Hyundai Exter vs Nissan Magnite vs Maruti Suzuki Jimny: Comparing Their Variants Priced Rs 10-12 Lakh for First-time Car Buyers
Buying a car for the first time, but confused about which are the best, or top cars for first-time buyers in India, and which option to choose? Let’s look at the Hyundai Exter, Nissan Magnite and Maruti Suzuki Jimny, and find out which of their variants 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
- Hyundai Exter vs Nissan Magnite vs Maruti Suzuki Jimny – an in-depth guide to their variants, features, cost, and driveability
- How to pick the right car for you
So, are these affordable cars for first-time buyers in India? And which variant of these models is the right car for a first-time car buyer? Let’s find out.
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.
For a first-time buyer, affordability is the top priority along with decent features and solid safety equipment. Reliable after-sales service provides peace of mind. They prefer no-frills, low maintenance variants that are easy to drive daily over more powerful or feature-packed trims. The idea is to get a worry-free, value-for-money ownership experience. Good fuel economy, visibility and maneuverability also make drives hassle-free.
Why Hyundai Exter, Nissan Magnite and Maruti Suzuki Jimny are popular
The Exter, Magnite and Jimny score highly as good starter vehicles. The Exter and Magnite have excellent base pricing – ₹7.02 lakhs and ₹5.97 lakhs respectively making them budget friendly. The Jimny start price is also reasonable – ₹8.30 lakhs.
Their peppy petrol engines ensure low running costs. Generous safety equipment provides reassurance. Light steering and compact size aid maneuverability. Additionally, Maruti’s widespread service network provides peace of mind for first-time buyers.
So these well-rounded UVs satisfy those wanting modern essentials without headaches.
Hyundai Exter, Nissan Magnite and Maruti Suzuki Jimny variants shortlist in Rs 10-12 lakh range
For Hyundai Exter, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 22 February 2024 |
|---|---|
| SX Opt DT AMT | ₹10.28 lakhs |
For Nissan Magnite, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 22 February 2024 |
|---|---|
| Turbo CVT XV Premium | ₹10.2 lakhs |
For Maruti Suzuki Jimny, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 22 February 2024 |
|---|---|
| Zeta MT | ₹10.74 lakhs |
Hyundai Exter SX Opt DT AMT
The top SX Opt dual tone AMT gets essentials like 6 airbags, vehicle stability management and auto headlamps, rear sensors etc. offered at a reasonable ₹10.28 lakhs price point for new buyers. Decent package. If you’re budget conscious, you can read our comparison of the Exter with Maruti Suzuki Fronx.
Nissan Magnite Turbo CVT XV Premium
The Premium keeps things simple with basics like LED DRLs, push button start, auto AC and rear camera offered at an attractive entry price of ₹10.2 lakhs. Easy on first-timers’ wallet. You can also read our guide to the most value-for-money variants of Nissan Magnite.
Maruti Suzuki Jimny Zeta MT
The mid Zeta MT strikes an ideal balance between price and features like steering mounted controls, hill hold assist etc. Basic comforts without unnecessary extras keep costs down for new buyers starting out. If you’re an off-roading enthusiast, you can read our comparison of the Jimny with Mahindra Thar.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Hyundai Exter, Nissan Magnite and Maruti Suzuki Jimny for First-time car buyers
The Nissan Magnite Turbo CVT XV Premium variant priced at ₹10.2 lakhs makes a strong case as the sensible first car choice based on its combination of adequate features and safety equipment coupled with its tempting price point.
While sharply undercutting key rivals, modern basics like automatic LED headlights, height adjustable driver seat, push button start, auto AC etc. maximise the Magnite’s value. It also packs essential safety with dual airbags, traction control, ABS, EBD, brake assist. Cabin space is reasonably good too.
Though safer, Exter’s claimed mileage of 19.2 km/l is underwhelming compared to Magnite’s 20 km/l. More worryingly for first-timers, Exter’s higher maintenance will be felt too. Jimny trails on rear seat comfort, features and misses out on vital safety kit expected today.
So considering the Magnite strikes the best balance between core features and aggressive pricing allowing smooth initiation for new drivers into car ownership, it comes across as a sensible no-frills value pick packing in the modern basics.
The 3 Variants Ranked in Order of Preference
- Nissan Magnite Turbo Premium
- Hyundai Exter SX DT
- Maruti Suzuki Jimny Zeta MT
| Attribute | Nissan Magnite Turbo Premium | Hyundai Exter SX DT | Maruti Suzuki Jimny Zeta MT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (₹ lakhs) | 10.2 | 10.28 | 10.74 |
| Mileage | 20 km/l | 19.2 km/l | 16.94 km/l |
| Airbags | 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Infotainment | 8-inch | 8-inch | 7-inch |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Magnite Turbo Premium clearly leads value thanks to essentials like automatic LED headlights, push start button and adequate safety equipment offered at a tempting ₹10.2 lakh sticker price – excellent for first car buyers.
- The Exter SX DT focuses on safety and assurance by packing in segment-leading 6 airbags, vehicle stability management, speed alert system etc. into its competitively priced package. Reliable brand option but claimed mileage could be better.
- And the Jimny Zeta MT redeems itself through go-anywhere capability and ride comfort that first car buyers appreciate as they hone their skills. Compromises on certain features or safety equipment but off-road readiness and Maruti badge appeal to some.
Value, safety or rugged appeal and reliability help determine the ideal first car choice from these three strongly recommended starter variants targeting young first-time buyers.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to ourBuying Advice section.