Maruti Suzuki Swift vs Citroen C3: Comparing Their Variants Under Rs 8 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 Swift and Citroen C3, and find out which 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 Swift vs Citroen C3 – 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.

Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500

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 car buyer, it’s not just about buying a vehicle but purchasing a companion for daily commutes. They look for affordability, safety, and ease of driving. Fuel efficiency is crucial as it dictates running costs. Moreover, convenient features like power steering, USB ports, and parking sensors add to the car’s desirability. 

A simple but modern infotainment system and seamless integration with smartphones can be a deciding factor for the tech-savvy generation. Lastly, the car’s size and ground clearance play a role depending on the terrains they plan to traverse.

Why Maruti Suzuki Swift and Citroen C3 are Popular

The Maruti Suzuki Swift has been a preferred choice for years, especially for first-time buyers in India. Its legacy is backed by Maruti’s trust, widespread service network, and parts availability.

Swift, known for its peppiness and agile nature, is easy to drive in bustling city traffic and offers consistent performance on highways. Its compact design aids in easy parking and maneuverability.

Citroen C3, on the other hand, is making waves due to its distinct European design and ergonomic interiors. For those looking for a touch of novelty, Citroen offers a fresh perspective. It boasts of a higher ground clearance, suitable for Indian roads, and a set of features that resonate with the modern user. 

Being a global player, Citroen’s focus on safety and comfort places it in a favorable position among first-time buyers.

Both cars have made a mark by providing value propositions tailored to the needs and aspirations of the new generation. Also Read: Citroen C3 Aircross vs Honda Elevate: Comparing Their Variants Priced Rs 10-12 Lakh

Maruti Suzuki Swift and Citroen C3 Variants Shortlist in Rs 7-8 Lakh Range

For Maruti Suzuki Swift, we have:

For Citroen C3, we have:

Maruti Suzuki Swift VXI AGS

The Swift VXI AGS is an automatic variant, making it a go-to choice for those wary of manual transmissions. The AMT aids in hassle-free driving in congested traffic. Its price point offers value, especially with features like ABS, Power Steering, and Rear Parking Sensors. If you’re a family-focused car buyer, you can read our comparison of the Swift with Hyundai Grand i10 Nios.

Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI

Swift ZXI, while manual, introduces a LCD touchscreen, enhancing the infotainment experience without a significant price hike. If you’re a style-conscious buyer, you can read our comparison of the Swift with Maruti Ignis.

Citroen C3 Puretech 82 Feel & Puretech 82 Feel DT

The Citroen C3 Puretech 82 Feel and its DT variant are priced competitively. They stand out with their ground clearance and Steering Mounted Controls. These variants offer similar features, but the choice boils down to individual color preferences and design touches.

Citroen C3 Puretech 82 Shine DT

The Citroen C3 Puretech 82 Shine DT is slightly pricier but brings in the added advantage of a Rear Parking Camera – a boon for new drivers. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the C3 with Hyundai Exter.

Our Pick for the Best variant among Maruti Suzuki Swift and Citroen C3 for First-time car buyers

The Maruti Suzuki Swift VXI AGS emerges as a clear winner for first-time car buyers. The ease of an automatic transmission, combined with vital features like ABS, Power Steering, and Rear Parking Sensors, makes it a robust choice. Its competitive pricing is a cherry on top. 

For those stepping into the world of driving, an automatic variant like the Swift VXI AGS removes the initial hurdles of gear management, letting the driver focus more on road awareness and vehicle control. Also Read: Citroen C3 Aircross vs MG Astor: Comparing Their Variants Priced Rs 12-14 Lakh

The Top 3 choices

1. Maruti Suzuki Swift VXI AGS
2. Citroen C3 Puretech 82 Shine DT
3. Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Swift VXI AGS offers effortless driving. 
• The C3 Shine DT adds a touch of modernity with its parking camera. 
• The Swift ZXI combines efficiency with entertainment through its LCD screen. 

For a first-time car buyer, these three variants offer a mix of convenience, efficiency, and affordability. Any of these choices will ensure a smooth initiation into the driving world.

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