Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Hyundai Exter for First-time Car Buyers: 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 Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Hyundai Exter, 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
• Maruti Suzuki Baleno vs Hyundai Exter – 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, fuel efficiency, and reliability 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 Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Hyundai Exter are Popular

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Hyundai Exter 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 Maruti Suzuki Baleno is known for its spacious interiors, premium features, and fuel-efficient engines. It offers a comfortable ride, ample legroom, and a large boot space. The Baleno’s touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and steering-mounted controls add to its appeal.

The Hyundai Exter is a newly launched micro-SUV that offers a stylish exterior, high ground clearance, and a feature-packed interior. Its compact dimensions, easy maneuverability, and fuel-efficient engine make it well-suited for city driving. The Exter’s modern features, such as the touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking camera, and wireless charging, make it an attractive option for first-time buyers.

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

For Hyundai Exter, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 24 April 2024
S	₹7,50,000
S Opt	₹7,65,000

For Maruti Suzuki Baleno, we have:

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

Hyundai Exter S

The base variant offers essential features like power steering, front power windows, and a USB port at an affordable price. Its efficient engine, high ground clearance, and comfortable ride make it a good choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Hyundai Exter S Opt

This variant adds features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, steering-mounted controls, and rear parking sensors. The S Opt strikes a balance between affordability and features, making it an attractive option for first-time buyers. We have also compared the Exter with Honda Amaze for first-time car buyers.

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’re a gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the Baleno with Tata Tigor.

 

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. We have also compared the Baleno with Hyundai Exter for style-conscious car buyers.

Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Hyundai Exter 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 Exter S Opt
3. Maruti Suzuki Baleno Delta AMT

Feature	Baleno Delta	Exter S Opt	Baleno Delta AMT
Rear Parking Sensors	Yes	Yes	Yes
Power Steering	Yes	Yes	Yes
ABS	Yes	Yes	Yes
Power Windows – Front	Yes	Yes	Yes
Touchscreen type	LCD	LCD	LCD
Steering Mounted Controls	Yes	Yes	Yes
Hill Hold Assist	No	No	Yes

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 Exter S Opt secures the second spot for its stylish exterior, high ground clearance, and feature-packed interior. 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 Exter S Opt, 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.