MG Astor vs Citroen C3 Aircross vs Honda Elevate: A Comparison of 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 MG Astor, Citroen C3 Aircross and Honda Elevate, 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
• MG Astor vs Citroen C3 Aircross vs Honda Elevate – 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

A first-time buyer wants a car that is easy to drive with basic features. They look for sufficient safety like airbags, ABS, parking sensors etc. They prefer less complex technologies and want decent fuel efficiency and space. Comfort and ride quality should be good. They have a budget around 10-13 lakh and want value for money.

Why MG Astor, Citroen C3 Aircross and Honda Elevate are popular

These models appeal to first-time buyers thanks to:

2. Competitive pricing and value-for-money quotient
3. Generous safety equipment even in base variants
4. Smooth automatic transmission options for ease of driving
5. Good mileage and low running costs suit limited budgets
6. Sufficient comfort and features

So they simplify the transition from a hatchback or used car to a premium model.

MG Astor, Citroen C3 Aircross and Honda Elevate variants shortlist in Rs 10-12 lakh range

For MG Astor, we have:

For Citroen C3 Aircross, we have:

For Honda Elevate, we have:

MG Astor Shine

Key features:

If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can check out our comparison of the Astor with Hyundai Venue N Line.

Citroen C3 Aircross Plus 7 Seater

Key features:

If you’re looking for a family car, you can check out our comparison of the Aircross with Maruti Suzuki XL6.

Honda Elevate SV

Key features:

If you’re seeking value for money cars, you can read our comparison of the Elevate with Hyundai Verna.

We have selected fully-loaded variants of Astor, C3 Aircross and Elevate as they maximize safety and features. The Astor Shine variant gets 6 airbags and traction control while the Plus 7 Seater packs added safety too. The Honda Elevate SV also has a generous safety kit including 6 airbags, hill start assist and standard traction control. So our picks cover safety nicely.

Our Pick for the Best variant among MG Astor, Citroen C3 Aircross and Honda Elevate for First-time Car Buyers

The Citroen C3 Aircross Plus 7 Seater is the best variant for a first car buyer. It stands out for its smooth 6-speed auto transmission which makes driving effortless compared to manual in city conditions. This eases the transition from automatic scooters.

Further, it packs a rear camera, touchscreen infotainment and climate control adding comfort. The high 215 mm ground clearance aids on broken roads helping new drivers. With premium styling and features, it gives a great introduction to the world of SUVs without being too complex.

The 3 Variants Ranked in Order of Preference

2. Citroen C3 Aircross Plus 7 Seater
3. Honda Elevate SV
4. MG Astor Shine

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Citroen C3 Aircross Plus 7 Seater clearly stands out as the best variant for a first-time car buyer. Its smooth automatic, reverse camera and ergonomic interior simplify the usage while packed features make ownership enjoyable.
• The Astor and Elevate are also good options thanks to ample safety kit and driving aids. But the Aircross’ automatic, technology and ride quality combination give it an edge.

If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.