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 micro SUVs Tata Punch and the Hyundai Exter, and find out which variant 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
- Tata Punch vs Hyundai Exter – an in-depth guide to their variants, features, cost, and driveability
- How to pick the right car for you
Being micro SUVs, both Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter figure among affordable cars for first-time car buyers. Let’s see how they compare.
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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 usually seeks a vehicle that offers the best blend of safety, convenience, and value. Safety features like ABS and airbags are non-negotiable, while convenience attributes such as power steering and rear parking sensors simplify the driving experience.
In top cars for first-time buyers, fuel efficiency and affordability remain paramount, ensuring that the purchase doesn’t strain their finances. Additionally, car dimensions, particularly ground clearance, play a crucial role in countries with diverse terrains and road conditions.
Why Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter are Popular
Both the Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter have made significant inroads in the Indian automobile market. The Tata Punch, with its sturdy build and impressive ground clearance, is lauded for effortlessly navigating Indian roads. It offers substantial safety features, echoing Tata’s commitment to passenger safety.
On the other hand, Hyundai Exter promises Hyundai’s reliability combined with modern aesthetics. Its variants provide a gamut of features catering to the budget-conscious first-timer without compromising on safety.
The presence of essential functions and the versatility in both models makes them popular contenders for those entering the realm of car ownership.
Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter Variants Shortlist in Rs 7-8 Lakh Range
For Tata Punch, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 24 August 2023 |
| Adventure Rhythm | ₹725,000 |
| Accomplished | ₹770,000 |
| Adventure AMT Rhythm | ₹785,000 |
For Hyundai Exter, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 24 August 2023 |
| S | ₹727,000 |
| S AMT | ₹797,000 |
| SX | ₹800,000 |
Tata Punch Adventure Rhythm
At ₹725,000, this variant strikes a balance between essential safety features and cost. The 187mm ground clearance and a decent 20.09 kmpl highway mileage are notable, though it misses out on features like a push-button start.
Tata Punch Accomplished
Priced slightly higher at ₹770,000, this variant offers added features like fog lights, enhancing visibility during challenging weather conditions. If you’re safety-conscious, you can check out how the Punch compares with Exter.
Tata Punch Adventure AMT Rhythm
At ₹785,000, this variant brings the ease of AMT transmission, aiding first-timers, especially in city traffic conditions.
Hyundai Exter S
With a price tag of ₹727,000, it brings a unique blend of safety and convenience, offering knee/curtain airbags, a feature absent in some Tata Punch variants. If you love tech and gadgets in a car, you can read how the Exter stacks up against the Hyundai i20.
Hyundai Exter S AMT
Priced at ₹797,000, it combines the ease of AMT with essential safety features, making it a strong contender.
Hyundai Exter SX
This ₹800,000 variant introduces features like fog lights, adding to the driving experience without escalating the cost significantly. We also have our guide to the best Exter variants for the budget-conscious.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter for First-time car buyers
The Hyundai Exter S stands out as the most fitting for first-time car buyers. Priced competitively at ₹727,000, it doesn’t just prioritize affordability but also offers knee/curtain airbags—a crucial safety feature for novices.
While it matches most features with its competitors, the presence of these airbags gives it an edge. Ground clearance of 185mm is commendable, ensuring suitability for varied terrains.
Furthermore, essential convenience features like power steering and rear parking sensors make the driving journey simpler and enjoyable. In short, it is the right car on our list for first-time car buyers.
The Top 3 choices
- Hyundai Exter S
- Tata Punch Adventure AMT Rhythm
- Hyundai Exter S AMT
| Attributes | Hyundai Exter S | Tata Punch Adventure AMT Rhythm | Hyundai Exter S AMT |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Crash Warning | No | Yes | No |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 185 | 187 | 185 |
| Overall Mileage (kmpl) | 19.4 | 18.8 | 19.2 |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Transmission – Auto Type | None | AMT | AMT |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Hyundai Exter S clinches the top spot due to its safety features, especially the knee/curtain airbags.
- The Tata Punch Adventure AMT Rhythm offers the convenience of automatic transmission.
- The Hyundai Exter S AMT combines safety and AMT, adding versatility to the list.
These three variants encapsulate the desired blend of essentials for first-time car buyers, ensuring a balance between safety, convenience, and value.
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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