What are some of the best budget cars, or value for money cars in India? Let’s look at the compact SUVs Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, and Tata Nexon, to see what attracts budget-conscious buyers to them.
In this article, we will discuss
- What a budget-conscious buyer looks for in a car
- Maruti Suzuki Brezza vs Hyundai Venue vs Tata Nexon – a comprehensive analysis of their entry-level variants, features, affordability, and fuel efficiency
- How to pick the right car for you
The entry-level variants of these cars are among affordable car options in the compact SUV segment in India. But which of these is the best budget compact SUV? Read on.
Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500
What a Budget-conscious buyer looks for in a car
A budget-conscious buyer should look for these in a car:
- Affordability – a car should be affordable, and have low maintenance costs
- Fuel efficiency – The car shouldn’t guzzle fuel
- Safety features – Essential safety features are a must in a car
- Brand perception – Is the brand of the car known for its wide service network, after sales service, etc.
- Resale value – The car should fetch good resale rates
A budget-conscious buyer prioritizes value for money, emphasizing essential features, reliability, and fuel efficiency. Safety features, like ABS and airbags, are non-negotiable.
Performance and drivability in city conditions are vital, along with a reasonable overall mileage to ensure low running costs. Convenience features such as power windows and parking sensors add to the desirability. While aesthetics matter, they often take a backseat to functionality and economy.
Lastly, a low maintenance cost and a robust after-sales service network are crucial determinants.
Why Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, and Tata Nexon are Popular
Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, and Tata Nexon have captured the market’s attention by offering a blend of style, performance, and affordability.

Maruti, with its vast service network and reputation for low maintenance vehicles, makes Brezza a sought-after choice.
Hyundai’s Venue, renowned for its build quality and feature-loaded interiors from a trusted brand, is seen as a value proposition.

Tata Nexon, on the other hand, offers robust build quality and has made significant strides in the areas of technology and safety, bagging high safety ratings.

All three vehicles provide a range of variants catering to different budgets, ensuring there’s something for every budget-conscious buyer.
Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, and Tata Nexon Entry-level Variants
For Maruti Suzuki Brezza, we have:
Variant | Price (INR) as on 29 August 2023 |
Lxi | ₹829,000 |
For Hyundai Venue, we have:
Variant | Price (INR) as on 29 August 2023 |
E | ₹772,000 |
For Tata Nexon, we have:
Variant | Price (INR) as on 29 August 2023 |
XE | ₹780,000 |
Maruti Suzuki Brezza Lxi
Brezza Lxi offers essential safety features such as ABS and 2 airbags. It promises an efficient petrol engine with a decent mileage of 20.15 kmpl. Power steering and power windows, both front and back, add to the driving convenience. Though it lacks a touchscreen, it has a USB port for connectivity. The inclusion of body-colored bumpers and glove box cooling feature makes it stand out. If you’re a safety-conscious buyer, you can read our comparison of the Brezza with Hyundai Venue.
Hyundai Venue E
Venue E is the cheapest in our list, providing safety features like ABS and 2 airbags. The petrol engine offers 16 kmpl in city conditions. It boasts power steering, front and rear power windows, and rear parking sensors. The inclusion of an audio system is a bonus, although it lacks a touchscreen. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read how the Venue compares with Hyundai Aura and Hyundai i20.
Tata Nexon XE
Nexon XE is competitively priced with essential safety attributes like ABS and 2 airbags. With a petrol engine yielding 17.33 kmpl, it’s economical for city drives. Power steering and front power windows enhance convenience. The absence of a touchscreen and back power windows are downsides, but rear parking sensors add value. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can check out how the Nexon compares with Mahindra XUV300.

Our Pick for the Best variant among Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, and Tata Nexon for Budget-conscious buyers
The Maruti Suzuki Brezza Lxi emerges as the best choice for budget-conscious buyers. At ₹829,000, it may not be the most affordable car in this segment, but the features justify the cost. It offers the highest city mileage of 20.15 kmpl, ensuring low running costs.
The presence of ABS, 2 airbags, power steering, power windows (both front and back), and rear parking sensors fulfill most of the needs of the budget buyer. The addition of a USB port, body-colored bumpers, and glove box cooling provide a blend of convenience and aesthetics.
Maruti’s reputation for low maintenance and a vast service network further enhances its appeal for budget-conscious buyers.
The 3 Entry-level Variants Ranked
- Maruti Suzuki Brezza Lxi
- Tata Nexon XE
- Hyundai Venue E
Attribute | Brezza Lxi | Nexon XE | Venue E |
ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Airbags (number) | 2 | 2 | 2 |
City Mileage (kmpl) | 20.15 | 17.33 | 16 |
Engine – Fuel type | Petrol | Petrol | Petrol |
Overall Mileage (kmpl) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Power Windows – Back | Yes | No | Yes |
Power Windows – Front | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
USB Ports (number) | Yes | No | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Maruti Suzuki Brezza Lxi offers the best blend of essential features, performance, and affordability, making it the top choice for budget-conscious buyers.
- Tata Nexon XE and Hyundai Venue E follow closely, offering good value for money.
Each vehicle has its strengths, but for the budget-conscious, Brezza Lxi provides the most comprehensive package. These three variants offer features without breaking the bank, and will easily fit within your budget.
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