Maruti Suzuki Swift vs Tata Tiago vs Hyundai Grand i10 Nios: Comparing Cheapest Variants for the Budget-Conscious Buyer

What are some of the best budget cars, or value for money cars in India? Let’s look at the hatchbacks Maruti Suzuki Swift, Tata Tiago and Hyundai Grand i10 Nios 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 Swift vs Tata Tiago vs Hyundai Grand i10 Nios – 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 hatchback segment in India. But which of these is the best budget hatchback? 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

Budget-conscious buyers prioritize affordability both in terms of upfront cost and long-term maintenance. They value fuel efficiency, ensuring more kilometers per litre, minimizing fuel costs. 

Essential safety features like ABS and airbags become crucial for such buyers as they want the most protection without heavy price tags. 

Additionally, core conveniences such as power steering and windows are expected. While luxury add-ons are appreciated, they aren’t deal-breakers. A car’s reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs also influences their decision.

Why Maruti Suzuki Swift, Tata Tiago, and Hyundai Grand i10 Nios are Popular

All three cars: Maruti Suzuki Swift, Tata Tiago, and Hyundai Grand i10 are staples in the compact car segment, renowned for their affordability and reliability. 

Swift has been praised for its consistent performance and brand trustworthiness. 

Tata Tiago, on the other hand, has been appreciated for its value-for-money proposition, offering decent features at a competitive price. 

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios bridges the gap between premium and budget, with its refined interiors and consistent performance. 

All three have established themselves as cost-effective options with decent fuel efficiencies, making them favorites among budget-conscious buyers. In short, they are cars that fit within your budget.

Maruti Suzuki Swift, Tata Tiago, and Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Entry-level Variants

For Maruti Suzuki Swift, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 29 August 2023
LXI	₹599,450

For Tata Tiago, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 29 August 2023
XE	₹553,900

For Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 29 August 2023
Era	₹573,000

Maruti Suzuki Swift LXI

The Swift LXI is a robust choice for budget-conscious buyers. With an overall mileage of 22.38 kmpl and core safety features like ABS and 2 airbags, it promises both fuel efficiency and protection. Though it misses on certain conveniences like power windows, its reputation and reliability precede it. If you’re a first-time car buyer, you can read how the Swift compares with Tata Altroz.

Tata Tiago XE

The Tiago XE, being the cheapest among the three, offers significant features like ABS, 2 airbags, and a decent mileage of 19.01 kmpl. While it doesn’t have power windows, the addition of rear AC vents is a boon for passengers, enhancing comfort. We also have our comparison of the Grand i10 Nios with Tata Tiago for safety-conscious buyers.

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Era

The Grand i10 Nios Era combines the best of both worlds, offering essential safety features, power front windows, and an impressive city mileage of 20.7 kmpl. Its price, slightly higher than the Tiago but lower than Swift, makes it a balanced choice for those seeking a mix of convenience and affordability. If you’re a senior citizen car buyer, you can read our comparison of the automatic variants of the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and Maruti Swift.

Our Pick for the Best variant among Maruti Suzuki Swift, Tata Tiago, and Hyundai Grand i10 for Budget-conscious buyers

The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Era stands out as the best option. It offers core safety features like ABS and 2 airbags, ensuring protection. 

In terms of fuel efficiency, its city mileage of 20.7 kmpl is commendable. Moreover, it offers convenience with power front windows, enhancing the driving experience. 

The car’s price point is a midway between the Swift and Tiago, ensuring buyers get more features without significantly stretching their budget. 

It encapsulates what a budget-conscious buyer seeks: safety, efficiency, some added convenience, and a competitive price.

The 3 Entry-level Variants Ranked

1. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Era
2. Maruti Suzuki Swift LXI
3. Tata Tiago XE

Attribute	Grand i10 Nios Era	Swift LXI	Tiago XE
ABS	Yes	Yes	Yes
Airbags (number)	2	2	2
City Mileage (kmpl)	20.7	20	19.01
Engine – Fuel type	Petrol	Petrol	Petrol
Highway Mileage (kmpl)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Power Steering	Yes	Yes	Yes
Power Windows – Front	Yes	No	No

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Era tops the list with its combination of safety, efficiency, and convenience at a balanced price point. 
• Swift LXI follows, mainly driven by its brand reputation, reliability, and satisfactory mileage.
• Lastly, the Tiago XE, while being the most affordable, doesn’t compromise on essential features, making it a viable choice for the budget-conscious.

Summing up, these three variants fit your wallet and offer the best blend of safety, efficiency, and value for money, catering seamlessly to the priorities of a budget-conscious buyer. 

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