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 Mahindra XUV300, 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 Mahindra XUV300 – 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 value for money when choosing their first vehicle. They seek cars with good fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, and essential safety features.
User-friendly technology, comfortable interiors, and ample storage space are also important considerations. First-time buyers often prefer compact or subcompact cars that are easy to maneuver in city traffic and park in tight spaces.
Why Kia Sonet 2024 and Mahindra XUV300 are popular
Kia Sonet 2024 and Mahindra XUV300 have gained popularity among first-time car buyers due to their attractive pricing, modern design, and feature-rich offerings. Both models offer a range of variants catering to different budgets and preferences.
The Kia Sonet boasts a bold, sporty design with premium interior features like a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking camera, and automatic climate control. It also offers advanced safety features such as multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, and electronic stability control. The Sonet’s fuel-efficient engines and smooth transmission options make it an appealing choice for first-time buyers.
The Mahindra XUV300, on the other hand, stands out with its robust build quality, spacious interiors, and high safety ratings. It comes equipped with features like a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and a touchscreen infotainment system. The XUV300’s powerful engine options and responsive handling make it suitable for both city and highway driving.
Kia Sonet 2024 and Mahindra XUV300 variants shortlist in Rs 8-10 lakh range
For Kia Sonet 2024, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 19 March 2024 |
| HTK | ₹879,000 |
| HTK Plus | ₹990,000 |
For Mahindra XUV300, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 19 March 2024 |
| W4 | ₹867,000 |
| W4.1 | ₹931,000 |
| W6 | ₹1,000,000 |
Kia Sonet HTK & HTK Plus
The Kia Sonet HTK variant offers excellent value for first-time buyers with its affordable pricing and essential features like power steering, rear parking sensors, and a touchscreen infotainment system. The HTK Plus variant adds more convenience features like automatic climate control and fog lights. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read our guide to the best Sonet 2024 variants for you.
Mahindra XUV300 W4, W4.1 & W6
The Mahindra XUV300 W4 variant is an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers, offering essential safety features like dual airbags and ABS with EBD. The W4.1 variant offers a more powerful engine option and additional features like a rear parking camera. The W6 variant offers a turbo engine and premium features like a sunroof and keyless entry, making it suitable for buyers willing to stretch their budget. If you’re a gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the XUV300 with Tata Nexon 2023 and Nissan Magnite.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Kia Sonet 2024 and Mahindra XUV300 for First-time car buyers
After careful consideration, we recommend the Kia Sonet HTK Plus as the best variant for first-time car buyers. This variant strikes an excellent balance between affordability and features, making it a value-for-money proposition.
The HTK Plus variant comes equipped with a fuel-efficient 1.2-liter petrol engine that offers a smooth driving experience. It also boasts essential safety features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors. The touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity ensures a seamless and enjoyable user experience.
Moreover, the Kia Sonet has received a commendable 3-star safety rating from Global NCAP, ensuring the safety of occupants. The HTK Plus variant also offers convenience features like automatic climate control, electrically adjustable ORVMs, and fog lamps, enhancing the overall driving experience.
The Top 3 choices
- Kia Sonet HTK Plus
- Mahindra XUV300 W6
- Kia Sonet HTK
| Attributes | Kia Sonet HTK Plus | Mahindra XUV300 W6 | Kia Sonet HTK |
| Steering Mounted Controls | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Windows – Front | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Camera | Yes | No | Yes |
| Fog lights | Yes | No | No |
| Airbags (number) | 6 | 2 | 6 |
| Power Windows – Back | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Kia Sonet HTK Plus offers the best combination of features, safety, and value for money.
- The Mahindra XUV300 W6 is a well-rounded package with a powerful engine and premium features like a sunroof.
- The Kia Sonet HTK is the most affordable option, providing essential features and safety equipment.
All three variants are attractive choices for first-time car buyers, catering to different budgets and preferences. They offer a mix of affordability, modern features, and safety, ensuring that there is a suitable option for every buyer in this segment.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
