Every individual has a different preference when it comes to buying a vehicle. Some want style and speed, while some focus on affordability, driving experience, fuel efficiency, comfort, and features.
Apart from personal preferences, the age of the car buyers also play an important role in determining the vehicle type. Younger people like fast cars, with good music systems, high BHP, lighter weights. They want their vehicle to be flashy, and one that will make heads turn as they cruise along the roads.
Senior citizens prefer cars that are comfortable to get in and out of, and have easy controls, comfortable seats, and ample leg room. They require a car that is not very complex, and also does not put pressure on their knees, feets, and hands.
If you are looking to buy a car for yourself, or your parent/grandparent, you have come to the right page. We have compiled a comprehensive list of cars that are ideal for senior citizens. Read ahead to know more.
- Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios is a comfortable hatchback that is a very good purchase for senior citizens. This car has fog lamps and projector headlamps that makes it easier to drive during fog, and low light conditions. There is ample knee room, and easy ingress/egress, ensuring a comfortable driving and riding experience. The car has a 1.2 litre engine, in both petrol and diesel, and comes with a 5 gearbox for manual, or even automatic transmissions.
The car is well priced, with starting ranges from Rs. 5.28 lacs.
- Tata Altroz
Tata cars are known for their safety, and the Altroz is a hatchback which has a 5 star safety rating from G-NAP, rendering it one of the safest cars for senior citizens. The car is easy to drive, with features like cruise control, automatic climate control, real time vehicle tracking, and a built-in navigation system. Additionally, for seniors, there are safety features like ABS, airbags, remote vehicle features control, and crash sensors. The car has 1.2 litre petrol and a 1.5 litre diesel engine.
For the many facilities it provides, Altroz is complete value for money, with prices starting from Rs. 5.84 lacs.
- Maruti Wagon R
One of Maruti’s best selling vehicles, the Wagon R has been selling for almost 20 years now, and is still as popular. The tallboy design of this hatchback is ideal for seniors, and the doors open at almost 90 degrees, making it easier to get in and out of the car. The driving experience of the car is supreme, and there is power steering. There is the option of taking a 1 litre, or a 1.2 litre petrol engine, with automatic or manual transmission.
One of the most affordable, yet comfortable cars on the Indian roads, the Wagon R starts from Rs. 4.93 lacs.
- Honda Amaze
An excellent sedan for seniors, the Honda Amaze has excellent automatic transmission. This comfortable car has seat lumbar support, remote trunk opener, and driver side power door, along with speed alert, crash sensors, front and side impact beams, and automatic headlamps. The facility of voice control is available, making it easier for seniors to use the vehicle. The car comes with either a 1.2 litre petrol engine, or a 1.5 litre diesel engine.
This great car is value for money, with prices starting as low as Rs. 6.32 lacs.
- Kia Sonnet
SUVs are a good choice for seniors, as the taller design makes ingress and egress easy. The car is power packed with features such as voice control, remote engine control, air quality control, ventilated seats, and cruise control. From a safety perspective, the Sonnet has six airbags, ABs, vehicle stability control, and engine immobiliser. There are options of 1/1.2/1.5 litre engines, with manual or automatic transmission.
One of the best selling cars for senior citizens, the Sonnet starts from Rs. 6.89 lacs.
- Mahindra XUV300
Mahindra’s cars are known for their sturdiness and strength, and the XUV300 is no exception. The car is roomy, with plenty of leg space and comfortable headrests. The car has a 5 star rating from NCAP, and has seven airbags, crash sensors, tire position display, ABS, and electronic stability control. There are also additional features like keyless entry, real time vehicle tracking, cruise control, and voice control, which provide a seamless driving and riding experience for the seniors. The car tires also have 180 mm of ground clearance, making it convenient to maneuver the car on uneven and bumpy roads. There are 1.2 litre petrol, or 1.5 litre diesel engine options, along with manual or automatic transmissions.
This excellent car is well priced, with rates starting from Rs. 7.95 lacs.
- Hyundai Venue
One of the most affordable compact SUVs in the market, the Hyundai Venue is an excellent choice for senior citizens as it comes equipped with many driver assistance features. The car has vehicle stability control, electronic stability control, tire pressure monitoring system, crash sensors, ABS, and front and side impact beams, along with LED DRLs, cruise control, and in-built navigation system. Venue has 1 or 1.2 litre petrol engine, or 1.5 litre diesel engines, and manual or automatic transmission.
Hyundai Venue starts from Rs. 6.99 lacs.
Tips to choose the best vehicle for seniors:
- Check the ingress and egress of the car. It should be easy to get in and out of, without putting unnecessary pressure on the knees.
- Ensure that there is great visibility of the roads from all angles from the driver’s seat.
- Check the boot space to make sure that walking sticks, wheelchairs, and other equipment can fit easily.
- Some features should be imperative like cruise control, crash sensors, seatbelt warning, speed alert, and reverse parking sensors.
Driving tips for seniors:
- Make sure that your medication does not impact the ability to manage a vehicle. Check with the doctor beforehand.
- Take note of the weather conditions and time of the day before driving. Avoid driving during heavy rainfall or snow when the visibility is low. Also, avoid stepping out late at night or during early winter mornings where fog conditions are terrible.
- Keep your body active to ensure that driving does not take a toll on you.
- Make sure your vision and hearing are in perfect condition before sitting behind the wheel.
Just because you’ve aged a little, doesn’t mean you should stop having fun…in fact life does begin after 60! Venture out in the world, explore every nook and cranny…be safe, and follow our tips. You’ll have the time of your life, and wonder why you didn’t age earlier!
