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 Fronx, 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 Fronx – 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.
For a first-time car buyer, the decision is influenced by factors like affordability, fuel efficiency, ease of driving, and maintenance costs. They often prioritize reliability and cost-effectiveness over luxury features. Safety features, comfortable interiors, and good mileage are also key considerations.
Additionally, they might look for modern tech features like touchscreen infotainment systems, even in budget-friendly models. The overall driving experience, including smooth handling and parking ease, especially in urban environments, is critical in their choice.
Why Kia Sonet 2024 and Maruti Suzuki Fronx are Popular
Kia Sonet 2024 and Maruti Suzuki Fronx stand out in the competitive automobile market for first-time buyers due to their blend of affordability, efficiency, and features.
Kia Sonet, with its stylish design, offers a range of features like high ground clearance, comfortable interiors, and advanced safety features, making it a desirable choice for new drivers.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx, known for its reliability and fuel efficiency, caters to budget-conscious buyers seeking a cost-effective and low-maintenance vehicle.
Both models offer variants with modern tech features like touchscreen infotainment systems and smartphone connectivity, appealing to the tech-savvy generation. Their compact sizes make them ideal for city driving and easy parking, a significant plus for new drivers.
Kia Sonet 2024 and Maruti Suzuki Fronx Variants Shortlist in Rs 7-10 Lakh Range
For Kia Sonet 2024, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 26 January 2024 |
| HTE | ₹799,000 |
| HTE Diesel | ₹979,000 |
| HTK Plus | ₹990,000 |
For Maruti Suzuki Fronx, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 26 January 2024 |
| Sigma | ₹746,000 |
| Delta Plus AMT | ₹888,000 |
| Delta Plus Turbo | ₹972,000 |
Kia Sonet HTE
The Kia Sonet HTE, priced at ₹799,000, is an excellent choice for first-time buyers focusing on affordability. Its essential features like rear parking sensors and power steering offer a comfortable driving experience. The petrol engine ensures efficient city driving, making it a budget-friendly option for daily commutes.
Kia Sonet HTE Diesel
The diesel variant of Kia Sonet HTE, priced at ₹979,000, is ideal for buyers looking for fuel efficiency over long distances. It provides a higher torque, beneficial for highway driving. This variant maintains the affordability aspect while offering the advantages of a diesel engine.
Kia Sonet HTK Plus
Priced slightly higher at ₹990,000, the Kia Sonet HTK Plus offers additional features like a touchscreen infotainment system and automatic headlights, enhancing the driving experience. It’s a perfect blend of modern features and affordability for first-time buyers who can stretch their budget a bit.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx Sigma
The most affordable in this list, Maruti Suzuki Fronx Sigma, priced at ₹746,000, is ideal for buyers with a strict budget. It offers essential features like power steering and manual air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free drive for beginners. If you’re looking for value-for-money cars, you can read our guide to the best Fronx variants for you.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta Plus AMT
For those seeking convenience, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta Plus AMT, priced at ₹888,000, offers an automatic transmission. It makes city driving easier for new drivers, along with features like a touchscreen and smartphone connectivity.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta Plus Turbo
At ₹972,000, this variant offers a turbocharged engine, providing better performance and driving pleasure. It caters to first-time buyers who prioritize a more spirited driving experience while keeping the budget in check. If you’re a gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the Fronx with Tata Nexon 2023.
Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Kia Sonet 2024 and Maruti Suzuki Fronx for First-time Car Buyers
After analyzing the variants, the Kia Sonet HTK Plus stands out as the best option for a first-time car buyer. Priced at ₹990,000, it strikes an excellent balance between cost and features.
It offers modern amenities like a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic headlights, and safety features like airbags and ABS. These features not only enhance the driving experience but also ensure safety, which is crucial for new drivers. Its petrol engine is efficient for city commutes, and the car’s compact size makes it manageable for inexperienced drivers in urban traffic conditions.
The HTK Plus variant, with its additional features over the base models, presents a value-for-money proposition, making it an ideal choice for first-time car buyers looking for a car that’s more than just basic transportation.
The Top 3 Choices
- Kia Sonet HTK Plus
- Maruti Suzuki Fronx Sigma
- Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta Plus Turbo
| Feature | Kia Sonet HTK Plus | Maruti Suzuki Fronx Sigma | Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta Plus Turbo |
| Push Button Start | No | No | Yes |
| USB Ports | Yes | No | Yes |
| Steering Mounted Controls | Yes | No | Yes |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Overall Mileage (kmpl) | 18.4 | 21.79 | 21.5 |
| Touchscreen Infotainment | Yes | No | Yes |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 211 | 190 | 190 |
| Airbags | 6 | 2 | 2 |
| Price (₹) | 990,000 | 746,000 | 972,000 |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- Kia Sonet HTK Plus: It offers a mix of safety, comfort, and tech features, making it an attractive package for first-time buyers.
- Maruti Suzuki Fronx Sigma: As the most affordable option, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx Sigma is ideal for buyers on a tight budget. It covers essential features while maintaining reliability, a key factor for new drivers.
- Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta Plus Turbo: This variant balances performance and features. The turbocharged engine offers an exciting drive, appealing to those who want a bit more from their first car.
The Kia Sonet HTK Plus stands out for its all-around capabilities, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx Sigma for its unmatched affordability, and the Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta Plus Turbo for its performance edge.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.