Kia Sonet 2024 vs Hyundai Venue: Their Variants Priced Rs 8-10 Lakh Compared for First-Time Car Buyers

Buying a car for the first time, but confused about which are the best, or top cars for first-time buyers in India, and which option to choose? Let’s look at the Kia Sonet 2024 and Hyundai Venue, and find out which of their variants 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
• Kia Sonet 2024 vs Hyundai Venue – an in-depth guide to their variants, features, cost, and driveability
• How to pick the right car for you

So, are these affordable cars for first-time buyers in India? And which variant of these models is the right car for a first-time car buyer? 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

First-time car buyers prioritize affordability, reliability, and essential features when choosing their initial vehicle. They seek cars that offer good value for money, with a focus on fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs. Key features such as power steering, air conditioning, and a user-friendly infotainment system are important considerations. 

Safety features like airbags and ABS are also crucial for first-time buyers. Additionally, they appreciate a spacious cabin, comfortable seating, and ample storage space for everyday practicality. A compact size and easy maneuverability are often preferred for navigating city traffic and parking in tight spaces.

Why Kia Sonet 2024 and Hyundai Venue are popular

The Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue have gained popularity among first-time car buyers due to their affordable pricing, feature-rich offerings, and stylish designs. Both vehicles offer a range of variants that cater to different budgets and preferences, making them accessible to a wide audience.

The Kia Sonet attracts first-time buyers with its sporty and modern aesthetics, coupled with a spacious and well-appointed interior. The Sonet offers a host of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors, and a variety of safety features, even in its entry-level variants. The car’s fuel-efficient engine options and competitive pricing make it an appealing choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Similarly, the Hyundai Venue has gained a strong foothold in the market, thanks to its bold design, feature-packed variants, and Hyundai’s reputation for reliability. The Venue offers a range of modern amenities, such as a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking camera, and projector headlamps, which appeal to tech-savvy first-time buyers. The car’s compact dimensions and easy maneuverability make it well-suited for city driving.

Both the Sonet and Venue prioritize safety, with features like dual airbags, ABS, and electronic stability control available across variants, providing peace of mind to first-time car buyers. Additionally, the extensive sales and service network of both Kia and Hyundai ensures easy access to after-sales support, which is a crucial factor for first-time buyers.

Kia Sonet 2024 and Hyundai Venue variants shortlist in Rs 8-10 lakh range

For Kia Sonet 2024, we have:

For Hyundai Venue, we have:

Kia Sonet HTK

The Sonet HTK is an excellent choice for first-time car buyers, offering a compelling package of features and value. It comes equipped with essential amenities like power windows, rear parking sensors, and a touchscreen infotainment system. The HTK variant also prioritizes safety with features like dual front airbags and ABS. The Sonet’s spacious cabin, comfortable seating, and fuel-efficient petrol engine make it a practical choice for daily commutes and weekend getaways. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read our guide to the best Sonet 2024 variants for you.

Kia Sonet HTE Diesel

For first-time buyers considering a diesel option, the Sonet HTE Diesel offers a fuel-efficient and torque-rich experience. While it may have fewer features compared to the HTK variant, the HTE Diesel still comes equipped with essential safety features like dual front airbags and ABS. The car’s robust build quality and smooth diesel engine make it a reliable choice for long-distance journeys. If you’re looking for a family car, you can read our guide to the best Sonet 2024 variants for you.

Kia Sonet HTK Plus

The Sonet HTK Plus builds upon the features of the HTK variant, offering additional comfort and convenience. It includes amenities like a rear-view camera, automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The HTK Plus variant also adds projector fog lamps and a stylish chrome front grille, enhancing the car’s visual appeal. The addition of these features makes the HTK Plus a more premium offering for first-time buyers willing to stretch their budget slightly.

Hyundai Venue S

The Venue S is a well-rounded variant that offers a balance of affordability and essential features. It comes equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors, and power windows. The S variant also prioritizes safety with dual front airbags and ABS. The Venue’s compact size and easy maneuverability make it an ideal choice for first-time buyers navigating city traffic. If you’re safety conscious, you can read our comparison of the Venue with Maruti Suzuki Brezza.

Hyundai Venue S Opt

The Venue S Opt adds a touch of premium features to the already well-equipped S variant. It includes LED DRLs, cornering lamps, and a rear-view camera, enhancing both style and functionality. The S Opt variant also offers a glove box cooling system and a rear armrest with cup holders, providing additional comfort and convenience. These added features make the S Opt variant an attractive choice for first-time buyers seeking a more feature-rich experience.

Our Pick for the Best variant among Kia Sonet 2024 and Hyundai Venue for First-time car buyers 

After careful consideration, we recommend the Kia Sonet HTK as the best variant for first-time car buyers. This variant offers an excellent balance of affordability, essential features, and overall value, making it an ideal choice for those venturing into car ownership for the first time.

The Sonet HTK comes equipped with a range of features that cater to the needs and preferences of first-time buyers. It offers power steering, making maneuvering the vehicle effortless, especially in city traffic. The rear parking sensors provide assistance while reversing, instilling confidence in novice drivers. The touchscreen infotainment system, with its user-friendly interface, keeps occupants entertained and connected during journeys.

In terms of safety, the Sonet HTK prioritizes the well-being of its occupants. It comes standard with dual front airbags, providing essential protection in the event of a collision. The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ensures stable braking performance, enhancing safety during sudden stops. The variant also offers features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill Hold Assist, which provide added stability and control in various driving conditions.

The Sonet HTK’s 1.2-liter petrol engine offers a balanced combination of performance and fuel efficiency. The engine’s linear power delivery and smooth acceleration make it easy for first-time drivers to navigate city traffic and highways alike. The 5-speed manual transmission provides an engaging driving experience while keeping the cost of ownership in check.

While the Hyundai Venue S and other Sonet variants like the HTE Diesel and HTK Plus also offer attractive packages, the Sonet HTK stands out for its comprehensive set of features at an affordable price point. It strikes the right balance between value and essential amenities, making it an ideal choice for first-time car buyers.

In conclusion, the Kia Sonet HTK emerges as the best variant for first-time car buyers, offering a well-rounded package that combines affordability, essential features, and safety. Its user-friendly controls, comfortable cabin, and fuel-efficient engine make it a practical and reliable choice for those embarking on their car ownership journey.

The Top 3 choices

1. Kia Sonet HTK
2. Hyundai Venue S Opt
3. Kia Sonet HTK Plus

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Kia Sonet HTK takes the top spot for its impressive blend of affordability, features, and safety. It offers essential amenities like power steering, rear parking sensors, and a touchscreen infotainment system, making it an attractive choice for first-time buyers. The Sonet HTK’s dual front airbags, ABS, and ESC prioritize occupant safety, providing peace of mind to novice drivers. The variant’s spacious cabin, comfortable seating, and fuel-efficient petrol engine further enhance its appeal.
• The Hyundai Venue S Opt secures the second position, offering a well-rounded package for first-time buyers. Its compact dimensions and easy maneuverability make it ideal for navigating city traffic. The Venue S Opt comes equipped with features like a rear-view camera, LED DRLs, and cornering lamps, adding a touch of style and functionality. The variant’s dual front airbags and ABS ensure occupant safety, while the touchscreen infotainment system keeps occupants entertained.
• The Kia Sonet HTK Plus rounds off the top three choices, catering to first-time buyers seeking a more premium experience. It builds upon the features of the HTK variant, offering additional amenities like automatic climate control, a rear-view camera, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The HTK Plus variant’s projector fog lamps and stylish chrome front grille enhance its visual appeal. While slightly more expensive than the HTK, the added features justify the price difference for buyers willing to stretch their budget.

The Kia Sonet HTK and HTK Plus provide a comprehensive set of features, prioritizing safety, comfort, and style. The Hyundai Venue S Opt, on the other hand, offers a well-balanced package with its compact dimensions, essential features, and added touches of premiumness. 

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