[S2!!!]

Renault Kwid


What you'll like:
• Distinctive styling! Looks swell for an A-segment hatchback
• Value-for-money pricing. A lot of car for the money
• Well-packaged cabin with good space, comfy seats & lots of storage
• Huge 300 liter boot. 2nd biggest among all hatchbacks!
• 799 cc petrol has sufficient pep for the city. ARAI fuel efficiency rating is the highest for any petrol car
• Suspension offers a comfortable ride with neutral handling. 180 mm of ground clearance too
• Equipment in a budget car (driver's airbag, digital meter cluster, touchscreen ICE, navigation, full MID & more)

What you won't:
• 3-cylinder engine causes vibrations (especially when idling) & sounds unpleasant (as the revvs climb)
• Some essential features missing (internally adjustable ORVMs, retractable rear seatbelts etc.)
• Mediocre expressway competence. Best driven <100 km/h
• Renault's dealer & after-sales network is far weaker than that of Maruti or Hyundai
• 28 liter fuel tank is the smallest in the segment and its 5 meter turning radius the biggest
• No 1.0L engine variant like the Alto K10 & Eon 1.0

Link to Official Review

Maruti Alto 800


What you’ll like:
• A much improved Alto at the same price point
• F8D engine has excellent driveability & fuel economy. Neat gearshift too
• Comfortable ride quality. Soft suspension is absorbent
• Convenient city car: Light, agile & easy to drive
• Effective air-conditioner
• Driver-side airbag & factory fitted CNG kit available
• Maruti's excellent after-sales service & fuss free ownership experience

What you won’t:
• Cramped rear bench. Also, the seatback is very short
• Thin, budget seats offer basic levels of support
• Poor outright performance. Mediocre expressway handling. Best driven <100 kph
• Puny 145 mm tyres. An upgrade is highly recommended
• Lacks the design appeal of the Hyundai Eon
• Fared poorly in recent crash tests

Link to Official Review

Hyundai Eon


What you’ll like:
• Great looking, modern design for 3 lakhs. Makes other budget cars look outdated
• Best-in-class interior quality, fit & finish. Excellent air-conditioner too
• Many segment first features (tilt steering, gear indicator etc.)
• Frugal 3-cylinder petrol engine delivers high fuel efficiency
• Big 215 liter boot has a practical layout
• Hyundai's excellent after-sales service

What you won’t:
• Overall NVH is unimpressive
• Pricing is too close to other 4-cylinder hatchbacks (including the i10). Top variants overpriced @ Rs. 4 lakh+
• 0.8L engine doesn't really impress in any particular area
• Steering is too light & sensitive at highway speeds
• Hyundai's service costs are usually higher than that of the competition

Link to Official Review

Datsun Go


What you'll like:
• Clean, inoffensive styling that will please all & offend none
• The Go is a size bigger than its direct competitors. Evident on the inside & outside
• 1.2L engine results in the segment best torque-to-weight ratio
• Urban ride quality is superior to most other entry level hatchbacks
• Light driving controls & small turning radius make it well suited as a city car
• Large 265 liter boot is very accommodating
• Features such as follow me home headlamps, full MID & speed-sensitive wipers

What you won't:
• Cost cutting is obvious, especially with the interiors
• Too noisy. Overall NVH levels are rather poor
• Datsun is an unknown brand & Nissan's after-sales service is substandard
• Fared poorly in recent crash tests
• Awful 155 mm Strada brand tyres
• The Micra Active is close, especially from an EMI perspective
• Missing essentials (glovebox lid, retractable rear seatbelts, ORVM adjustment stalk, day/night IRVM, proper head-unit)

Link to Official Review

Tata Nano GenX


What you'll like:
• Cute & cool styling. A car that will make you smile
• AMT, light power steering & small footprint make it effortless to drive in the city
• Innovative packaging results in spacious interiors for 4 adults. Generous legroom & headroom
• Openable tail-gate & bigger fuel tank make the Nano more practical to live with
• Powerful air-conditioner will chill you to the bone
• Features such as the Bluetooth-stereo, full MID, Zest steering wheel, twin gloveboxes etc.
• 4 year warranty is standard (limited to 60,000 kms)

What you won't:
• Struggles on steep inclines. Unsuitable for highway runs
• Drum brakes at the front (no discs)
• Basic, bumpy ride quality
• Low cost nature & quality. Cheap car image is a deterrent for many
• Tiny 94-110 liter boot
• Niggles & issues as reported by existing Nano owners
• Tata's sub-par after sales service isn't a match to Maruti's

Link to Official Review

Maruti Alto K10


What you'll like:
• A much improved Alto K10 at the same price point
• Power-to-weight ratio of 91 BHP/ton makes this one peppy li'l hatchback
• More fuel-efficient than before. AMT variant is also an easy sipper @ 24.07 km/l
• Compliant low speed ride quality. Soft suspension is absorbent
• Convenient city car: Light, agile & easy to drive (especially the AMT variant)
• Driver-side airbag & factory fitted CNG kit available
• Maruti's excellent after-sales service & fuss free ownership experience

What you won't:
• Cramped rear bench. Also, the seatback is very short
• Sensitive steering & nervous handling at speed. Best driven <100 kph
• VXI (O) trim & airbag unavailable with the AMT. No ABS on any variant
• Questionable structural strength. The car which it's based on (Alto 800) fared poorly in crash tests
• Skinny 155 mm tyres beg for an upgrade
• Flimsy build & economy grade quality. Poor NVH levels as well
• More accomplished WagonR & Celerio are priced not too far away

Link to Official Review

[a4anurag]

1) FEATURES COMPARISON:

Base Variant:

• Renault Kwid: STD
• Alto 800: LX
• Alto K10: LX
• Eon (0.8L): D-Lite
• Eon (1L): ----
• Go: D
• Nano: XE

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MID Variant:

• Renault Kwid: RXE
• Alto 800: LXi
• Alto K10: LXi
• Eon (0.8L): Era+
• Eon (1L): ---
• Go: A
• Nano: XM

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Top Variant:

• Renault Kwid: RXL
• Alto 800: VXi
• Alto K10: VXi
• Eon (0.8L): Magna+
• Eon (1L): Magna+
• Go: T
• Nano: XT

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Top (O) Variant:

• Renault Kwid: RXT
• Alto K10: VXi (O)
• Eon (0.8L): Sportz
• Eon (1L): Magna+ (O)

NOTE: Click any picture to open a larger higher-resolution version in a new window / tab.

SOURCE: The respective manufacturer's brochure.

[a4anurag]

2) PRICES COMPARISON:

I have taken the prices from the websites of the respective manufacturers. Prices given are for major cities in India.

Cities used for comparison:

• Delhi
• Mumbai
• Kolkata
• Hyderabad
• Chennai
• Bangalore

NOTE: Click any picture to open a larger higher-resolution version in a new window / tab.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Base Variant:

• Renault Kwid: STD
• Alto 800: STD
• Alto K10: LX
• Eon (0.8L): D-Lite
• Eon (1L): ----
• Go: D
• Nano: XE

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MID Variant:

• Renault Kwid: RXE
• Alto 800: LX
• Alto K10: LXi
• Eon (0.8L): Era+
• Eon (1L): ---
• Go: A
• Nano: XM

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Top Variant:

• Renault Kwid: RXL
• Alto 800: LXi
• Alto K10: VXi
• Eon (0.8L): Magna+
• Eon (1L): Magna+
• Go: T
• Nano: XT

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Top (O) Variant:

• Renault Kwid: RXT
• Alto 800: VXi
• Alto K10: VXi (O)
• Eon (0.8L): Sportz
• Eon (1L): Magna+ (O)
• Go: T(O)

NOTE: Click any picture to open a larger higher-resolution version in a new window / tab.

[a4anurag]

3) SPECIFICATIONS COMPARISON:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4) COLOUR OPTIONS:

Renault Kwid:


Maruti Alto 800:


Maruti Alto K10:


Hyundai Eon:


Datsun Go:


Tata Nano GenX:

[avisidhu]

A great deal would depend on whether it would just a beater second car at my home, or if I'm a first time buyer. As a second car the Kwid is a kind of no brainer right now.

But if this will be my only car then it also means I'm looking at a lot of other factors with trepidation and hoping no major expenses ruin my ownership experience. So in such a scenario the K10/Eon cannot be ignored.

[Dr.Suraj]

IMHO -

Tata Nano - does not belong in this category. It belongs 1 segment lower. (A1 & A2? )

Since the title says - BUDGET.

Eyes closed go for the Tata Nano GenX in the XTA version.
Because head to head - with the Kwid or the Alto or event the Celerio (feature to feature - power steering, HVAC, automatic (AMT), power windows, bluetooth system, remote locking etc.) - it's a good 1.5 to 1.9 lakh rupees cheaper.
Throw in a AMC for 3 to 5k - and I am set for 3 years - with nothing to pay for except fuel - real world FE figures are encouraging too!
(maybe few accessories like a rear view camera?, mobile holder)

BUDGET - indeed.
Besides - If I am on a budget - I am buying a A to B car (not a home theatre system read Kwid) - that does it's job, is not a fuss parking and gives me all the comforts I would need.

Remove the word budget - and make it a A segment war - then it's a different game altogether.
Because then we are looking at a car that can do HIGHWAY runs too. A full car. A proper car.

That's when things get really interesting and tough to decide. They all have some competent strengths and some unavoidable cons (space in Eon, service & power in Kwid, Datsun in Datsun,)

From the current poll - the winner would be Alto K10.
Little more and I would have gone for the Wagon R.

Or ... learning a lot from GTO's thread - I would just pick up a pre-worshipped Swift or Corolla or City or Civic for 2 to 3.5 lakhs. (as per many wonderful ownership threads on Team BHP)

[AJ-got-BHP]

Amazing comparison S2 !!

It will be an eye opener for many looking to explore in this category. The Renault Kwid is definitely a Head Turner in this segment for it's unconventional and distinctive looks which might just appeal to the masses; considering the bitter fact that most of the Car Buyers seek out for cosmetic offerings and looks in India.

Not sure about the first time buyers though as resistances are always there when it's your first time. For me, if I had to be exploring this category anytime in the future, it would definitely be the Renault Kwid for me.

Positives for me with the Kwid :

• Dynamic Pricing
• Ground Clearance of 180mm
• Excellent Power to Weight Ratio
• Considering it to be a Budget Car and that the ARAI fuel efficiency rating for the Kwid is the highest for any petrol car, it would just compliment the cause of purchase
• Looks and Equipments offered

Stands Voted !!

[Captain Haddock]

Kwid is a fine car but I think people buy these cars to slog through rush hour traffic. Other cars can take a tight u turn but the kwid with 5 m turning radius will fail to do so. Dimensions of the kwid are a bit too large for a city car. Structural strength is also a question mark considering that it weighs less than the much smaller nano.

Kwid will be a great buy for the urban dweller but I don't think it will kill the competition. Each car has an ace up it's sleeve.

Nano-Best for crowded and narrow streets. Best thing you can drive in Kerala.

Eon-Lots of variants,better engine and trust in the brand.

800-Legend in terms of low cost of ownership

k10-Powerful and trusted.

[Aaron:)]

The budget car segment is a tough one to crack, and each car has something to offer to the buyer. However, I really feel that Renault has got the product spot-on, but the ownership experience (which is of great importance, especially in this segment) is yet to be seen.

The Nano is the default choice if I were on a strict budget, but if I could stretch it a bit, the other cars in the group make a more compelling case.

Here's how they stand IMO -

Comfort - Kwid>Go>Eon=Alto 800=Alto K10
Performance - Go>Alto K10>Eon 1.0>Kwid>Eon 0.8>Alto 800
Ride and Handling - Kwid>Go>Eon 1.0>Alto 800=Alto K10>Eon
Value - Kwid>Alto 800>Eon=Alto K10>Go
Styling - Kwid>Eon>Alto K10>Go>Alto 800 (purely my opinion)
Build quality - Eon>Kwid>Alto K10>Alto 800>Go
Ownership - Alto>Eon>Kwid=Go

As I said earlier, the Kwid is clearly the best product in the segment, the only hindrance being the unknown ownership experience. The Eon 1.0 can't match up to the Kwid in terms of dynamics or space, but it has a more powerful engine and a much better service network.

So my choices in this segment are the Eon 1.0 and the Kwid. Not voting because you can't vote for two cars

[carwatcher]

Only Car : Kwid
Second Car : Nano
nth Car in the house with no budget constraints : Alto K10

Real Chances of ending-up buying any of them even if have spare cash : None (Would prefer buying used Civic AT / Fusion / Fiesta, etc.)

[Jakku]

I voted for Nano as the title has the word "budget" and also, when compared with other choices in the list, except for Kwid (about which I do not know), I feel Nano stands out with many of it's own merits (other than the fact it bears the badge TATA which many customers like to keep away from owing to the wrong perceptions).

Now, if I am shopping for my first car, I may not consider Nano as it is not that great in highways and I do not seriously want to restrict myself from using it in highways. No, I am in no ways saying it is not highway worthy (we have ample experiences from BHPians here who have used a Nano for cross country travels (that too the first version)).

If I have a car and shopping for a second one exclusively for city, Nano is the most ideal and none of the listed cars can beat it.

[PrideRed]

Nano would have been my choice provided it was reliable and refined.Both these are far from reality in a Nano.
Eon would have been the choice had it been cheaper and had more power(800cc version).
Datsun GO with its infamous build quality issue , poor A.S.S, dated looks, poor sales, never seemed like an option to me.
Alto 800 with its in existent rear seats, poor performance, lacks modern features.However wider dealer reach, proven reliability and F.E are its strong points.
Alto K10 comes in at 2nd spot, just missing the top spot by small margin. AMT and peppy 1000cc engine are its strong selling points and hard to resist. However lack of space and puny road presence works against it.
Finally Renault Kwid which is my choice among competition. Bold looks, practical usable space, decent power,best in class F.E, modern features works in its favour. Wafer thin dealership, maintenance cost, reliability and resale value is still a big question mark. Cheaper sticker price and bold styling helps Kwid overcome its shortcomings for now.

[djay434]

Have been looking to change my mom's old trusty Maruti 800 of 24 years (still in great running condition, easily does a round trip of Lucknow-Kanpur) with a new modern car.

Looked for Kwid, K10 and Eon. Renault guys called me up and informed me that they currently don't have a test drive vehicle (will be available after 23rd October) and the RXT (o) with airbag will have a waiting period of 6 months i.e. no delivery till March/April!

[Car-go-man]

I voted for Alto K10- primarily for its superior engine among the contenders.

Also, as a budget customer, I would, most of the times, go for tried-and-tested cars than treading into unfamiliar territory, no matter how promising the proposition might be.

[NPV]

I would choose Alto K10 for now from this list. It's really not fair to compare the K10 with the 800cc Kwid, so I would wait for the 1L Kwid and then compare before deciding.

However, this poll seems to be going heavily in favour of the Kwid