What are some of the best budget cars, or value for money cars in India? Let’s look at the Kia Sonet 2024 and Maruti Suzuki Dzire to compare their variants for budget-conscious buyers.
In this article, we will discuss
- What a budget-conscious buyer looks for in a car
- Kia Sonet 2024 vs Maruti Suzuki Dzire – a comprehensive analysis of their variants, features, affordability, and fuel efficiency
- How to pick the right car for you
So, can these cars be considered the best budget compact sedan and compact SUV? What affordable car options do they have in their lineup? Read on.
What a Budget-conscious Buyer Looks for in a Car
A budget-conscious buyer should look for these in a car:
- Affordability – a car should be affordable, and have low maintenance costs
- Fuel efficiency – The car shouldn’t guzzle fuel
- Safety features – Essential safety features are a must in a car
- Brand perception – Is the brand of the car known for its wide service network, after sales service, etc.
- Resale value – The car should fetch good resale rates
Budget-conscious buyers seek vehicles that combine cost-effectiveness with operational efficiency, safety, and comfort. They prioritize models with excellent fuel economy to minimize running costs, reliable safety features such as airbags and ABS for protection, and durability to ensure long-term value.
Modern technological conveniences at a reasonable price also appeal to these buyers, ensuring they enjoy contemporary comforts without overspending.
Why Kia Sonet 2024 and Maruti Suzuki Dzire are Popular
The Kia Sonet 2024 and Maruti Suzuki Dzire are favorites among budget-conscious consumers due to their blend of affordability, fuel efficiency, and packed features.
The Sonet, known for its dynamic design and robust build quality, offers a range of engine options, including highly efficient petrol variants, making it a preferred choice for those seeking both style and substance.
The Dzire, on the other hand, stands out for its exceptional fuel economy, spacious interior, and Maruti Suzuki’s reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs.
Both models offer various trim levels, enabling buyers to select a vehicle that best fits their budget while accessing necessary technology and safety features.
Kia Sonet 2024 and Maruti Suzuki Dzire Variants Shortlist in Rs 8-10 Lakh Range
For Kia Sonet 2024, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 7 February 2024 |
| HTK | ₹8,79,000 |
| HTK Plus | ₹9,90,000 |
For Maruti Suzuki Dzire, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 7 February 2024 |
| ZXI | ₹8,05,000 |
| ZXI AT | ₹8,60,000 |
| ZXI Plus AT | ₹9,31,000 |
Kia Sonet HTK & HTK Plus
Offer excellent value with their combination of fuel efficiency, safety features, and technology at competitive prices. The HTK Plus, with additional tech amenities, caters to those valuing modern conveniences. If you’re looking for a value-for-money car, you can read our guide to the best Sonet 2024 variants for you.
Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXI, ZXI AT, & ZXI Plus AT
Stand out for their exceptional fuel economy, making them ideal for buyers prioritizing operational cost-effectiveness. The automatic variants provide added convenience without significantly impacting fuel efficiency, appealing to those looking for ease of driving alongside affordability. If you’re a family-focused car buyer, you can check out our comparison of the Dzire with Renault Kiger.
Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Kia Sonet 2024 and Maruti Suzuki Dzire for Budget-conscious Buyers
The Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXI emerges as the top choice for budget-conscious buyers. Its unbeatable combination of a highly efficient petrol engine offering 23.26 kmpl, affordability, and essential technology features like a 7″ touchscreen infotainment system makes it an outstanding value proposition.
Despite having fewer airbags than the Kia Sonet variants, the Dzire compensates with superior fuel efficiency and a lower price point, making it the ideal selection for buyers prioritizing long-term savings and upfront affordability.
The Top 3 Choices
- Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXI
- Kia Sonet HTK Plus
- Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXI AT
| Feature | Dzire ZXI | Sonet HTK Plus | Dzire ZXI AT |
| Overall Mileage (kmpl) | 23.26 | 18.4 | 24.12 |
| Airbags | 2 | 6 | 2 |
| Touchscreen Size | 7″ | 8″ | 7″ |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXI: Offers the best balance of efficiency, cost, and essential features, making it the preferred choice for budget-conscious buyers.
- Kia Sonet HTK Plus: Provides a more tech-savvy option with enhanced safety features for those willing to slightly stretch their budget for additional comforts.
- Maruti Suzuki Dzire ZXI AT: Combines the efficiency and affordability of the Dzire ZXI with the convenience of an automatic transmission, appealing to those seeking ease of use without compromising on economy.
Together, these variants represent the best options for buyers aiming to maximize their investment without compromising on essential modern features.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
