KATHMANDU, Mar 2: Buying a first car is a major moment in your life. As it is not wise to make big investment without mastering driving skill, many people go for cheaper cars to begin with. 

First-time buyers and those, who already own a car but are in need of a second car, generally go for entry-level cars, according to Awashis Ojha, head of Marketing and Communication at Hyundai Nepal. “People, who want to upgrade from bikes, choose car from low ranges. Also, many go for cars suggested by their friends or relatives."

Factors like brand, design, materials used, engine displacement, transmission and braking system, durability and comfort determine the price of cars. Cars of lower price range have limited features. 

Kabin Shakya, senior manager of CG Motors, feels Nepali customers come to the showroom after conducting their own research. "A lot of consumers, especially youngsters, come to the showroom after comparing different models available in the market and their features," he said, adding: "I suggest newbie to go for low budget car to begin with and gradually upgrade after gaining experience."

According to Shakya, cars priced below Rs 3 million are termed 'budget car'.

Sandip Chhetri, marketing head of Renault Nepal, said there is high demand for cars in low-end segment. "Though the customer base of upper-end cars is also big, most of the first time buyers go for low budget cars," he added.

Republic profiles entry-level cars of leading brands that priced below Rs 3 million for those looking for their first cars.

Ford Figo 1.2l Trend SMT 
Rs 2.84 million
Ford Figo is powered by a 1.2 liter Ti-VCT petrol engine. According to Ford, the car delivers mileage of 20.4 kmpl and has fuel tank capacity of 42 liters. Front fog light, passenger airbag, driver airbag, alloy wheels, power steering, AC, front power windows and anti-lock braking system are some of the features of this car. The car is also available with automatic transmission.

Hyundai All New Santro Magna  
Rs 2.55 million
Hyundai All New Santro Magna is powered by a four-cylinder petrol engine with a displacement of 1,086cc. According to Hyundai, the car delivers mileage of 20.3 kmpl. Santro Magna comes in seven color options. Other features include multi-function steering wheel, power steering, anti-lock braking system, air conditioning system, and front power windows.

Renault KWID RXT (1,000cc) 
Rs 2.39 million
Renault KWID RXT 1000 is powered by a three-cylinder petrol engine. KWID comes with fuel capacity of 28 liters with a mileage of 23.01 kmpl. It has features like air conditioning, heater, low fuel warning light, navigation system, key-less entry, voice control and many more.

Tata Tiago Revotron XE (1,199cc) 
Rs 2.49 million
Tata Tiago has three-cylinder Revotron petrol engine with a displacement of 1,199cc. According to the company, it gives mileage of 23.85 kmpl and comes with good styling and decent suspension handling. It has features like AC, 242 liters boot space and fuel tank capacity of 35 liters.

Datsun Redi GO D 0.8l 
Rs 2 million
Datsun Redi GO has an I-SAT (Intelligent Spark Automated Technology) engine with a displacement of 800cc. According to Datsun, the car delivers mileage of 22.7 kmpl. Redi Go comes with bootspace of 222 liters and fuel tank capacity of 28 liters. It has features like gear shift indicator, rear seat headrest, low fuel warning light, heater and height adjustable front seat belts.

Honda Brio S MT (1,198cc petrol)
Rs 2.92 million
Honda Brio S MT has i-VTEC petrol engine with a displacement of 1198cc. The car delivers mileage of 16.5 to 22.0 kmpl depending on road conditions. It has fuel tank capacity of 35 liters. Other features of the car include power steering, front power windows and air conditioner.

Suzuki Alto 800 Lxi 
Rs 2.1 million
The Suzuki Alto is powered by a 3-cylinder petrol engine with a displacement of 796cc. The Alto has features like power steering, adjustable steering, heater, low fuel warning lights, and remote trunk opener. It has 35 liters fuel tank capacity and boot space of 177 liters.

Nissan Micra Active XL 
Rs 2.7 million
Nissan Micra Active XL has a three-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1,198cc. The Active XL delivers mileage of 18.97 kmpl and has fuel tank capacity of 41 liters. Other features in the car include airbags, engine immobilizer, central locking, child safety lock, power door lock, headlamp beam adjuster, air conditioner, and steering adjustment.

Volkswagen Polo 1.0
Rs 2.94 million
Volkswagen Polo 1.0 has an MPI three-cylinder petrol engine with a displacement of 999cc. According to the company, the car delivers mileage of 18.78 kmpl. It has fuel tank capacity of 45 liters and comes loaded with features like airbags, alloy wheels, power steering, AC, power windows, and anti-lock braking system.

 
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