What are some of the best budget cars, or value for money cars in India? Let’s look at the compact SUVs, Renault Kiger and Kia Sonet, to see what attracts budget-conscious buyers to them.
In this article, we will discuss
- What a budget-conscious buyer looks for in a car
- Renault Kiger vs Kia Sonet – a comprehensive analysis of their variants, features, affordability, and fuel efficiency
- How to pick the right car for you
Both Renault and Kia offer affordable cars in the compact SUV segment. The Kiger and Sonet are both priced aggressively, and come with a decent set of features for their respective costs.
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What a Budget-conscious buyer looks for in a car
A budget-conscious buyer should look for these in a car:
- Affordability – a car should be affordable, and have low maintenance costs
- Fuel efficiency – The car shouldn’t guzzle fuel
- Safety features – Essential safety features are a must in a car
- Brand perception – Is the brand of the car known for its wide service network, after sales service, etc.
- Resale value – The car should fetch good resale rates
For a budget-conscious buyer, value for money is paramount. Such buyers prioritize essential safety features, cost-effective fuel efficiency, and basic convenience amenities to ensure a comfortable ride.
While luxury features can be enticing, budget buyers lean towards functional attributes that guarantee a safe and efficient drive. Durability, lower maintenance costs, and a car’s potential resale value also influence their decisions.
Why Renault Kiger and Kia Sonet are Popular
Both Renault Kiger and Kia Sonet have made a significant impact on the compact SUV segment, thanks to their aggressive pricing and features that resonate with budget-conscious buyers.
According to reviews from teambhp.com and autocarindia.com, the Renault Kiger’s impressive space, and the competitive feature list, especially in the higher variants, offer great value for its price.
On the other hand, Kia Sonet stands out with its modern design, plethora of engine and gearbox choices, and the brand’s reputation for quality.
The presence of essential safety features, decent fuel efficiency figures, and the offering of both petrol and diesel engines in these price brackets make them an attractive proposition for buyers who want more for less.
Additionally, their compact size makes them apt for city drives while still feeling rugged for occasional adventures. In all, both offer affordable car options for budget-conscious buyers in India.
Renault Kiger and Kia Sonet Variants Shortlist in Rs 8-10 Lakh Range
For Renault Kiger, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 15 August 2023 |
| RXT AMT Opt DT | ₹878,000 |
| RXZ AMT DT | ₹958,000 |
| RXZ Turbo | ₹1,000,000 |
For Kia Sonet, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 15 August 2023 |
| 1.2 HTK | ₹870,000 |
| 1.2 HTK Plus | ₹964,000 |
| 1.5 HTE Diesel | ₹995,000 |
Renault Kiger RXT AMT Opt DT
Priced at INR 878,000, this variant offers essential safety features, a fuel-efficient petrol engine, and convenient amenities like an LCD touchscreen and alloy wheels. The inclusion of AMT makes city driving hassle-free. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read how the Kiger fares against Honda Amaze.
Renault Kiger RXZ AMT DT
At INR 958,000, it adds some additional features like rear AC vents. For those who can stretch their budget slightly, this offers more comfort features while retaining the core values of a budget-friendly car.
Renault Kiger RXZ Turbo
The most expensive of the lot at INR 1,000,000 but offers a more powerful turbocharged engine which promises better performance while maintaining fuel efficiency.
Kia Sonet 1.2 HTK
This variant is the cheapest on our list, and offers the basics at INR 870,000, providing the necessary safety, decent fuel efficiency with a petrol engine, and some convenience features. You can also read our guide to the best Kia Sonet variants for the performance enthusiast.
Kia Sonet 1.2 HTK Plus
At INR 964,000, it introduces an LCD touchscreen, increasing the convenience factor for the driver and passengers.
Kia Sonet 1.5 HTE Diesel
Diesel lovers might lean towards this INR 995,000 variant, considering long-term fuel cost benefits.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Renault Kiger and Kia Sonet for Budget-conscious buyers
Considering the balance of price, features, and fuel efficiency, the Renault Kiger RXT AMT Opt DT emerges as the best variant.
At INR 878,000, it fits your wallet, and provides essential safety features, a decent petrol engine for city commutes, AMT for ease of driving, and an LCD touchscreen. All these factors translate to significant value for the buyer.
While Kia Sonet 1.2 HTK comes close in price, the Renault offers an automatic transmission and a touchscreen, tipping the balance in its favor for urban buyers.
The Top 3 choices
- Renault Kiger RXT AMT Opt DT
- Renault Kiger RXZ AMT DT
- Kia Sonet 1.2 HTK Plus
| Attribute | Renault Kiger RXT AMT Opt DT | Renault Kiger RXZ AMT DT | Kia Sonet 1.2 HTK Plus |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Airbags | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| City Mileage (kmpl) | 15 | 15 | 18.4 |
| Engine – Fuel type | Petrol | Petrol | Petrol |
| Highway Mileage (kmpl) | 19.03 | 19.03 | 18.4 |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Windows – Back | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Windows – Front | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen type | LCD | LCD | LCD |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- Renault Kiger RXT AMT Opt DT offers the best value proposition with its automatic transmission.
- Renault Kiger RXZ AMT DT is a slightly upgraded version of the RXT, and offers additional comfort at a slightly higher price.
- Kia Sonet 1.2 HTK Plus is ideal for those leaning towards Kia. This variant offers a good mix of features while being budget-friendly.
In summary, all three variants are cars that will fit within your budget. They cater well to budget-conscious buyers, ensuring safety, efficiency, and some level of luxury.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
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