Hyundai Venue vs Kia Sonet vs Maruti Suzuki Brezza: Comparing Automatic Variants Under Rs 12 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 compact SUVs Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue, and find out which will be the best for you.

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

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

So, are these affordable cars in the compact SUV segment for first-time car buyers? Let’s find out.

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.

For a first-time car buyer, the primary focus lies on affordability, safety, and ease of handling. They prefer vehicles that are compact, efficient in fuel consumption, and equipped with basic modern amenities. 

High ground clearance, necessary safety features like ABS and crash warning, and automated driving assistance are often top on their list. 

Easy-to-use infotainment systems, intuitive driving controls, and smooth automatic transmissions are other features that novice drivers tend to prioritize in top cars for first-time buyers.

Why Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, and Maruti Suzuki Brezza are Popular

Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, and Maruti Suzuki Brezza stand out in the compact SUV segment for their value proposition. These cars boast a blend of modern design, advanced safety features, and efficient powertrains at competitive price points. 

Their compact size makes them easy to maneuver in tight urban spaces, while the elevated seating position provides better visibility, boosting the confidence of new drivers. 

The inclusion of features like ABS, rear parking sensors, and power steering across basic variants showcases their emphasis on safety and convenience, making them a favorite choice among novices.

Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, and Maruti Suzuki Brezza Automatic Variants in Rs 10-12 Lakh Range

For Maruti Suzuki Brezza, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 1 September 2023
Vxi AT	₹11,14,000

For Hyundai Venue, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 1 September 2023
S Opt Turbo iMT	₹10,44,000

For Kia Sonet, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 1 September 2023
HTK Plus Turbo iMT	₹10,49,000

Maruti Suzuki Brezza Vxi AT

The Brezza Vxi AT offers ABS, crash warning, and a decent ground clearance of 190mm. While it lacks curtain airbags, its highway mileage stands at a commendable 19.89 kmpl. The torque converter transmission, though not as modern as a CVT or DCT, is still beginner-friendly. We have also compared the Brezza with Nissan Magnite for first-time car buyers.

Hyundai Venue S Opt Turbo iMT

The Venue provides a ground clearance of 195mm, and though it lacks curtain airbags, it compensates with a lane-keeping assist. The mileage is slightly lower at 16.8 kmpl, but the inclusion of a rear parking camera is a significant advantage for beginners. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the Venue with Mahindra XUV300 and Kia Sonet.

Kia Sonet HTK Plus Turbo iMT

The Sonet stands out with the highest ground clearance of 211mm. Although it lacks lane-keeping assist, the car compensates with features like push-button start. The overall mileage is decent at 18.2 kmpl, and the inclusion of an Arkamys audio system offers a premium touch. If you enjoy long-distance road trips, you can read our comparison of the Sonet with Brezza.

Our Pick for the Best variant among Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, and Maruti Suzuki Brezza for First-time car buyers

The Maruti Suzuki Brezza Vxi AT shines as the best choice for a first-time buyer. Its ABS and crash warning features ensure top-tier safety. The car boasts a competitive ground clearance of 190mm, providing confidence on varied terrains. 

Fuel efficiency is another strength, offering 19.89 kmpl on highways. Additionally, the torque converter transmission is simple and friendly for novice drivers. Power steering, rear parking sensors, and an LCD touchscreen are included, ensuring ease and convenience. 

While it lacks curtain airbags and lane-keeping assist, the features provided in this price bracket are commendable and offer excellent value for money. In short, it is the right car on this comparison list for first-time buyers.

The 3 Automatic Variants Ranked

1. Maruti Suzuki Brezza Vxi AT
2. Kia Sonet HTK Plus Turbo iMT
3. Hyundai Venue S Opt Turbo iMT

Attributes	Brezza Vxi AT	Sonet HTK Plus Turbo iMT	Venue S Opt Turbo iMT
ABS	Yes	Yes	Yes
Crash Warning	Yes	Yes	Yes
Ground Clearance (mm)	190	211	195
Highway Mileage (kmpl)	19.89	18.2	16.8
Overall Mileage (kmpl)	19.89	18.2	16.8
Power Steering	Yes	Yes	Yes
Rear Parking Sensors	Yes	Yes	Yes
Transmission – Auto Type	Torque Converter	IMT	IMT

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Brezza Vxi AT stands out for its comprehensive package at a reasonable price
• The Sonet HTK Plus Turbo iMT offers superior ground clearance and a premium audio experience. 
• The Venue S Opt Turbo iMT brings in lane-keeping assist and rear parking camera, making it a worthy third choice.

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