One’s first car is exciting. Nobody ever forgets the feeling of holding the keys for the first time and fresh steering leather on their hands. Selecting your first 4-wheeler can take countless hours of research and consulting family and friends. It should suit your budget and preferences.
With affordability and mileage in mind, this guide showcases the best cars for first-time buyers in India in 2024.
| Price Range (₹) | Mileage (km/litre) | Transmission | Special Features | |
| Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 | ₹3.99 lakh – ₹5.96 lakh | 24.39 | Manual/AMT | SmartPlay Studio, Touchscreen Infotainment |
| Renault Kwid | ₹4.70 lakh – ₹6.45 lakh | 22 – 25 | Manual/AMT | Digital Instrument Cluster, SUV-inspired design |
| Tata Tiago | ₹5.65 lakh – ₹8.90 lakh | 19.8 – 23.84 | Manual/AMT | Harman Sound System, Best-in-Class Safety |
| Hyundai Grand i10 Nios | ₹ 5.92 lakh – ₹ 8.56 lakh | 20.7 – 25 | Manual/AMT | Wireless Charging, Rear AC Vents |
| Maruti Suzuki Swift | ₹6.49 lakh – ₹9.60 lakh | 22.38 – 30.9 | Manual/AMT | LED Projector Headlamps, Smart Keyless Entry |
| Honda Amaze | ₹7.20 lakh – ₹9.96 lakh | 18.6 – 24.7 | Manual/AMT | Paddle Shifters, Digipad 2.0 Infotainment System |
| Hyundai Venue | ₹7.94 lakh – ₹13.53 lakh | 17.5 – 23.4 | Manual/AMT/DCT | Sunroof, Bluelink Connected Car Tech |
| Maruti Suzuki Brezza | ₹8.34 lakh – ₹14.14 lakh | 20.15 | Manual/AMT | Wireless Charging, Floating Touchscreen Infotainment |
| Kia Seltos | ₹10.90 lakh – ₹20.45 lakh | 16 – 21 | Manual/AMT | UVO Connected Car Tech, Bose Sound System |
| Mahindra XUV700 | ₹13.99 lakh – ₹25.14 lakh | 15 – 20 | Manual/AMT | Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), Panoramic Sunroof |
Here’s a detailed section on top cars across various price segments:
Cars Under 5 Lakhs: Affordable and Efficient
A tight budget can still avail plenty with great value for money in mileage and maintenance:
1. Maruti Suzuki Alto K10
| Price Range | ₹3.99 lakh – ₹5.96 lakh |
| Engine | 998 cc, 1.0-litre K10B Petrol |
| Mileage | 24.39 km/litre |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual, AMT |
| Safety Features | Dual airbags, ABS, EBD |
| Special Features | SmartPlay Studio, Touchscreen Infotainment |
2. Renault Kwid
| Price Range | ₹4.70 lakh – ₹6.45 lakh |
| Engine | 999 cc, 1.0-litre SCe Petrol |
| Mileage | 22 – 25 km/litre |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual, AMT |
| Safety Features | Dual airbags, ABS, EBD |
| Special Features | Digital Instrument Cluster, SUV-inspired design |
Best Cars Under 8 Lakhs: Balancing Price and Features
For those willing to stretch the budget, cars under 8 lakhs offer better features and enhanced comfort:
3. Tata Tiago
| Price Range | ₹5.65 lakh – ₹8.90 lakh |
| Engine | 1199 cc, 1.2-litre Revotron Petrol, 1.2-litre Revotron CNG |
| Mileage | 19.8 – 23.84 km/litre |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual, AMT |
| Safety Features | Dual airbags, ABS, EBD, Corner Stability Control |
| Special Features | Harman Sound System, Best-in-Class Safety |
4. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
| Price Range | ₹ 5.92 lakh – ₹ 8.56 lakh |
| Engine | 1199 cc, 1.2-litre Revotron Petrol, 1.2-litre Revotron CNG |
| Mileage | 19.8 – 23.84 km/litre |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual, AMT |
| Safety Features | Dual airbags, ABS, EBD, Corner Stability Control |
| Special Features | Harman Sound System, Best-in-Class Safety |
Cars Under 10 Lakhs: Style and Comfortable
For first-time buyers who needi more advanced features, this is the sweet spot:
5. Maruti Suzuki Swift
| Price Range | ₹6.49 lakh – ₹9.60 lakh |
| Engine | 1197 cc, 1.2-litre Dualjet Petrol, 1.2-litre Bi-Fuel (CNG) |
| Mileage | 22.38 – 30.9 km/litre |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual, AMT |
| Safety Features | Dual airbags, ABS, EBD |
| Special Features | LED Projector Headlamps, Smart Keyless Entry |
Also Read: 8 Reasons Behind Maruti Suzuki Swift’s Success in India
6. Honda Amaze
| Price Range | ₹7.20 lakh – ₹9.96 lakh |
| Engine | 1199 cc, 1.2-litre i-VTEC Petrol, 1.5-litre i-DTEC Diesel |
| Mileage | 18.6 – 24.7 km/litre |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual, AMT |
| Safety Features | Dual airbags, ABS, EBD |
| Special Features | Paddle Shifters, Digipad 2.0 Infotainment System |
Best Cars Under 15 Lakhs: Premium Features at Reasonable Price
Cars under this segment offer premium features, superior performance, and added comfort:
7. Hyundai Venue
| Price Range | ₹7.94 lakh – ₹13.53 lakh |
| Engine | 1197 cc, 1.2-litre Kappa Petrol, 1.0-litre Turbo Petrol, 1.5-litre CRDi Diesel |
| Mileage | 17.5 – 23.4 km/litre |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual, AMT, DCT |
| Safety Features | 6 airbags, ABS, ESC, Hill Assist |
| Special Features | Sunroof, Bluelink Connected Car Tech |
8. Maruti Suzuki Brezza
| Price Range | ₹8.34 lakh – ₹14.14 lakh |
| Engine | 1462 cc, 1.5-litre K15B Smart Hybrid Petrol |
| Mileage | 20.15 km/litre |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual, Automatic |
| Safety Features | Dual airbags, ABS, EBD |
| Special Features | Wireless Charging, Floating Touchscreen Infotainment |
Best Cars Under 30 Lakhs: Luxury and Performance
For those who can splurge a little, this automotive segment fetches luxury, superior technology, and outstanding performance:
9. Kia Seltos
| Price Range | ₹10.90 lakh – ₹20.45 lakh |
| Engine | 1497 cc, 1.5-litre Smartstream Petrol, 1.4-litre Turbo Petrol, 1.5-litre CRDi Diesel |
| Mileage | 16 – 21 km/litre |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual, Automatic |
| Safety Features | 6 airbags, ABS, ESC, Hill Assist |
| Special Features | UVO Connected Car Tech, Bose Sound System |
10. Mahindra XUV700
| Price Range | ₹13.99 lakh – ₹25.14 lakh |
| Engine | 1999 cc, 2.0-litre Turbo Petrol, 2.2-litre mHawk Diesel |
| Mileage | 15 – 20 km/litre |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual, Automatic |
| Safety Features | 7 airbags, ESP, ADAS, Traction Control |
| Special Features | Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), Panoramic Sunroof |
How to Choose the Right Car for Yourself
Considering these pointers while picking our first car will help:
- Fix a Budget: FInalise a price range and never strain your finances.
- Keep Usage in Mind: Opt for a model based on your travel style. (city commute or inter state travel)
- Know Fuel Types: Choose between petrol, diesel, CNG, electric and hybrid.
- Select Features: Go for necessary features like airbags, ABS, and infotainment devices.
Your First Car: First Story to Tell
Securing one’s first car is a major step. The options available today provide a bit of everything from affordability to luxurious features. The current market holds the best cars. From compact hatchbacks to spacious SUVs, there’s a vehicle for everyone.
Ready to hit the road? Explore the top cars today and hold the wheel with confidence!
Must Read: Top 10 Most Selling Cars In The Third Quarter 2024