with ABS, 195mm ground clearance, highway mileage of 16.8 kmpl, and power steering. Despite lacking some convenience features, it offers substantial ground clearance suitable for Indian roads and commendable fuel efficiency, making it a cost-effective choice for new drivers. If you’re budget-conscious, you can read our comparison of the Venue with Nissan Magnite and Maruti Suzuki Brezza.

Maruti Suzuki Fronx Sigma
Retailing for ₹746,000, it boasts ABS, a ground clearance of 190mm, and an impressive highway mileage of 21.79 kmpl. The Maruti brand trust combined with efficient fuel consumption makes it an appealing option for those venturing into their first car purchase. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read our comparison of the Fronx with Kia Sonet.

Our Pick for the Best variant among Hyundai Venue and Maruti Suzuki Fronx for First-time car buyers
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx Sigma emerges as a slightly superior option. Its remarkable fuel efficiency (21.79 kmpl) promises lower running costs, which is a significant consideration for first-time buyers.
Though it trails slightly in ground clearance (190mm) compared to the Venue E, it compensates with a more affordable price tag and the robust reputation of Maruti Suzuki in India. It is the right car on this list for a first-time car buyer. We have also compared the Fronx with Venue and Kia Sonet for tech-savvy buyers.
The Base Variants Ranked
- Maruti Suzuki Fronx Sigma
- Hyundai Venue E
Attributes | Maruti Suzuki Fronx Sigma | Hyundai Venue E |
ABS | Yes | Yes |
Ground clearance (mm) | 190 | 195 |
Highway Mileage (kmpl) | 21.79 | 16.8 |
Power Steering | Yes | Yes |
Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes |
Power Windows – Front | Yes | Yes |
USB Ports | No | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- Maruti Suzuki Fronx Sigma: With its high fuel efficiency and comprehensive safety features, this variant is the top choice for cost-conscious first-time buyers.
- Hyundai Venue E: Slightly pricier, this variant impresses with its ground clearance and overall build quality, making it a close second.
In conclusion, both Hyundai Venue E and Maruti Suzuki Fronx Sigma provide a blend of essential features that first-time car buyers desire. While Fronx promises fuel efficiency, the Venue offers a slight edge in ground clearance. Both cars have carved a niche for themselves in the compact SUV market, providing new drivers with reliable, safe, and efficient vehicles.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered