What are some of the value for money cars in India? Let’s look at the Honda Elevate and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara to see which variants in their lineup are affordable car options in the mid-size SUV segment in India.
In this article, we will discuss
- What a value-for-money buyer looks for in a car
- Honda Elevate vs Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara – a comprehensive analysis of their variants, features, affordability, and fuel efficiency
- How to pick the right car for you
What a Value-for-Money Buyer Looks for in a Car
A value-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
Value buyers want good returns on their investment by getting optimal features, performance and ownership experience at a justifiable price. Good fuel efficiency for low running costs, decent power and torque, generous safety equipment, latest gadgets like touchscreens, connectivity options and ample cabin space get priority.
After-sales service reach for peace of mind and low maintenance bills further sweeten the proposition. Some premium features may be compromised but core functionality along with hassle-free ownership cannot be within tight budgets.
Why Honda Elevate and Maruti Grand Vitara are popular
Both the Elevate and Grand Vitara strike a fine balance between features, efficiency and value pricing that appeals to buyers with budget constraints. Their petrol engines deliver up to 20.58km/l fuel efficiency respectively for low ownership costs along with responsive performance.
Safety sees 6 airbags, electronic stability control, hill hold assist etc. Connected features cover smartphone navigation, remote AC operation etc. Brand repute results in widespread service networks for both ensuring peace of mind.
Pricing spans lower and higher variants as well allowing value buyers to get additional equipment like sunroof, cruise control etc at reasonable premiums without sacrificing budget limits. Overall, both models package the features and qualities essential for value buyers very well.
Honda Elevate and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara variants shortlist in Rs 13-15 lakh range
For Honda Elevate, we have:
Variant | Price (INR) as on 13 February 2024 |
V CVT | ₹13.41 Lakhs |
VX CVT | ₹14.80 Lakhs |
For Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, we have:
Variant | Price (INR) as on 13 February 2024 |
Delta AT | ₹13.60 Lakhs |
Zeta | ₹13.91 Lakhs |
Honda Elevate V CVT
The Elevate V CVT strikes the value sweet spot by balancing attractive pricing with a decently loaded package. Safety sees 6 airbags, electronic stability control, ISOFIX mounts etc. Comforts include auto AC, 17.8cm touchscreen with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, multi-function steering, push button start etc. The engine delivers 16.92km/l while maintenance is affordable. We have also compared the Elevate with Grand Vitara for family-focused car buyers.
Honda Elevate VX CVT
The VX CVT adds more airbags, features and alloy wheels but demands a steep premium which reduces its value appeal.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Delta AT
Among Grand Vitara variants, the Delta AT is competitively priced at Rs. 13.60 lakhs. It strikes a fine balance between features and affordability. Safety sees 2 airbags, electronic stability control, disc brakes all around etc. Equipment list covers auto AC, 17.8cm touchscreen, cruise control etc. The engine delivers 20.58km/l mileage. If you’re a gadget lover, you can check out our comparison of the Grand Vitara with Hyundai Creta 2024.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Zeta
The Zeta variant enhances safety with 6 airbags while adding tech like wireless Android Auto/CarPlay, LED headlamps etc. But at Rs. 13.91 lakhs, the Delta AT brings better value currently.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Honda Elevate and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara for Value-for-money buyers
The Honda Elevate V CVT emerges as the ideal value pick from the shortlisted variants marrying the right mix of features, drivability and affordability. Priced attractively at Rs. 13.41 lakhs, it strikes a fine balance between low and range-topping variants. Safety sees 6 airbags, electronic stability control, ISOFIX child seat mounts, pedestrian injury mitigation etc.
Comforts and conveniences cover auto headlamps, automatic climate control, 17.8cm touchscreen supporting Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, multi-function steering wheel, rear sensors, push button start/stop etc. The responsive 1.5L iVTEC petrol engine delivers 16.92km/l for low running costs. Brand Honda also equates to one of the widest sales and service networks in India assuring peace of mind.
In comparison, the Maruti Grand Vitara Delta AT offers good value too with its sub-Rs. 14 lakh pricing coupled with 20.58kmpl mileage from a torquey petrol engine. But ultimately it loses out to the Elevate V CVT when it comes to brand value and perception of better reliability, creature comforts and after sales experience – key priorities for value-focused buyers even with the marginally higher starting price.
Top 3 Variants
- Honda Elevate V CVT
- Maruti Grand Vitara Delta AT
- Maruti Grand Vitara Zeta
Features | Honda Elevate V CVT | Maruti Grand Vitara Delta AT | Maruti Grand Vitara Zeta |
Mileage (km/l) | 16.92 | 20.58 | 21.11 |
Airbags | 6 | 2 | 6 |
Cruise Control | Yes | Yes | No |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Honda Elevate V CVT secures the #1 spot for blending the best mix of features, responsive petrol engine and Honda’s brand image at a reasonable mid-variant staring price below Rs. 14 lakhs ex-showroom. Generous safety features, automatic climate control, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay equipped touchscreen infotainment and Honda’s after-sales reputation justifies it as a great value buy.
- The Maruti Grand Vitara Delta AT holds its own with competitive pricing coupled to a 20.58kmpl mileage from a lively petrol engine. Safety and comforts cover necessities like auto AC, cruise control, 17.8cm SmartPlay Studio touchscreen, push button start/stop, electronic stability program etc. But the Elevate still has an edge on paper.
- The Grand Vitara Zeta takes 3rd place, missing the top spot by a whisker. For Rs. 30,000 more over the Delta AT, it adds plenty of extra safety and features like 6 airbags, LED headlamps, height-adjustable driver’s seat, wireless Android Auto etc. But value buyers get better returns from the cheaper variant without compromising on much.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.