5 Best Cars for Beginners

Congratulations. That coveted driving licence is now a reality. No longer do you have to call in a favour or an Uber. That piece of paper now empowers you and gives you wings. Now you need to consider buying a car that will not be a hassle for you to drive or maintain. As a beginner, you’re probably in search of a car that doesn’t hurt your wallet, is great for navigating crowded roads with ease, and more importantly doesn’t skimp on safety, features and reliability. 

The 5 best cars for beginners that we have here are designed to give you a choice between the most user-friendly cars in India. These will start you on your driving journey, will not cost a lot to maintain or use while allowing you to live life on your own terms.

5 Best Cars for Beginners

Here’s a list of the 5 best cars for beginners in India arranged in ascending order of price, for your convenience.

Maruti Suzuki Alto 800

The Maruti Suzuki Alto has led India’s sales charts from the day of its launch following in the footsteps of its predecessor, the Maruti 800. It is reasonably priced and is backed by the formidable Maruti service network.The upgrade has added to its desirability with a new design while retaining the fun factor associated with it. Parts are cheap and the car is easy to maintain. It is small and powerful enough to zip in and out of traffic with the minimum of fuss. Parking is fuss free and very easy.

The great fuel economy the Alto 800 offers makes it an automatic choice to our list of best cars for beginners. Maruti has even brought out a CNG version for the more frugal minded among us.The new Alto doesn’t feel like an entry level car with the digital instrument cluster and the neatly integrated touchscreen making the cabin a good space to be in.

Maruti Suzuki Alto Specifications

• Engine: 0.8 Ltr (P)
• Transmission: 5 Speed Manual
• Mileage: 22.05 Kmpl (P) ; 31.59 Kmpl (CNG)
• Airbags: 2
• Fuel Type: Petrol, CNG
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Hatchback

Maruti Suzuki Alto Key Features

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

Renault Kwid

The Renault  Kwid is designed for life in the city. It is zippy and full of pep with the suspension setup geared to take potholes and the like in its stride. Stop Start traffic is not a detriment to this diminutive car which puts its best foot forward while dealing with the congested streets found in India.The huge boot space sets it apart from others in this space.

The design with SUV like elements make it a head turner on the streets while the smooth handling and energetic engine makes it a joy to drive. It weaves in and out of traffic with ease while retaining a frugal fuel economy.The automatic option and the loaded feature list makes it one of the best cars for beginners available today.

Renault Kwid Specifications

• Engine: 0.8-litre (P);1.0-litre (P)
• Transmission:  5 Speed MT/ 5 Speed AT (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

Maruti Suzuki Ignis

The Maruti Suzuki Ignis is a premium offering from Maruti’s Nexa stable which means it is geared to the higher end of the market. In terms of its build and styling, Maruti has put its best foot forward to present it as an option to the quality conscious and discerning vehicle buyer.

Its quirky styling along with its responsive handling makes it stand out on Indian roads. Fuel economy is covered with it joining a long list of fuel efficient vehicles from Maruti Suzuki.The premium hatchback crossover from the Maruti Suzuki stable has a high stance typical of an SUV with a wide rear in order to lend it an imposing presence on the road.One of the best cars for beginners?Definitely.

Maruti Suzuki Ignis Specifications

• Engine: 1.2-litre K12B
• Transmission: 5 Speed MT and 5 Speed AT
• Mileage: 20.8 Kmpl (P)/26.49 Kmpl (CNG)
• Airbags: 2
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Body Type: Hatchback

Maruti Suzuki Ignis Key Features

• MID with TFT screen
• automatic climate control
• push start stop

Hyundai Grand i10 Nios

The i10 was intended to build on the reputation earned by Hyundai’s Santro. And it does not disappoint. The engine is tuned for responsiveness and the handling characteristics are excellent. The fluidic design elements adopted by Hyundai makes this car stand out on our roads. High quality fit and finish only add to its appeal. It doesn’t miss out on tech features also with an 8 inch screen among other goodies.

The car sits on an all new platform specially engineered for this vehicle giving it a longer wheelbase thereby contributing to it having a comparatively spacious interior.Its bold stance and distinctive looks makes the Hyundai i10 stand out among the host of cars for beginners on our Indian roads.

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: 2
• 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 Tata Tiago built on the expertise acquired by Tata after the successful takeover of the Jaguar and Range Rover brands. Tata incorporated the best of their design elements and safety features to the new models it brought out like the Tiago.It is a reliable, stylistic vehicle with an enviable 4 Star GNCAP rating making it the safest car on our list of best cars for beginners.Textured dashboard and knitted roof lining lend it a premium look.

The engine is fuel efficient and quick off the blocks giving it that surge in acceleration required while overtaking.It is totally at home in our urban jungle with its looks and nimbleness.

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

Summary: 5 Best Cars for Beginners

Any one of the 5 best beginner cars listed above will probably be the first car in your life. You will enjoy and cherish the memories you make when using it around town. Whether a night out with friends or a daily commute to the office, one of these cars will be your best bet.

These cars are among the most reliable and low maintenance vehicles on the road today. The new designs also help them present a bold profile to the world at large.The icing on the cake is the high fuel economy each one offers.

Bring one home today and treat yourself to a gift that never stops giving.

FAQs on Best Cars for Beginners

Which is the best car for beginners to buy?

The cars on our list are great cars to be starting your driving journey with.The Maruti brand has you covered with its extensive network, the Renaults and Hyundais are known for their engines and handling characteristics while the Tata is the safest car you can buy.

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 are the most fuel efficient cars you can purchase.

Is automatic transmission car easy to drive for beginners?

Absolutely. We would refer you to our article on ‘How to Drive an Automatic Car’ which would answer your questions more completely.

What is the safest car for a first time driver?

The Tata Tiago stands out as the safest car on this list.