Buying a car for the first time, but confused about which are the best cars for first-time buyers in India, and which option to choose? Let’s look at the base variants of the Tata Punch, Citroen C3 and the Hyundai Exter, and find out which of these will be the best for you.
In this first-time car buyers’ guide, we will share
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- What a first-time buyer should look for in a car
- Tata Punch vs Citroen C3 vs Hyundai Exter – an in-depth guide to their base variants, features, cost, and driveability
- How to pick the right car for you
The base variants of these cars are among the affordable cars for first-time buyers in India. Let’s take a closer look.
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.
A first-time car buyer prioritizes safety, affordability, fuel efficiency, and ease of use. As they tread unfamiliar territory, they require a car that assures them on the roads with reliable safety features.
Fuel efficiency is crucial given the rising fuel prices. Simplicity in controls, features that assist in driving, and a comfortable driving experience are essential in top cars for first-time buyers.
Why Tata Punch, Citroen C3, and Hyundai Exter are Popular
Tata Punch, Citroen C3, and Hyundai Exter have carved a niche in the compact segment, appealing to first-time buyers. Their compact dimensions, coupled with substantial ground clearance, offer the dual advantage of city maneuverability and rough road handling.
They come with essential safety features like ABS, rear parking sensors, and power steering, enhancing the driving experience. These cars are also competitively priced, ensuring value for money.
These models are frequently recommended for their reliability and user-friendly features, making them popular choices. Also Read: Citroen C3 Aircross vs Honda Elevate: Comparing Their Variants Priced Rs 10-12 Lakh
Tata Punch, Citroen C3, and Hyundai Exter Base Variants
For Tata Punch, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 31 August 2023 |
| Pure | ₹600,000 |
For Citroen C3, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 31 August 2023 |
| Puretech 82 Live | ₹616,000 |
For Hyundai Exter, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 31 August 2023 |
| EX | ₹600,000 |
Tata Punch Pure
Tata Punch Pure offers essential safety with ABS and lane keeping assist. With a high ground clearance of 187mm, it ensures smooth rides on uneven terrains. Its overall mileage of 20.09 kmpl is commendable, ensuring economical drives. Also Read: Citroen C3 Aircross vs MG Astor: Comparing Their Variants Priced Rs 12-14 Lakh
Though it lacks advanced features like USB ports, it compensates with basics like power steering and rear parking sensors. If you’re a budget-conscious buyer, you can read our comparison of the Punch with Nissan Magnite.
Citroen C3 Puretech 82 Live
Citroen C3 Puretech 82 Live, priced slightly higher, has ABS and a ground clearance of 180mm. The 19.3 kmpl highway mileage is impressive. It provides power steering, ensuring ease for new drivers.
However, like Tata Punch, it doesn’t offer advanced entertainment features, focusing on the basics. If you’re style-conscious, you can check out our comparison of the C3 with Tata Punch.
Hyundai Exter EX
Hyundai Exter EX stands out with its knee/curtain airbags, enhancing passenger safety. It also boasts a ground clearance of 185mm and a highway mileage of 19.4 kmpl. The model is well-equipped with power windows at the front and a tilt & telescopic steering column.
However, it lacks rear parking sensors, which might be a concern for some first-time drivers. You can also read our guide to the best Exter variants for tech-savvy gadget lovers.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Tata Punch, Citroen C3, and Hyundai Exter for First-time car buyers
The Tata Punch Pure emerges as the top contender for first-time car buyers. It ticks off most of the attributes that are crucial for beginners. Safety is assured with ABS, and the substantial ground clearance of 187mm is unmatched, providing an edge on uneven terrains.
The lane keeping assist further enhances safety. It boasts the best fuel efficiency among the three with 20.09 kmpl. The presence of power steering ensures ease of handling.
Even though it lacks a few convenience features like USB ports, for its price point, it provides a balanced mix of safety, performance, and convenience for novice drivers. In short, it is the right car for a first-time buyer. Also Read: Citroen C3 Aircross vs Honda Elevate: Comparing Their Variants Priced Rs 12-14 Lakh
The 3 Base Variants Ranked
- Tata Punch Pure
- Hyundai Exter EX
- Citroen C3 Puretech 82 Live
| Attributes | Tata Punch Pure | Hyundai Exter EX | Citroen C3 Puretech 82 Live |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 187 | 185 | 180 |
| Highway Mileage (kmpl) | 20.09 | 19.4 | 19.3 |
| Lane keeping assist | Yes | No | No |
| Overall Mileage (kmpl) | 20.09 | 19.4 | Yes |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | No | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Tata Punch Pure stands out for its combination of safety, fuel efficiency, and essential features, all at an affordable price.
- Hyundai Exter EX follows closely, with enhanced safety through knee/curtain airbags and user-friendly features.
- Citroen C3 Puretech 82 Live, though a strong competitor, lags slightly due to its lower ground clearance.
All three cater well to first-time buyers, balancing safety and essential attributes while maintaining an affordable price range.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
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