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 Maruti Suzuki Baleno, 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 Maruti Suzuki Baleno – 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 Maruti Suzuki Baleno are popular
Kia Sonet 2024 and Maruti Suzuki Baleno 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 Maruti Suzuki Baleno, on the other hand, is known for its spacious interiors, excellent fuel efficiency, and reliable performance. It comes equipped with features like a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors, and automatic climate control. The Baleno’s lightweight construction and peppy engines ensure a smooth and enjoyable driving experience, making it a popular choice among first-time buyers.
Kia Sonet 2024 and Maruti Suzuki Baleno variants shortlist in Rs 8-10 lakh range
For Kia Sonet 2024, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 19 March 2024 |
| HTK Plus | ₹990,000 |
For Maruti Suzuki Baleno, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 19 March 2024 |
| Zeta AMT | ₹893,000 |
| Alpha AMT | ₹988,000 |
Kia Sonet HTK Plus
The Kia Sonet HTK Plus variant offers an excellent balance of features and affordability. It comes equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking camera, automatic climate control, and essential safety features like dual airbags and ABS with EBD. The manual transmission and fuel-efficient engine make it an attractive option for first-time buyers. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read our guide to the best Sonet 2024 variants for you.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta AMT
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta AMT variant is a great choice for those seeking the convenience of an automatic transmission. It offers features like a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors, and LED headlights. The AMT gearbox ensures a smooth and hassle-free driving experience, making it ideal for city commutes. If you value a car’s design and style, you can check out our comparison of the Baleno with Hyundai Exter.
Maruti Suzuki Baleno Alpha AMT
The Maruti Suzuki Baleno Alpha AMT variant is the top-spec offering, packed with premium features. It comes with additional amenities like a 360-degree camera, cruise control, and a more advanced infotainment system. The Alpha variant offers the best combination of comfort, convenience, and safety features, making it an attractive choice for first-time buyers willing to stretch their budget. If you’re looking for a family car, you can read our comparison of the Baleno with Nissan Magnite.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Kia Sonet 2024 and Maruti Suzuki Baleno for First-time car buyers
After careful consideration, we recommend the Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta AMT as the best variant for first-time car buyers. This variant offers an excellent balance of features, affordability, and convenience.
The Baleno Zeta AMT comes equipped with a fuel-efficient 1.2-liter petrol engine paired with an AMT gearbox, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free driving experience. It offers essential safety features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors. The touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity enhances the overall user experience.
Moreover, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno has a proven track record of reliability and low maintenance costs, which is a crucial factor for first-time buyers. The spacious interiors and ample boot space make it practical for daily use and occasional long trips.
The 3 Variants Ranked in Order of Preference
- Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta AMT
- Kia Sonet HTK Plus
- Maruti Suzuki Baleno Alpha AMT
| Attributes | Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta AMT | Kia Sonet HTK Plus | Maruti Suzuki Baleno Alpha AMT |
| Push Button Start | Yes | No | Yes |
| Steering Mounted Controls | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen type | LCD | LCD | LCD |
| Power Windows – Front | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Camera | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fog lights | No | Yes | Yes |
| Keyless Entry | Yes | No | Yes |
| Power Windows – Back | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 360-degree Camera | No | No | Yes |
| Cruise Control | No | No | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Maruti Suzuki Baleno Zeta AMT offers the best combination of features, affordability, and convenience.
- The Kia Sonet HTK Plus is a well-rounded package with a sporty design and essential features.
- The Maruti Suzuki Baleno Alpha AMT is the most feature-rich option, offering additional comfort and convenience amenities.
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 practicality, 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.
