Hyundai Exter vs Kia Sonet 2024 vs Tata Altroz: Comparing Their Variants Priced Rs 10-12 Lakh for First-time Car Buyers

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 Hyundai Exter, Kia Sonet 2024 and Tata Altroz, 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
• Hyundai Exter vs Kia Sonet 2024 vs Tata Altroz – 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 buyer, affordability is the top priority along with decent features and solid safety equipment. Reliable after-sales service provides peace of mind. They prefer no-frills, low maintenance variants that are easy to drive daily over more powerful or feature-packed trims. The idea is to get a worry-free, value-for-money ownership experience. Good fuel economy, visibility and maneuverability also make drives hassle-free.

Why Hyundai Exter, Kia Sonet 2024 and Tata Altroz are popular

The Exter, Sonet and Altroz score highly as good starter vehicles. The Exter and Sonet offer excellent base pricing – just ₹7.02 lakhs and ₹7.49 lakhs respectively making them very affordable. The Altroz too has aggressive pricing from ₹6.19 lakhs. 

Their fuel-efficient turbo-petrol and petrol engines ensure low running costs. Generous safety equipment provides reassurance. Heightened stance aids visibility while nimble handling and ride quality make them easy to drive. Additionally, extensive service network of brands ensures peace of mind for buyers everywhere. 

For all these reasons, these well-rounded UVs satisfy first-time buyers wanting modern essentials without headaches.

Hyundai Exter, Kia Sonet 2024 and Tata Altroz variants shortlist in Rs 10-12 lakh range

For Hyundai Exter, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 22 February 2024
SX Opt Connect DT AMT	₹10.28 lakhs

For Kia Sonet 2024, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 22 February 2024
HTX Turbo iMT	₹11.49 lakhs

For Tata Altroz, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 22 February 2024
XZA Plus S DCT	₹10 lakhs

Hyundai Exter SX Opt Connect DT AMT

The top SX Opt dual tone AMT itself gets essentials like 6 airbags, vehicle stability management and basics like auto AC, rear sensors offered at a reasonable ₹10.28 lakhs price point for first-time buyers. Decent package. If you’re budget conscious, you can read our comparison of the Exter with Maruti Suzuki Fronx.

Kia Sonet HTX Turbo iMT

The HTX turbo iMT strikes an ideal balance between price and features like air purifier, ambient lighting, sound mood lighting, automatic AC etc. Further additions over cheaper variants enhance the package at reasonable ₹11.49 lakhs price point for first-time buyers wanting more features. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read our guide to the best Sonet 2024 variants for you.

Tata Altroz XZA Plus S DCT

The XZA Plus S dual clutch automatic keeps things simple with basics like auto headlights, rear camera, hill hold assist offered at an excellent entry price of ₹10 lakhs. Convenient automatic transmission enhances ease of driving. If you’re a family-focused car buyer, you can read our comparison of the Altroz with Renault Kiger.

Our Pick for the Best variant among Hyundai Exter, Kia Sonet and Tata Altroz for First-time car buyers

The Tata Altroz XZA Plus S DCT variant priced at ₹10 lakhs makes a strong case as the ideal first car choice based on its balance of pricing and features suiting beginner budgets.

While sharply undercutting key rivals, essentials like auto headlights, rear view camera, tilt adjustable seats etc. maximise the Altroz’s value. It also packs decent safety with dual airbags, hill hold control etc. so protection isn’t compromised either. Automatic transmission enhances convenience without increasing complexity. Generous 345 liters boot space and storage areas are a boon too in this segment. Ride quality is well-sorted as well.

The Exter and Sonet pack in more distinctive styling and indulgent creature comforts but are also priced at a considerable 15-20% premium over the Altroz – stretching budgets of many first-time owners. Especially with their higher maintenance and lower fuel efficiency.

So considering the Altroz strikes an ideal balance between core features and aggressive pricing, it comes across as a sensible no-frills first car pick allowing a smooth transition into car ownership for beginners.

The 3 Variants Ranked in Order of Preference

• Tata Altroz XZA Plus S DCT

• Kia Sonet HTX iMT

• Hyundai Exter SX Opt DT

Attribute	Tata Altroz XZA Plus S DCT	Kia Sonet HTX iMT	Hyundai Exter SX Opt DT
Price (₹ lakhs)	10	11.49	10.28
Automatic transmission	Yes	Yes	Yes
Airbags	2	6	6
Infotainment	7-inch	8-inch	8-inch

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Altroz XZA Plus S DCT impresses by blending essentials like auto headlights, rear camera, hill hold assist with the convenience of automatic transmission into its tempting ₹10 lakh sticker – excellent value for first car buyers.
• The Sonet HTX satisfies those wanting best-in-class features like air purifier, ambient lighting, multiple drive modes etc. Compromises on boot space compared to Altroz but offers more indulgent package for slightly increased budgets to pamper oneself.
• And the Exter SX Opt DT focuses on safety and value – packing in segment-leading 6 airbags, vehicle stability management into its sub-₹11 lakh pricing. Misses out on driving modes or other fancy features but nails the basics expected from starter vehicles.

Value, premium features or safety and peace of mind help determine the ideal first car choice from these three strongly recommended variants designed specifically for young first-time buyers.

If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.