Best Cars for First-time Buyers in India 2024

When you are planning to buy your first car, the experience is completely different. The process of choosing the brand, checking out specifications, comparing prices, relooking at your budget and finally bringing your first car home is a special feeling that one remembers for a lifetime. If you are someone who is exploring cars to buy for the first time, you are at the right place. Read on to know more about the top cars to buy as a first-time buyer in 2024.

2024 Best Cars for first time buyers in India - Comparison Table

We have handpicked the top cars in India in the year 2024 for you to choose from. Presented below are a comparison of these top 10 cars based on price, fuel type, mileage, cc, car type, transmission, total airbags and boot space.

10 Best Cars for First Time Drivers/ Buyers

1. Maruti Swift

With the perfect balance of performance and fuel efficiency, Swift is a car from the house of Maruti Suzuki. A sporty hatchback, this car gives a mileage of about 25.75 kmpl, has 1197 cc engine capacity, operates in both automatic and manual and has a total of 6 airbags for complete safety. Maruti Swift also comes with a boot space of 265 litres to keep you covered for your long journeys or to keep your gym equipment in one place. The price for Maruti Swift stands at INR 6.49 - 9.59 lakh depending on the make, variant, model, colour of the car you choose. If you are someone who is planning to drive less than 1500 kms a month then we recommend you to buy the petrol version. However, a diesel version is well suited for someone who loves to travel and be on the road. Once you have decided to buy this car or have bought the car and are wondering about its insurance, this is the right place to check out the details.

Why Choose Maruti Swift?

• A trusted name in the Indian Automobile industry
• Economical and budget friendly
• Good safety measures
• Great Mileage
• Highest fuel efficiency among all its counterparts

2. Hyundai Creta

Creta is one of the most popular cars from the house of Hyundai, a South Korean multinational automobile company. Creata comes in both petrol and diesel variants and is placed at a price range of INR 11 to 20.15 lakh. Hyundai is known for its good mileage and Creta is no different with a mileage of 18.4 kmpl. A compact SUV, Creta comes both in an automatic and manual mode and has a boot space of 433 litres. There are a total of 6 air bags for your safety. To learn about insurance prices for Creta, read here.

Why Choose Hyundai Creta?

• Ergonomic design for comfortable driving experience
• Ample backseat and headroom space
• Brand reliability
• Dependable and effective engine operation
• Good safety measures

3. Tata Punch

Punch comes from the crown of Indian automobile industry and world renowned brand that everyone trusts - Tata. Available only in petrol fuel type, Punch is an SUV in the range of INR 6.13 to 10.20 lakh. Its mileage is 18.8 kmpl and has an engine capacity of 1199 cc. You can operate your Tata Punch both automatically and manually. Suitable for long rides, this vehicle has a boot space of 366 litres and has a total of 2 airbags. To purchase car insurance for your Tata Punch, visit here.

Why Choose Tata Punch?

• Reliable and trustworthy brand name
• Comes with Xpress cooling
• Has a voice-assisted sunroof
• Enhanced audio by HARMAN for music lovers
• Economical and safety of steel body

4. Tata Nexon

Nexon is yet another name from the house of Tata that comes in the price range of INR 8 to 15.80 lakh. While Nexon comes in both petrol and diesel variants, the diesel variant of Nexon is a hoot to drive in. An SUV, Nexon comes in both automatic and manual modes and has an added security of 6 air bags and has the second best mileage of 24.08 kmpl with 1497 cc engine capacity for diesel and 1197 cc for petrol variant. This car is adored by travellers who love to be on the road and has a boot space of 382 litres to keep all your luggage comfortably. To buy car insurance for your Tata Nexon visit here.

Why Choose Tata Nexon?

• Reliable and trustworthy brand name
• Premium interiors and good leg space
• High safety standards with futuristic design
• Comfortable driving experience
• Infotainment system that seamlessly integrates with your smartphone

5. Maruti Brezza

Maruti Suzuki brings out some of the most affordable cars with great features that the Indian consumers adore. Maruti Brezza has become a huge part of the company’s success in recent years. Powered with manual transmission, the car comes in a range of INR 8.34 to 14.14 lakh and comes in petrol variant. The mileage of Brezza is at 19.8 kmpl with an engine capacity of 1462 cc and is a compact SUV. Maruti Brezza has 2-6 air bags depending on the make, model and variant type along and has 328 litres boot space for greater comfort of keeping your luggage intact. Buy your Brezza car insurance from InsuranceDekho here.

Why Choose Maruti Brezza?

• A name that is trusted in the Indian Automobile industry
• Economical and budget friendly
• Easily accessible garages in every part of the country
• Great leg and headspace
• Infotainment system that’s easy to integrate with your smartphone

6. Maruti Fronx

Ranked as one of the fastest selling cars in India after launch in April 2023, Maruti Fronx outperformed Maruti Grand Vitara in just 9 months. Fronx comes in both petrol and CNG fuel type, and has both automatic and manual mode in it. The price range of the Maruti Fronx is between INR 7.51 to 13.04 Lakh and gives a good mileage of 20.01 kmpl. This car has a boot space of 308 litres and has 2 to 6 air bags depending on the variant you buy. To buy your car insurance for Maruti Fronx visit here.

Why Choose Maruti Fronx?

• Comes with a TurboBoosterjet Engine
• Indian Automobile sector’s trusted name 
• Economical and affordable
• Great inbuilt safety features
• 6 speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters

7. Renault Kwid

A car that’s modern in every sense with an innovative technology and attractive design, Renault Kwid is a crossover city car. This French car comes in petrol fuel variant and gives a mileage of 22 kmpl and has an engine capacity of 999 cc. Kwid has a boot space of 279 and is good for city drives and tours alike. The price range of Renault Kwid is between INR 4.70 to 6.45 Lakh depending on the variant you are buying. Buy your Renault Kwid car insurance here.

Why Choose Renault Kwid?

• Equipped with 14+ safety features
• Has reverse parking camera with guidelines
• SUV-inspired design leading to high ground clearance
• Floor console mounted AMT dial
• Touchscreen media NAV

8. Mahindra Thar

Thar is an unstoppable adventurer from the house of Mahindra. An off road legend, Thar comes in diesel fuel type and has a 2180 cc engine capacity. This car by Mahindra has a boot space of 240 litres and gives mileage of 13 to 15 kmpl. Thar has 2 air bags and comes in retro-cool designs. Buy Thar at a price range of INR 11.35 to 17.60 lakh. Check out the car insurance premium details for Mahindra Thar here at InsuranceDekho.

Why Choose Mahindra Thar?

• Captivating LED DRLs
• Low range gearing and 4x4 crawl
• Washable interiors
• Great head and leg space
• Sporty and adventure friendly 

9. Jeep Compass

Explore the Jeep Compass if you are looking for owning a compact crossover SUV. This vehicle comes at a price range of INR 8.99 to 32.42 lakh, catering to all adventure and SUV lovers, Available in diesel fuel variant Compass gives a mileage of 17.1 kmpl and has both automatic and manual transmission. There are 2 to 6 air bags depending on the variant and the vehicle has a boot space of 438 litres. Buy car insurance for Jeep Compass here.

Why Choose Jeep Compass?

• Contemporary styling with premium interiors
• Comfortable to drive in challenging terrain and rough roads alike
• 60+ state of the art safety feature
• LED reflector headlamps
• Audio system with touchscreen display

10. Tata Harrier

This is the third addition from the house of Tata, Harrier is a muscular SUV available in diesel fuel type. Loved by youngsters, this car is sporty, charming and echoes adventure. Priced at INR 14.99 to 26.44 lakh, Harrier gives a mileage of 16.8 kmpl and has engine capacity of 1956 cc. There are 6 to 7 air bags in Tata Harrier giving you complete security and the car comes with a boot space of 425 to 445 litres. Buy your car insurance for Tata Harrier here.

Why Choose Tata Harrier?

• Tata is the most trusted name in the Indian automobile industry
• Bi-LED projector headlamp
• Voice assisted panoramic sunroof with mood lighting
• Ranked the safest vehicle in India as per GNCAP getting 5 star rating
• In built emergency or SOS call button

Summary

Buying your first vehicle is an exciting experience. The variety of options might be debilitating as the Indian auto industry keeps changing. First-time purchasers can, however, easily traverse this enormous sea by determining realistic budgets, practical requirements, and assessments of personal demands. Every vehicle on this list offers a special combination of features, performance, and affordability. The ideal vehicle will ultimately fit the buyer's goals and lifestyle perfectly. Enjoy your drive!

FAQs

Q. Which car should a first time buyer buy?

Ans. As a first time buyer, you should look at a car that offers great mileage, has good security and air bags, fuel type that supports your need and a price that is easy on your pocket while you learn to navigate on the road. Our recommendation will be to go with Tata Nexon, Maruti Swift or Renault Kwid due to their mileage, boot space, price point.

Q. How to choose a car for beginners?

Ans. Compare the following to choose the best car for beginners: price, fuel type, mileage, cc, car type, number of air bags and boot space.

Q. What age of car is best?

Ans. If it is a used or pre-owned car, the optimal age is between 2 to 6 years.

Q. Is it OK to buy 3 year old car?

Ans. Yes, it is okay to buy a 3 year old car as the optimal age to buy a pre-loved car is between 2 to 5 years.

Q. Which year used car is best to buy?

Ans. It is best to buy a pre-owned car which is within the age of 2 to 5 years.

Q. Which insurance to buy for a new car?

Ans. It is best to buy a comprehensive car insurance as it gives you the benefits of covering your car and safeguards you from any legal or financial obligation arising due to any damage or injury to third party person or property.

Q. Is car insurance mandatory for a new car?

Ans. Yes, having a third party car insurance along with a personal accident cover is mandatory for first time or new car owners in India.

Q. Can we purchase a car without insurance?

Ans. Yes, you can purchase a car without insurance. You must then buy a car insurance as per your need after comparing different types of car insurance.

Q. Which is the safest car in India right now?

Ans. Tata Harrier is ranked as the safest car in India right now as per GNCAP that has given it a 5 star rating.

Q. How many years of insurance is paid for a new car?

Ans. 3 years third party and 1 year stand alone own damage insurance is what you must take when you buy a new car.