6 Best Cars for Beginners

If you are someone who has learnt how to drive and acquired your driving license but is procrastinating on buying your first vehicle, then this article is your sign. Fix up a budget in your mind, we recommend below 7 Lakh and read through this article to find an option that resonates with you. Buying a car is a difficult decision, especially if you are new to driving as well. But don’t worry we are here to help you with that choice as well. In this article we have given you not one, not two but six Best Cars for Beginners. Let’s dive in. 

Car	Budget	Fuel efficiency
Maruti Suzuki Alto K10	Rs.3.99 – 5.96  lakh	22.03 kmpl
Renault Kwid	Rs. 4.70 – 6.45 Lakh	22.25 kmpl (MT), 22 kmpl (AT)
Maruti Suzuki Wagon-R	Rs. 5.54 – 7.33 Lakh	24.35 kmpl (MT), 25.19 (AT)
Tata Tiago	Rs. 5.65 – 8.90 Lakh	20.09 kmpl (MT & AT)
Hyundai Grand i10 nios	Rs. 5.92 – 8.56 Lakh	20.07 kmpl (MT & AT)
Maruti S-Presso	Rs. 4.26 – 6.12 Lakh	24.12 kmpl (MT) & 25.30 kmpl (AT)

What are the qualities for a good beginner’s car?

Buying your very first car can certainly be a daunting decision. With so many different cars in the market, with different specifications and features, how is a newcomer supposed to pick?! Well here are some mandatory qualities that your first car must have: 

• Compact Size: While larger is always better, beginner drivers should choose compact cars as they get used to driving a car in city traffic and narrow roads. It also helps that a compact car is easy to park, which should make parking less stressful. 
• Short Turning Radius: A shorter and tighter turning radius is beneficial because it allows drivers to make turns easily, giving a new driver confidence in their driving while navigating city roads.
• Budget-Friendly: First time drivers should always buy a car within the 7 Lakh range.This is recommended because any accidental damage will not hurt the pockets as much as an expensive car would.  
• Safety and Build Quality: Driving can be stressful for beginner drivers and mistakes are bound to happen. Having a well-built car that doesn’t fall apart due to a minor accident adds to the peace of mind. Having necessary safety features like ABS with EBD and traction control also help new drivers stay in control of their cars. 
• Fuel Efficiency & Low Maintenance Costs:- Beginner drivers buying their first car should definitely focus on a car with low running costs, which means the mileage. If the car has a good mileage then the running cost is automatically low proving as a value for money car. The car should also have easily available parts and be less expensive to maintain, so that in the event of any future accidents, the parts can be easily replaced. 

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

The Alto has always been India’s most loved car, mainly due to its affordability among other things. It starts from Rs. 3.99 Lakh (ex-showroom) brand new, making it a budget-friendly investment for first-time drivers. The Alto K10 checks all the boxes of the first-time driver list: It has low running costs, it is a small car making it easy to handle and drive, it has safety features like dual front air bags and most importantly, as a Maruti, replacement parts are cheap. The K10 has a short turning radius of 4.5m, making it incredibly easy to take sharp turns, and with its compact size, this vehicle is designed to easily navigate tight spaces and make parking a breeze. Another reason to recommend the Alto K10 to first-time drivers is its cabin space of five, making it the perfect car for you and all your family and friends. 

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 Specifications

• Engine: 1.0L K-Series Dual Jet, Dual VVT engine
• Transmission: 5 Manual Transmission 
• Mileage: 24.39 kmpl (P) ; 24.90 kmpl (AGS); 33.85 km/kgl (CNG)
• Airbags: Dual Front Airbags
• Fuel Type: Petrol, CNG
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Hatchback

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 Key Features

• 7 inch smartplay touchscreen with Android auto and Apple Carplay
• Reverse parking sensors
• ABS and EBD

Renault Kwid

The Renault Kwid is the perfect car for those seeking a stylish car with more road presence than the Alto K10. It’s a compact car equipped with modern car features. Reasons why the Kwid is recommended to first-time drivers would firstly be the economical price point. With all its variants priced between Rs. 4.64 lakh and ₹6.45 lakh (ex-showroom) the Renault Kwid makes an excellent choice for a first car. Coming to the second point, the Kwid brings the SUV body-style in a compact fashion. The Kwid might look like a mini-SUV but it is still a small car with a small overhang. This small footprint makes it a breeze to drive in the city. It has a smooth steering making it easier for first-time drivers to navigate crowded Indian roads. Coming to the savvy looking interior with a cabin that can fit 5 people, it is definitely a winner amongst young first-time drivers and their friends and family. The fuel economy of the Kwid is also good with a mileage of 22.25 kmpl (MT) and 22 kmpl (AT) making it a car with low running costs. 

Renault Kwid Specifications

• Engine: 1.0-litre (P)
• Transmission:  5 Speed MT/ 5 Speed AMT (1.0 Ltr)
• Mileage: 22.25 kmpl (MT), 22 kmpl (AT)
• Airbags: 2
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Hatchback

Renault Kwid Key Features

• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Digital instrument display with a multi-info display
• Front power windows
• Traction control system 
• Rear-parking sensors 
• Rear seatbelt reminder 

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

The Wagon R is popular for its tall yet compact design. The Wagon R’s compact body makes it easier to drive through narrow roads and navigate traffic, the elevated seating position allows new drivers to get a better view of the road and surroundings, making them feel more in control. This car comes with a good design and a good fuel economy. The Wagon R delivers an impressive mileage of around 23 kmpl (P) making it a cost efficient ride. Coming to affordability, all the variants of the Wagon R price ranges from Rs. 5.54 lakh to Rs. 7.43 lakh (ex-showroom) making it a value for money car. The Wagon R with its light steering, a smooth automatic AMT option, and a tight turning radius, is perfect for beginner drivers who want a stress-free city driving experience. Coming to the safety features it has dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and a strong build making it an ideal choice for a beginner. 

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Specifications

• Engine:  1.2-litre (P) K-series Dual VVT 
• Transmission:  5 Speed MT/ 5 Speed AT (1.0 Ltr)
• Mileage: 24.35 kmpl (MT), 25.19 (AT)
• Airbags: 2
• Fuel Type: Petrol 
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Hatchback

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Key Features

• Rear-parking sensors
• 17.78 cm Smartplay Studio with Smartphone Navigation
• Steering Mounted Audio Control

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

The Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS is a blend of style, comfort and performance. It serves as a practical option for new drivers mainly due to its affordable pricing point. With a starting price of 5.75 Lakh for the base model, the Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS is a true value for money car. Coming to its compact yet stylish design, the Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS is designed to be extremely beginner-friendly, with light steering and a smooth suspension that makes driving through city traffic effortless. It also has a small turning radius and is compact, which makes parking in tight spots and navigating narrow streets much easier for new drivers. The Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS is also packed with safety features like 6 airbags with side and curtain for added safety of the occupants, DVRM (Driver rear view monitor), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) acting as the necessary safety net for first time drivers. Despite being a compact ride, the Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS has ample cabin space for 5 people. 

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Specifications

• Engine: 1.2 Ltr(P), 1.0 Ltr(P), 1.2 Ltr(CNG)
• Transmission: 5 Speed MT and 5 Speed AT
• Mileage: 20.7 kmpl (MT) and (AT)/28 kmpl (CNG)
• Airbags: 6
• Fuel Type: Petrol and CNG
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Hatchback

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Key Features

• Power windows
• Rear parking sensors
• ABS and EBD

Tata Tiago

The reason why the Tiago is popular in the Indian market is mainly due to its safety. Tata is known for manufacturing cars with top notch safety features, and the Tiago is no exception. It has a 4-star Global NCAP rating equipped with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and corner stability control giving first time drivers the necessary safety crutch while learning. Besides the safety, the compact design of the Tiago enables drivers to make turns and navigate tight spaces conveniently. Despite being a compact hatchback, the Tiago does not compromise on space and has significant headroom and legroom making it a spacious and comfortable ride. Tata cars are known for their low maintenance costs, and the Tiago follows the same, making it a cost effective choice even for the future. The Tata Tiago variants are priced between Rs. 5.44 lakh andRs. 7.89 lakh (ex-showroom) making it a budget friendly and smart choice for a new driver. 

Tata Tiago Specifications

• Engine: 1.2 Ltr 
• Transmission:5 Speed MT and 5 Speed AT
• Mileage: 20.09 Kmpl(MT)/20.09 Kmpl(AT)/26.49 Kmpl(CNG)
• Airbags: 2
• Fuel Type: Petrol and CNG
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Hatchback

Tata Tiago Key Features

• 8-speaker Harman sound system
• ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors
• automatic climate control

Maruti Suzuki S-Presso

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is mainly on this list due to its commendable mileage of around 24 kmpl, making it highly fuel-efficient for city and highway driving. New drivers should always pick a car that is not only affordable but also has a low running cost, and the S-Presso ticks both the boxes. The S-Presso is priced attractively, starting from around Rs. 4.25 lakh and going up to Rs. 6.10 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the variant. This makes it an affordable entry-level car for new drivers, offering great value without breaking the bank. Besides being a value for money car it also comes equipped with essential safety features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and seatbelt reminder. Coming to the design, the S-Presso’s height is 1567 mm giving it a  high ground-clearance despite being compact, allowing new drivers to drive better on bad roads. The car has a peppy engine of 1.0 L that offers a smooth city ride without overwhelming new drivers. 

Maruti Suzuki S-Presso Specifications

• Engine: 1.0-litre K10C Dual Jet, Dual VVT (P)
• Transmission: 5 Speed MT and 5 Speed AT
• Mileage: 24.12 kmpl (MT) & 25.30 kmpl (AT)
• Airbags: 2
• Fuel Type: Petrol 
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Hatchback

Maruti Suzuki S-Presso Key Features

• SmartPlay Studio – 17.78 cm Touch Screen Infotainment System
• Apple Car Play and Android Auto 
• Steering-Mounted Audio & Voice Control

Summary: 6 Best Cars for Beginners

New drivers should choose their first car with careful consideration, and this article helps them do so. New drivers or people looking to buy their very first car can find the important information required in making an informed decision. All these cars are recommended for new drivers mainly due to their cost efficiency, low-running costs, compact design ensuring easy handling, safety features and comfortable cabin space. All the six cars tick the significant boxes qualifying them to become a new driver’s first car. If you have any more suggestions, do mention them below in the comment section!

FAQs on Best Cars for Beginners

What are the important things to keep in mind when buying your first car?

For a new driver, some important things to keep in mind are firstly budget-friendly options. A beginner should always consider a compact car to ensure ease in handling and making the learning process on the crowded Indian roads a pleasant experience. One should not forget to check the fuel-efficiency as well, which plays a big role in the future running costs of the car. 

What's the easiest car for beginners to drive?

Again, pick any of the cars on our list for yourself. You could consider the automatic versions for a more stress-free experience.

Which is the most fuel efficient car for beginners?

The Renault Kwid if you like petrol engines or the CNG version of the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 are the most fuel-efficient cars you can purchase.

Is automatic transmission car easy to drive for beginners?

Yes, automatic transmission cars are easier to drive for beginners. The need to manually shift gears is not there anymore, making driving smoother and less stressful, especially in heavy traffic. 

What is the safest car for a first time driver?

The Tata Tiago stands out as the safest car from the list above with a 4-star Global NCAP rating, significant safety features and a strong build quality.