As a family man, you consider only the best family cars in India when deciding on which one to buy. Today, let’s look at the Kia Sonet and the Honda Amaze, and find out what makes them family-friendly car models in India.
In this article, we will share
- What family-focused buyers look for in a car
- Kia Sonet vs Honda Amaze – a detailed analysis of their features, space, and safety
- How to pick the right car for you
Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500
What a Family-focused car buyer looks for in a car
Here’s what a family-focused buyer should look for in car:
- Safety – A car must have essential safety features, and a good safety rating
- Space and comfort – The car must have ample space to accommodate all family members, and must include convenience features like rear AC vents
- Ride and handling – The car’s ride and handling need to be good
Family-focused car buyers prioritize safety, comfort, space, and convenience. They seek vehicles with adequate boot capacity for family trips, ample headroom and legroom for all passengers, and modern conveniences like rear AC vents and power windows in top family cars.
High-speed stability is crucial for highway drives, and safety features like ABS, multiple airbags, and rear parking sensors become non-negotiable. In essence, they desire a car that offers a blend of practicality, safety, and comfort.
Why Kia Sonet and Honda Amaze are Popular
Kia Sonet and Honda Amaze have become household names for families. The Honda Amaze, with its spacious interiors and reliable Honda badge, promises a hassle-free ownership experience. Its CVT variant, in particular, is praised for smooth city drives, making it a preferred choice for urban families.
Meanwhile, the Kia Sonet stands out with its stylish design, feature-rich interiors, and impressive safety features. The multiple airbags, even in base variants, showcase Kia’s commitment to safety. Moreover, Sonet’s infotainment system, with a larger touchscreen and brand-name audio system, adds a touch of luxury, making long drives enjoyable.
Both cars offer stable high-speed performance, ensuring peace of mind on highway trips. The blend of these features, coupled with competitive pricing, makes both cars a compelling choice for family-focused buyers.
Kia Sonet and Honda Amaze Variants Shortlist in Rs 9-10 Lakh Range
For Honda Amaze, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 22 September 2023 |
| VX CVT | ₹960,000 |
For Kia Sonet, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 22 September 2023 |
| 1.2 HTK Plus | ₹964,000 |
| 1.5 HTE Diesel | ₹995,000 |
Honda Amaze VX CVT
Priced at ₹960,000, this variant boasts essential features that cater to family needs. With a minimal body roll, the car ensures a comfortable journey. The 420-liter boot capacity is ample for family luggage.
Rear AC vents, rear parking sensors, and power windows elevate the convenience factor. The inclusion of two airbags underscores safety, though more would have been ideal. If you’re budget-conscious, you can read our comparison of the Amaze with Maruti Suzuki Dzire.
Kia Sonet 1.2 HTK Plus
Just slightly more expensive at ₹964,000, this variant stands out with its four airbags, offering enhanced safety. The car has slightly lesser boot capacity (392 liters) compared to Amaze but compensates with additional features.
It includes rear AC vents, power windows, and the added luxury of a brand-name audio system by Arkamys. If you’re a long-distance road trip lover, you can read our comparison of the Sonet with Maruti Suzuki Brezza.
Kia Sonet 1.5 HTE Diesel
The most expensive in the list at ₹995,000, this diesel variant offers the same boot capacity as the 1.2 HTK Plus. With four airbags, it ensures passenger safety. Although it misses out on rear AC vents, it promises a smoother and quieter ride with minimal vibrations and harshness. If you’re a style-conscious buyer, you can read our comparison of the Sonet with Hyundai Venue.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Kia Sonet and Honda Amaze for Family-focused car buyers
The Kia Sonet 1.2 HTK Plus stands out as the most balanced option for a family-focused buyer. While the Honda Amaze VX CVT offers consistent features at a slightly lesser price, the Sonet 1.2 HTK Plus takes the lead with double the number of airbags, ensuring superior safety.
The Arkamys audio system enhances entertainment for long drives. Its ergonomically well-designed interiors, coupled with the additional features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, provide an edge in terms of convenience and luxury.
Given the marginal price difference, the added benefits of the Sonet 1.2 HTK Plus make it the right car on this list for a family man.
The 3 Variants Ranked
- Kia Sonet 1.2 HTK Plus
- Honda Amaze VX CVT
- Kia Sonet 1.5 HTE Diesel
| Attributes | Kia Sonet 1.2 HTK Plus | Honda Amaze VX CVT | Kia Sonet 1.5 HTE Diesel |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Airbags (number) | 4 | 2 | 4 |
| Body Roll | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal |
| Boot capacity (liters) | 392 | 420 | 392 |
| ESC | No | No | No |
| GNCAP Rating | 3 | 4 | 3 |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 211 | 170 | 211 |
| Headroom (mm) | Stable | 885 | Stable |
| High-Speed Stability | Yes | Stable | No |
| Legroom (mm) | Yes | 700 | Yes |
| Power Windows – Back | Yes | Yes | No |
| Power Windows – Front | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear AC vents | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Sensors | No | Yes | No |
| Shoulder room (mm) | 2500 | 1285 | 2500 |
| Traction Control | Arkamys | No | None |
| Wheelbase (mm) | Yes | 2470 | Well-designed |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- Kia Sonet 1.2 HTK Plus: As mentioned, its superior safety features, coupled with added luxury elements, make it the top choice.
- Honda Amaze VX CVT: A close second, this variant’s reliability, spaciousness, and features cater to family requirements efficiently.
- Kia Sonet 1.5 HTE Diesel: For those preferring diesel, this variant offers a quieter and smoother ride with essential features intact.
In conclusion, while each variant boasts its own set of strengths, the Kia Sonet 1.2 HTK Plus, with its perfect blend of safety, comfort, and luxury, takes the lead for family-focused car buyers. The Honda Amaze VX CVT and Kia Sonet 1.5 HTE Diesel follow closely, ensuring families have ample choices to fit their needs.
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
