Hyundai i20 vs Maruti Suzuki Swift: Best Variant Priced Rs 7-8 Lakh for First-time Car Buyers
Confused about which should be your first car, or which are the best, or top cars for first-time buyers in India? Let us help you decide which option to choose. We look at the Hyundai i20 and Maruti Suzuki Swift, 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 i20 vs Maruti Suzuki Swift – 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
First-time car buyers prioritize affordability, fuel efficiency, and reliability when choosing their first vehicle. They seek a car that offers a comfortable driving experience, modern features, and ample space for passengers and cargo.
Safety features such as airbags, ABS, and parking sensors are also important considerations. Additionally, first-time buyers often prefer cars with low maintenance costs and a good resale value.
Why Hyundai i20 and Maruti Suzuki Swift are Popular
The Hyundai i20 and Maruti Suzuki Swift are popular choices among first-time car buyers due to their combination of affordability, features, and performance. Both cars offer a range of variants to suit different budgets and preferences.
The Hyundai i20 is known for its stylish design, premium interiors, and advanced safety features. It offers a comfortable ride, spacious cabin, and efficient engines. The i20’s touchscreen infotainment system, rear AC vents, and automatic climate control add to its appeal.
The Maruti Suzuki Swift is renowned for its sporty design, fuel efficiency, and agile handling. Its lightweight construction and peppy engines ensure a fun driving experience. The Swift’s modern features, such as the touchscreen infotainment system, steering-mounted controls, and push-button start, make it an attractive option for first-time buyers.
Hyundai i20 and Maruti Suzuki Swift Variants Shortlist in Rs 7-8 Lakh Range
For Hyundai i20, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 24 April 2024 |
|---|---|
| Era | ₹7,04,000 |
| Magna | ₹7,75,000 |
For Maruti Suzuki Swift, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 24 April 2024 |
|---|---|
| VXI AGS | ₹7,45,000 |
| ZXI | ₹7,58,000 |
Hyundai i20 Era
The base variant offers essential features like power steering, front power windows, and a USB port at an affordable price. Its efficient engine and comfortable ride make it a good choice for budget-conscious buyers. You can also read our comparison of the i20 with Kia Sonet 2024 for first-time car buyers.
Hyundai i20 Magna
This variant adds features such as automatic ORVMs, steering-mounted controls, and rear parking sensors. The Magna strikes a balance between affordability and features, making it an attractive option for first-time buyers. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can check out our comparison of the i20 with Tata Tigor.
Maruti Suzuki Swift VXI AGS
The VXI AGS variant comes with an AMT gearbox, which ensures a smooth and effortless driving experience. It also offers features like rear parking sensors, power windows, and a tilt steering column, making it a good choice for first-time buyers. If you’re budget conscious, you can read our comparison of the Swift with Nissan Magnite.
Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI
The top-spec ZXI variant offers additional features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, alloy wheels, and automatic climate control. Its sporty design, agile handling, and fuel efficiency make it an attractive option for first-time buyers willing to stretch their budget slightly.
Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Hyundai i20 and Maruti Suzuki Swift for First-time Car Buyers
After careful consideration, we recommend the Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI as the best variant for first-time car buyers. The Swift ZXI offers a compelling package of features, performance, and value.
The ZXI variant comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and steering-mounted controls, which enhance the driving experience. Its sporty design and stylish interiors appeal to young buyers.
The Swift’s 1.2-liter petrol engine delivers a perfect balance of performance and fuel efficiency. With a claimed mileage of 22.38 kmpl, the Swift ZXI helps keep running costs low, which is a significant advantage for first-time buyers.
Moreover, the Swift’s lightweight construction and agile handling make it fun to drive and easy to maneuver in city traffic. The car’s responsive steering and minimal body roll ensure a confident driving experience.
In terms of safety, the Swift ZXI comes with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors, providing peace of mind to first-time buyers.
Considering its combination of features, performance, fuel efficiency, and sporty design, the Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI emerges as the best choice for first-time car buyers.
The Top 3 Choices
- Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI
- Hyundai i20 Magna
- Maruti Suzuki Swift VXI AGS
| Feature | Swift ZXI | i20 Magna | Swift VXI AGS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Windows – Front | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fog Lights | No | Yes | No |
| Touchscreen type | LCD | N/A | N/A |
| Automatic Climate Control | Yes | No | No |
| Alloy Wheels | Yes | No | No |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Swift ZXI tops our list for its excellent blend of features, performance, and affordability. Its sporty design, fuel-efficient engine, and modern amenities make it an ideal choice for first-time buyers.
- The i20 Magna secures the second spot for its premium features, comfortable ride, and stylish design. It offers a balance of affordability and features, making it an attractive option for those willing to stretch their budget slightly.
- The Swift VXI AGS takes the third position for its convenience and ease of driving. The AMT gearbox is perfect for city driving and appeals to first-time buyers who prefer an automatic transmission.
These variants offer the most attractive packages for first-time car buyers. They strike the right balance between affordability, features, performance, and value, making them excellent choices for those stepping into car ownership for the first time.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to ourBuying Advice section.