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 i20 and Kia Sonet 2024, 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 i20 vs Kia Sonet 2024 – 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, fuel efficiency, and safety when choosing a vehicle. They seek a car that offers good value for money, with low maintenance costs and a comfortable driving experience. User-friendly features such as power steering, air conditioning, and a decent audio system are also important.
First-time buyers often prefer compact cars that are easy to maneuver in city traffic and have sufficient storage space for everyday needs. Additionally, they may consider factors like brand reputation, after-sales service, and resale value when making their decision.
Why Hyundai i20 and Kia Sonet 2024 are popular
Hyundai i20 and Kia Sonet 2024 have gained popularity among first-time car buyers due to their impressive features, reliable performance, and strong brand reputation.
The Hyundai i20, a premium hatchback, offers a stylish design, spacious interior, and a host of advanced features. Its fuel-efficient engines, smooth transmission options, and competitive pricing make it an appealing choice for first-time buyers looking for a feature-rich and comfortable car.
On the other hand, the Kia Sonet is a compact SUV that offers a bold and sporty design, ample ground clearance, and a feature-packed interior. Its powerful engine options, advanced safety features, and attractive pricing make it an ideal choice for first-time buyers who want a versatile and stylish vehicle.
Both the i20 and Sonet come with their respective brands’ reliable build quality, advanced safety features, and a wide range of convenience and comfort features. Additionally, Hyundai and Kia’s extensive dealer network and excellent after-sales service provide peace of mind to first-time buyers. These factors, combined with their competitive pricing and feature-rich offerings, make the Hyundai i20 and Kia Sonet popular choices among first-time car buyers.
Hyundai i20 and Kia Sonet 2024 variants shortlist in Rs 8-10 lakh range
For Hyundai i20, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 21 March 2024 |
| IVT Sportz | ₹9,38,000 |
| Asta Opt | ₹10,00,000 |
For Kia Sonet 2024, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 21 March 2024 |
| HTK | ₹8,79,000 |
| HTE Diesel | ₹9,79,000 |
| HTK Plus | ₹9,90,000 |
Hyundai i20 IVT Sportz
The Hyundai i20 IVT Sportz variant is an excellent choice for first-time buyers who prefer the convenience of an automatic transmission. It offers a smooth CVT gearbox, along with features like a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking camera, and automatic climate control, making it an attractive option for city driving. If you’re safety conscious, you can read our comparison of the i20 with Renault Kiger.
Hyundai i20 Asta Opt
The Hyundai i20 Asta Opt is the top-spec variant, offering premium features like LED headlamps, wireless charging, and a sunroof. It is suitable for first-time buyers who want a feature-loaded and luxurious hatchback experience.
Kia Sonet HTK
The Kia Sonet HTK variant is a good choice for first-time buyers looking for a compact SUV with essential features. It comes with a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking camera, and six airbags, ensuring a safe and comfortable driving experience. If you are a performance enthusiast, you can read our guide to the best Sonet 2024 variants for you.
Kia Sonet HTE Diesel
The Kia Sonet HTE Diesel variant is ideal for first-time buyers who prioritize fuel efficiency and long-distance travel. It is powered by a potent 1.5-liter diesel engine, offering excellent performance and fuel economy. The variant also comes with essential safety features like ABS with EBD and six airbags.
Kia Sonet HTK Plus
The Kia Sonet HTK Plus variant offers additional features over the HTK, such as an Arkamys sound system, automatic climate control, and fog lamps, making it an attractive option for buyers who want more convenience and style in their compact SUV. You can also read our guide to the best Sonet 2024 variants for family car buyers.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Hyundai i20 and Kia Sonet 2024 for First-time car buyers
After analyzing the various variants of the Hyundai i20 and Kia Sonet, we recommend the Kia Sonet HTK Plus as the best choice for first-time car buyers. This variant offers a comprehensive package that balances affordability, features, and performance.
The Kia Sonet HTK Plus is powered by a 1.2-liter petrol engine that delivers a healthy balance of power and fuel efficiency. The manual transmission offers smooth and precise shifts, making it easy for first-time drivers to navigate city traffic and highways alike.
In terms of features, the HTK Plus variant offers an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, allowing seamless smartphone integration. The Arkamys sound system provides an immersive audio experience, while the automatic climate control ensures a comfortable cabin temperature. The variant also comes with a rear parking camera and sensors, making it easier for novice drivers to park and maneuver in tight spaces.
Safety is a crucial aspect for first-time buyers, and the Kia Sonet HTK Plus excels in this regard. It comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, and a high-strength steel structure, providing all-around protection for occupants. The car also features Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), enhancing stability and control in challenging driving conditions.
Moreover, the Kia Sonet HTK Plus offers a spacious and well-appointed interior with premium synthetic leather upholstery, ample headroom, and a large 392-liter boot space for luggage. The car’s bold and aggressive design, along with its high ground clearance, make it an attractive choice for first-time buyers who want a stylish and versatile compact SUV.
Considering its competitive pricing, extensive feature list, and reliable performance, the Kia Sonet HTK Plus emerges as the best choice for first-time car buyers looking for a feature-rich, safe, and practical compact SUV.
The Top 3 choices
- Kia Sonet HTK Plus
- Hyundai i20 IVT Sportz
- Kia Sonet HTE Diesel
| Attribute | Kia Sonet HTK Plus | Hyundai i20 IVT Sportz | Kia Sonet HTE Diesel |
| Push Button Start | No | No | No |
| Steering Mounted Controls | Yes | Yes | No |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen | LCD | LCD | N/A |
| Power Windows – Front | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Camera | Yes | Yes | No |
| Engine – Fuel type | Petrol | Petrol | Diesel |
| Engine – Transmission | Manual | CVT | Manual |
| Airbags | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| ESC | Yes | No | Yes |
| Keyless Entry | No | Yes | No |
| Power Windows – Back | Yes | Yes | No |
| Fog lights | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audio System | Arkamys | OEM | N/A |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Kia Sonet HTK Plus takes the top spot due to its impressive blend of features, performance, and value for money. It offers a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and an Arkamys sound system, providing a comfortable and entertaining driving experience. The six airbags and ESC ensure the safety of occupants, while the spacious interior and large boot space make it practical for everyday use.
- The Hyundai i20 IVT Sportz secures the second position, offering the convenience of a CVT automatic transmission in a premium hatchback package. It comes with features like a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking camera, and automatic climate control, making it an attractive choice for first-time buyers who prioritize comfort and ease of driving.
- The Kia Sonet HTE Diesel takes the third spot, catering to first-time buyers who prioritize fuel efficiency and long-distance travel. The 1.5-liter diesel engine offers excellent performance and fuel economy, making it an ideal choice for those who frequently take highway trips. The variant also comes with essential safety features like ABS with EBD and six airbags.
These three variants offer an attractive mix of features, safety, and performance for first-time car buyers. Ultimately, the choice among these three variants will depend on the specific preferences and requirements of the individual buyer.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.