Practical First Cars to Own

Buying your first car is a feeling beyond words. The thrill of getting a new car home is a moment that you will cherish forever. Whether you buy a new or a pre-owned vehicle, the first of everything is always special.

When buying your first car, things like vehicle size, transmission type, mileage, fuel type and, most importantly, the budget play a crucial role. With so many options, getting home an affordable and practical car can be tricky. This is why we have compiled a list of the ten most practical and affordable first cars to own so that you can make a wider choice. This list considers factors like wheelbase and boot space to gauge the overall practicality of the interiors in terms of space. Factors like fuel options, mileage and transmission are also considered to present a better picture regarding ease of driving and overall ownership affordability.

List of Practical First Cars

Maruti Suzuki Alto K10

One of the best-selling entry-level hatchbacks in India, the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 has proudly been the first car for millions of buyers across the nation. A vehicle that is practical, compact, affordable and highly efficient. 

Despite being a compact hatchback, the Alto K10 offers a wheelbase of 2380 mm that can easily seat upto five passengers, along with a spacious boot of 214 litres. The Alto K10 also offers Maruti’s fuel-efficient AMT automatic, which makes the hatchback return exceptional mileage figures of 24.90 kmpl even in its automatic avatar, in addition to the 24.39 kmpl the K10 offers on the manual. The Alto K10 is a great choice, mainly due to its compact build and affordable price tag.

Alto K10 Specifications

• Engine: 1-litre Petrol Engine
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual and 5-Speed Auto Gear Shift (Petrol Only)
• Mileage: Petrol Manual: 24.39kmpl, Petrol Automatic – 24.90kmpl and CNG Manual – 33.85km/kg
• Airbags: Dual Front Airbags as Standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol and Petrol + CNG
• Seating Capacity: 5 (Petrol) and 4 (CNG)
• Body Type: Hatchback

Renault Kwid

The Renault Kwid compact hatchback comes as a modern-day hatchback that is practical, affordable, and good-looking. Topped with several premium features, Kwid, despite its highly affordable price tag, does not seem like an entry-level hatch.

The hatchback offers two engine choices, with the larger one offering an AMT transmission for driving comfort. With a wheelbase of 2422 mm, the Kwid offers spacious interiors and a boot space of 279 litres that can easily house your luggage. What makes the Kwid irresistible is its segment-first 8-inch touch infotainment, largest in-segment boot space, incredible mileage, SUV-inspired looks, and 184 mm of ground clearance.

Renault Kwid Specifications

• Engine: 0.8-litre and 1-litre petrol engine 
• Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission, AMT gearbox (1.0 litre)
• Mileage: Petrol Manual: 22.25 kmpl, Petrol Automatic – 22 kmpl
• Airbags: Dual Front Airbags as Standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Hatchback

Maruti Suzuki Celerio

Another practical, affordable, efficient and featureful hatchback, the Maruti Suzuki Celerio comes as a compact hatchback made for cities and highways. Celerio’s new contemporary avatar, highly efficient engine, and practical cabin make the hatchback a great first choice for something more than the Alto K10.

In terms of practicality, the Celerio has ample storage spaces inside, with 313 litres of boot space and a spacious 2435 mm wheelbase. The Celerio also stands out with its engine idle start-stop, making it India’s most fuel-efficient hatchback. Another highlight feature of the Celerio is hill hold control that makes driving on inclined terrains super convenient, making the Celerio even more practical, especially for those living in hilly areas.

Maruti Suzuki Celerio Specifications

• Engine: 1-litre petrol engine
• Transmission: 5-speed manual and Auto Gear Shift (Petrol Only)
• Mileage: Petrol Manual: 25.24 kmpl, Petrol Automatic – 26.68kmpl and CNG Manual – 35.6 km/kg
• Airbags: Dual Front Airbags as Standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol and Petrol + CNG
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Hatchback

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

If you are someone who cares a lot about looks, the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios comes as a good-looking, affordable and practical hatchback that tastefully incorporates Hyundai’s Fluidic Design language along with ample comfort features and efficient engine options.

With a spacious cabin thanks to the 2450 mm wheelbase, the Grand i10 Nios has a boot space of 260 litres. Available with either a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated or a 1.0-litre turbo petrol unit, the Grand i10 Nios is both practical and power-packed. The hatchback also comes with AMT auto and CNG variants for a comfortable and affordable ride.

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Specifications

• Engine: 1.2-litre engine and 1-litre turbocharged petrol 
• Transmission: 5-speed manual or 5-speed AMT (1.2 Petrol)
• Mileage: Petrol Manual: 20.7 kmpl, Petrol Automatic – 20.7 kmpl and CNG Manual – 28.10 km/kg
• Airbags: Dual Front Airbags as Standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol and Petrol + CNG
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Hatchback

Maruti Suzuki Swift

One of India’s best-selling hatchbacks, the Maruti Suzuki Swift has been the choice of millions for almost two decades. Be it mileage, comfort, practicality or performance, everything about the Swift makes it worthy enough to be your first car. 

With a wheelbase of 2450 mm, the Swift seats 5 in comfort. And with 268 litres of boot space, the Swift can be your adventure partner. In terms of efficiency, the Swift is also available in CNG trims that return a high mileage of 30.9 km/kg. The hatchback also offers AMT automatic and cruise control for maximum comfort and practical city driving.

Maruti Suzuki Swift Specifications

• Engine: 1.2-litre Petrol
• Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission or five-speed AMT (Only Petrol)
• Mileage: Petrol Manual: 23.2 kmpl, Petrol Automatic – 23.76 kmpl and CNG Manual – 30.9 km/kg
• Airbags: Dual Front Airbags as Standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol and Petrol + CNG
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Hatchback

Tata Altroz

The gold standard of premium hatchbacks, the Tata Altroz has been one of the most popular hatchbacks in India. Topped with great looks, a capable and diverse powertrain, a practical and spacious ride, and an affordable price tag.

What makes the Altroz supremely practical is its large 2501 mm wheelbase that translates into a spacious cabin topped with great features. The 345-litre boot is large and stores a good amount of luggage. The Altroz also offers a dual-clutch automatic transmission, which delivers smooth shifts and amazing driving dynamics. Amongst the very few cars in India offering a diesel engine and a 5-star GNCAP safety rating, the Altroz is the perfect family car.

Tata Altroz Specifications

• Engine: 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel.
• Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission and 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (Naturally Aspirated Petrol)
• Mileage: Petrol – upto 18.53 Kmpl and Diesel – upto 23.03 Kmpl
• Airbags: Dual Front Airbags as Standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol and Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Hatchback

Maruti Suzuki Dzire

When it comes to maximum practicality and comfort, there is nothing better than a sedan. Tastefully blending affordability, comfort, practicality and efficiency, the Dzire, with its contemporary looks and the classic Maruti pedigree, has been one of the best-selling compact sedans in India.

With a large wheelbase of 2450 mm, the Dzire offers a spacious cabin that can seat five in maximum comfort, along with several offerings such as a 7-inch touch infotainment system, cruise control, auto AC, rear AC vents and much more. The boot on offer is a good 378 litres, taking care of your family’s luggage needs. The Dzire also stands out as one of the most fuel-efficient compact sedans, even with the AMT transmission.

Maruti Suzuki Dzire Specifications

• Engine: 1.2-litre Dual Jet petrol
• Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission or five-speed AMT (Only Petrol)
• Mileage: Petrol Manual: 22.41 kmpl, Petrol Automatic – 22.61 kmpl and CNG Manual – 31.12 km/kg
• Airbags: Dual Front Airbags as Standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol and Petrol + CNG
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Compact Sedan

Honda Amaze

When it comes to practicality, performance, and a value for money experience, the Honda Amaze surely deserves mention. As your first car, the Amaze can offer superb driving dynamics, premium features, and a luxurious cabin. A proud choice of over 5 lakh families, the Amaze is also contemporary and stylish.

With a wheelbase of 2470 mm and features like cruise control, paddle shifters, auto climate control, a rear armrest and much more, the Amaze is all about comfort. A cherry on top is the Amaze’s highly efficient yet peppy iVTEC and iDTEC engines both mated to an optional CVT automatic that offers a seamless driving experience with mileage that would make you smile. The boot on offer is huge at 420 litres, making the sedan a perfect family car.

Honda Amaze Specifications

• Engine: 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel 
• Transmission: 5-speed manual and CVT transmission. 
• Mileage: Petrol Manual: 18.6 kmpl, Petrol Automatic – 18.3 kmpl and Diesel Manual – 24.7 kmpl, Diesel Auto – 21 Kmpl
• Airbags: Dual Front Airbags as Standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol and Diesel
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Compact Sedan

Renault Triber

If you’ve got a big family, then buying a car that can accommodate them all is quite a task. But the Renault Triber is one of the most affordable MUVs in the market that is known for maximum practicality and value for money. 

Capable of comfortably seating seven, the Triber offers 2636 mm of wheelbase, a boot space of 84 litres with the third row on, and a massive 625 litres with the third row removed. Yes, you read it right, the Triber offers removable third-row seats, slide and reclining second-row seats and the convenience of an automatic transmission. In totality, the Triber is one of the most practical vehicles at its price point and a perfect choice to be your first car. The cherry on top is the fact that the Triber has a 4-star GNCAP safety rating as well!

Renault Triber Specifications

• Engine: 1-litre NA Petrol (72PS/96Nm) 
• Transmission: 5-speed manual and AMT transmission. 
• Mileage: Petrol Manual: 20 kmpl, Petrol Automatic – 18.2 kmpl 
• Airbags: Dual Front Airbags as Standard
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 7
• Body Type: Multi Utility Vehicle

Tata Tiago EV

If you are planning to buy your first car, now is the time to go electric. With increasing petrol, diesel, and CNG prices, moving towards electric mobility can be a more intelligent choice. And there is no better way to experience an EV than buying the Tata Tiago EV.

One of the most affordable mainstream passenger EVs, the Tiago EV comes with two battery packs: 19.2kWh and 24kWh, both paired with an electric motor. While the smaller pack offers a range of 250 kilometres, the bigger one offers a good 315 kilometres, making the Tiago EV perfect for both cities as well as the highways, allowing you to go the distance without worrying about a recharge. With touch infotainment, connected car tech, modern style, and a purely electric powertrain, the Tiago EV can be the most practical choice to make.

Tiago EV Specifications

• Battery Pack: 19.2 kWh or 24 kWh
• Transmission: Fully Automatic
• Range: 250 kms (19.2 kWh) and 315 kms (24 kWh)
• Airbags: Dual Front Airbags as Standard
• Fuel Type: Electric
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Hatchback

Practical First Cars to Own Summary

Being a first-time car buyer, when you choose to focus on practicality for all, make sure to look out for factors like efficiency, boot and cabin space as well as safety features that can help you get the most out of your first car. No matter which car you choose, make an intelligent decision considering your family size, budget and other long-term requirements.

FAQs about Practical First Cars to Own

Q. What to look out for when buying my first car?

When buying your first car, things like vehicle size, transmission type, mileage, fuel type and, most importantly, the budget play a crucial role.

Q. Which practical hatchbacks should be considered when buying a car for the first time?

When it comes to affordable and practical hatchbacks, you can consider the Alto K10, Celerio, Kwid and even the Grand i10 Nios.

Q. Which practical compact sedans should be considered when buying a car for the first time?

When it comes to an affordable and practical compact sedan, you can consider the Maruti Suzuki Dzire and the Honda Amaze.

Q. Which is the most practical choice for a first-time car buyer with a family of 6?

If you have a family of over four people, consider the Renault Triber for maximum practicality and value for money.

Q. Which EV is the best for a first-time EV buyer?

If you plan to step into the world of EVs, you can consider the Tiago EV, India’s most affordable EV.