Maruti Suzuki Ertiga vs Honda Elevate vs Hyundai Verna: Comparing Their Variants Priced Rs 10-12 Lakh for First-time Car Buyers
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 Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Honda Elevate and Hyundai Verna, 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 Ertiga vs Honda Elevate vs Hyundai Verna – 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 a first-time buyer, 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 for new buyers.
Why Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Honda Elevate and Hyundai Verna are popular
The Ertiga, Elevate and Verna all score highly as good starter vehicles. The Ertiga starts at an excellent ₹8.35 lakhs while the Verna and Elevate are priced affordably too – ₹9.28 lakhs and ₹8.55 lakhs respectively.
Their fuel-efficient engines ensure low running costs. Generous safety equipment like up to 6 airbags provide reassurance. Spacious interiors, good visibility and ride height make drives easy for new owners. Additionally, Maruti and Hyundai’s widespread service network is a bonus.
For all these reasons, these models satisfy first-time buyers wanting modern basics without too many headaches.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Honda Elevate and Hyundai Verna variants shortlist in Rs 10-12 lakh range
For Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 20 February 2024 |
|---|---|
| ZXI | ₹10.88 lakhs |
| ZXI AT | ₹11.28 lakhs |
| ZXI Plus | ₹11.58 lakhs |
For Honda Elevate, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 20 February 2024 |
|---|---|
| SV | ₹11.58 lakhs |
For Hyundai Verna, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 20 February 2024 |
|---|---|
| S | ₹11.99 lakhs |
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI
The ZXI strikes the best balance between price and features like 7-inch touchscreen, auto headlamps, rear sensors etc. Safety kit includes 2 airbags. Excellent VFM.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI AT
ZXI AT adds convenience of automatic transmission over manual for slightly more. Easy for new drivers.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI Plus
ZXI Plus enhances features further with additions like 4 airbags, alloy wheels, push start etc. Reasonably premium. If you’re a family-focused car buyer, you can check out our comparison of the Ertiga with Kia Carens.
Honda Elevate SV
The SV variant itself gets essentials like LED headlamps, 7 airbags, vehicle stability management etc. at an accessible ₹11.58 lakhs price point for first-time buyers on a budget. Well-equipped model. If you’re a gadget lover, you can check out our comparison of the Elevate with Hyundai Creta 2024.
Hyundai Verna S
The mid S variant offers the ideal balance of kit like 8-inch touchscreen, rear camera, cruise control etc. along with 6 airbags, vehicle stability management. Modern safety and features at reasonable pricing. If you’re budget conscious, you can read our comparison of the Verna with Kia Seltos 2023.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Honda Elevate and Hyundai Verna for First-time car buyers
The Hyundai Verna S variant priced at ₹11.99 lakhs makes a strong case as the best first car choice based on its mix of safety equipment and features.
While undercutting rivals, modern essentials like 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, rear camera, auto headlamps, cruise control etc. maximise the Verna’s value. It also packs segment leading 6 airbags, electronic stability control – so protection isn’t compromised either.
Though cheaper, the Ertiga makes do with just 2 airbags which is inadequate while the Elevate’s price is considerably steeper at almost ₹12 lakhs despite sharing similar mechanicals to cheaper Hyundais. Value isn’t compelling either.
So considering the Verna S strikes the best balance between safety and features at an affordable price point, it comes across as a well-rounded hassle-free pick for first time owners. Up to date kit with essential safety make it an ideal introduction to car ownership. Also Read:Comparing Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Variants Priced Rs 8-12 Lakh for Budget-Conscious Buyers
The Top 3 choices
- Hyundai Verna S
- Maruti Ertiga ZXI
- Honda Elevate SV
| Attribute | Hyundai Verna S | Maruti Ertiga ZXI | Honda Elevate SV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (₹ lakhs) | 11.99 | 10.88 | 11.58 |
| Airbags | 6 | 2 | 6 |
| Infotainment screen | 8-inch | 7-inch | 10.25-inch |
| Mileage | 18.6 km/l | 20.5 km/l | 15.3 km/l |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Verna S leads the pack by offering modern features like an 8-inch touchscreen, rear camera and cruise control while also packing 6 airbags, electronic stability control etc. Balances priorities the best.
- The Ertiga ZXI impresses thanks to its auto headlamps, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment, climate control etc. at a tempting ₹10.88 lakhs price. But lacks essential safety kit expected today. Value for money option.
- And the Elevate SV justifies its premium by getting modern LED lamps, extensive airbags, vehicle stability management etc. Equipment levels are decent too. Reliable Honda ownership experience.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.