Best First Car Options for New Drivers in India

Key Factors to Consider for First-Time Buyers

• Safety

New drivers should prioritise safety above all. Hence, explore beginner-friendly cars in India that provide features, such as high crash-test ratings, multiple airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and stability control. These features protect inexperienced drivers on busy roads. 

• Affordability

Many first-time car buyers make the mistake of only considering the car’s purchase price. Ensure you don’t repeat it by factoring in other associated expenses, such as fuel, insurance, parking fee, and maintenance. It will ensure total ownership remains within the budget.   

• Ease of Use

New drivers should always choose a car that’s easy to drive and maintain. Hence, look for cars that provide smooth steering, a compact size for easy parking, and user-friendly controls for overall convenience. 

• Fuel Efficiency

Prioritise cars with better fuel efficiency to minimise the vehicle’s running costs.

• After-sales Service

You should choose a branded car that has a widespread service network in your location. Also, check for the accessibility of affordable car parts and dependable after-sale support to eliminate ownership hassles.
 

Top Recommended Cars for New Drivers in India

Individuals overwhelmed by the range of options available in the market can refer to the following recommended cars list to buy their best first car in India.

• Tata Altroz (Facelift)

If you’re looking for the best hatchbacks for new drivers, then the Tata Altroz (Facelift) deserves your attention. This premium hatchback has a bold design and is available in five colour options. 

The car’s interiors are sleek and premium, and the exteriors boast a futuristic look. It’s loaded with safety features and provides both diesel and petrol engine options. Its key features are as follows:

• Single-pane sunroof
• 10.25-inch floating touchscreen 
• Cruise control
• Wireless phone charger
• Auto AC with rear vents
• 8-speaker sound systems
• 6 airbags 
• 360-degree camera with blind spot monitor and more

The car’s price starts at ₹6.89 lakh (approximately).

• Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

You must check this car if you’re exploring budget cars for first-time buyers, especially for city drives. This car features contemporary and youthful exteriors, lively and smart interiors, and a 1.0L K-Series dual jet, dual VVT engine. Its key features include the following:

• Peppy headlamps
• Steering-mounted audio and voice control
• Proactive safety systems
• Auto Gear Shift Technology
• Smartplay Studio with Smartphone Navigation and more

This compact hatchback is available in multiple variants, and the price starts at ₹4.23 lakh.     

• Renault Kwid

It’s one of the best beginner-friendly cars in India with bold SUV-inspired looks and premium interiors. You can get several colour options, such as fiery red, moonlight silver, dual tones of metal mustard with black roof, and more. While Renault Kwid provides several features, the standout features are as follows:

• Rear view camera
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Digital information cluster
• Steering-mounted audio controls
• Foldable rear backrest
• Remote keyless entry
• Dual airbags
• Rear parking sensors

The price of Renault Kwid ranges from ₹4.70 lakh to ₹6.45 lakh (approximately).    

• Nissan Magnite Kuro

Slightly on the premium side, the Nissan Magnite Kuro is the best first car in India for individuals who prefer a luxury-like vehicle without the extremely high price tags. Unlike all previous options, this car features an all-black exterior and interior, tapping into the dark-themed SUV trend. 

You can get two engine options with this vehicle, alongside plenty of safety and infotainment options. The key features of Nissan Magnite Kuro are as follows:

• 5-star safety rating in global NCAP
• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment
• Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• 6 airbags
• 6-speaker Arkamys tuned sound system
• 7-inch digital driver’s display
• Rear wiper and defogger
• Hill start assist
• Wireless phone charger
• 16-inch black alloy wheels

The price of Nissan Magnite Kuro starts at ₹8.31 lakh (approximately).
 

Used vs. New Car Debate

Many first-time car buyers get confused about choosing a new car or a used one. To make it easier, we’re sharing the pros and cons of buying a pre-owned car so you can make an informed decision.

Pros

Buying a pre-owned car has the following pros:

• Used cars are usually cheaper than new ones, allowing access to high-end models within the same budget.
• You enjoy reduced depreciation benefits because the previous owner already absorbed the initial value loss.
• You can get almost immediate possession.

Cons

Buying a pre-owned car has the following cons:

• Since the maintenance history remains unknown, you may have to incur unexpected repair costs in the future.
• Little to no manufacturer warranty benefits.
• The risk of buying accident-damaged or flood-affected vehicles cannot be entirely ruled out.

 

Financing and Ownership Tips

EMI Planning and Budgeting

Anyone planning to buy budget cars for first-time buyers on loan should first estimate monthly EMIs based on the potential loan amount, interest rate, and loan duration. It’s advisable to keep the EMI amount lower so you can simultaneously manage your other lifestyle expenses.

While budgeting, consider charges, such as vehicle registration, insurance, fuel, maintenance, parking charges, etc., so you can maintain timely provisions for EMI payments. 

Insurance Options for First-Time Buyers

You should secure your car with the best insurance coverage. It will financially protect you against unexpected car damages or third-party liabilities due to road accidents. 

New drivers should consider securing their car under comprehensive car insurance by Shriram General Insurance, as this policy provides enhanced coverage, a wide range of add-ons, and affordable premiums.
 

Conclusion

Finding the best beginner-friendly cars in India can be challenging. Hence, we’ve listed the best cars for new drivers in India to simplify your search. You can review the cars listed in this blog and choose a model that’s perfect for you. 

Irrespective of the car you choose, remember to secure it under comprehensive car insurance before taking it on the roads. You can explore the comprehensive car insurance policy provided by Shriram General Insurance as it provides budget-friendly premiums, plenty of add-on options, and enhanced coverage.
 

FAQs

What is the best car under ₹6 lakhs for new drivers?

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10, Renault Kwid, Tata Tiago, and Maruti Suzuki Wagon R are some of the best cars you can get under ₹6 lakhs.
 

Should I buy a manual or automatic car as a beginner?

While it depends on your personal preference, new drivers may consider an automatic car because it’s easier to drive and less stressful.
 

Is it safe to buy a used car as my first vehicle?

Yes, it’s safe to buy a used car as your first vehicle. Just ensure the vehicle is well-maintained and has never been damaged before in any road accident. A physical inspection from a trusted mechanic can be helpful.
 

Which car has the best mileage for city driving?

If you’ll be driving primarily in cities, consider cars, such as Maruti Suzuki Alto K10, Tata Tiago, Maruti Suzuki Celerio, etc., as they provide excellent mileage and are easy to handle.
 

What safety features should I look for in my first car?

Look for essential safety features, such as dual airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), rear parking sensors, seatbelt reminders, and strong crash safety ratings.