Honda Amaze vs Kia Sonet: Comparing Their Variants Under Rs 10 Lakh for First-time Car Buyers

Buying a car for the first time, but confused about which are the best cars for first-time buyers in India, and which option to choose? Let’s look at the Honda Amaze and Kia Sonet, and find out which will be the best for you.

In this first-time car buyers’ guide, we will share

• What a first-time buyer should look for in a car
• Honda Amaze vs Kia Sonet – an in-depth guide to their variants, features, cost, and driveability
• How to pick the right car for you

So, which variants of these cars in the compact sedan and compact SUV segments are affordable for first-time car buyers? Let’s find out.

Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500

What a First-time car buyer looks for in a car

This is what a first-time buyer should look for in a car:

• Safety – What safety features does the car have? What is its safety rating?
• Affordability – The car should be well within budget and affordable.
• Fuel efficiency – The car should have good fuel efficiency, thereby reducing its running cost.
• Ease of driving – The car should be easy to drive, with features that help in driving and offer convenience for new drivers.

A first-time car buyer often seeks a blend of affordability, safety, fuel efficiency, and user-friendly features. They prefer a car that is easy to handle and maintain, ensuring a comforting initiation into the realm of driving. The design should be compact yet spacious enough, with intuitive controls, making their driving experience less intimidating. 

Safety features like ABS and airbags, fuel efficiency, and affordable maintenance are paramount, as they provide the necessary confidence and peace of mind in top cars for first-time buyers. The addition of modern yet straightforward technology for ease of driving and entertainment is often seen as a delightful bonus.

Why Honda Amaze and Kia Sonet are Popular

Both the Honda Amaze and Kia Sonet are attractive options for first-time buyers due to their reputation for reliability and user-friendly features. 

The Honda Amaze, with its compact sedan design, offers a comfortable and spacious interior, making it easy for new drivers to adapt. It’s also recognized for its fuel efficiency which is a key consideration for budget-conscious buyers.

On the other hand, Kia Sonet, being a compact SUV, provides a higher driving position giving better road visibility, a factor appreciated by new drivers. It also comes with a robust build quality ensuring safety, which is often a significant concern for new drivers. Moreover, its modern and stylish design appeals to the younger demographic who are likely to be first-time buyers.

Both cars come with variants that offer automatic transmission, making driving easier for newcomers. The reasonable pricing, reputable brand backing, and the availability of service centers add to the appeal of both these cars for first-time buyers.

Honda Amaze and Kia Sonet Variants Shortlist in Rs 9-10 Lakh Range

For Honda Amaze, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 28 September 2023
VX CVT	₹960,000

For Kia Sonet, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 28 September 2023
1.2 HTK Plus	₹964,000
1.5 HTE Diesel	₹995,000

Honda Amaze VX CVT

The Honda Amaze VX CVT, priced at INR 960,000, comes with crucial safety features like ABS, and convenience features like power steering, push-button start, and a rear parking camera. The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) adds to the ease of driving which is essential for first-time buyers. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the Amaze with Hyundai Aura.

Kia Sonet 1.2 HTK Plus

The Kia Sonet 1.2 HTK Plus, priced slightly higher at INR 964,000, stands out with its higher ground clearance and robust build quality, offering a sense of safety and command on the road. Additionally, its audio system by Arkamys enhances the driving experience. If you’re a style-conscious buyer, you can read our comparison of the Kia Sonet with Hyundai Venue.

Kia Sonet 1.5 HTE Diesel

Lastly, the Kia Sonet 1.5 HTE Diesel, priced at INR 995,000, although doesn’t offer an automatic transmission, it makes up for it with its fuel efficiency, especially for those who plan on using their car for daily long commutes. However, the absence of some convenience features like a rear parking camera and an audio system might deter some first-time buyers. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read our comparison of the Sonet with Maruti Suzuki Fronx.

Our Pick for the Best variant among Honda Amaze and Kia Sonet for First-time car buyers

Considering the balance of safety, convenience, and cost, the Honda Amaze VX CVT emerges as the most fitting choice for a first-time car buyer. It encompasses essential safety features like ABS, user-friendly aspects like CVT transmission, power steering, and additional amenities like a push-button start and a rear parking camera. 

These features not only ensure a safer driving experience but also provide a hassle-free and enjoyable driving journey, making it less daunting for new drivers. The pricing is also competitive, making it an attractive package for first-time buyers, ensuring they get value for their money without compromising on essential features. In short, it is the right car on this list for a first-time car buyer.

The 3 Variants Ranked

1. Honda Amaze VX CVT
2. Kia Sonet 1.2 HTK Plus
3. Kia Sonet 1.5 HTE Diesel

Attributes	Honda Amaze VX CVT	Kia Sonet 1.2 HTK Plus	Kia Sonet 1.5 HTE Diesel
ABS	Yes	Yes	Yes
Ground Clearance (mm)	170	211	211
Fuel Efficiency (kmpl)	18.6	18.4	Yes
Power Steering	Yes	Yes	No
Rear Parking Sensors	Yes	Yes	No
Automatic Transmission	CVT	None	None
Power Windows – Front	Yes	Yes	Yes
Rear Parking Camera	Yes	Yes	No

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Honda Amaze VX CVT shines with its automatic transmission, safety features, and affordable price point, making it less intimidating for first-time drivers. 
• Kia Sonet 1.2 HTK Plus offers a higher driving position and better road visibility along with a premium audio experience. 
• Kia Sonet 1.5 HTE Diesel stands out for those who prioritize fuel efficiency for longer commutes, albeit missing out on some convenience features. 

All three variants provide a unique blend of features catering to different preferences of first-time buyers, thus offering a good range of options to choose from.

If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.

Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered