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 find out which of its 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 – an in-depth guide to its variants, features, cost, and driveability
- How to pick the right car for you
So, is this an affordable car for first-time buyers in India? And which Kia Sonet 2024 variant 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 most first-time buyers, affordability is the top priority when choosing a car. They look for variants with basic features, solid safety equipment, decent fuel economy, and easy manoeuvrability at an accessible price point. 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.
Why Kia Sonet 2024 is popular
The Kia Sonet 2024 checks many boxes for an ideal first car. An aggressive starting price around ₹7 lakhs makes it instantly budget-friendly. Even mid and top variants price affordably under ₹13 lakhs. It returns 18-25 km/l fuel efficiency for low running costs.
Generous safety kit including up to 6 airbags, stability control, disc brakes etc. provide reassurance. Class-leading connectivity and convenience features are a bonus. High ground clearance handles broken roads well.
Lastly, Kia’s widespread service network ensures support across India. For all these reasons, the well-rounded Sonet makes an appealing value choice for new buyers.
Kia Sonet 2024 variants shortlist in Rs 10-12 lakh range
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 20 February 2024 |
| HTK Diesel | ₹10.39 lakhs |
| HTK Plus iMT | ₹10.49 lakhs |
| HTK Plus Diesel | ₹11.39 lakhs |
Kia Sonet HTK Diesel
At ₹10.39 lakhs, the HTK diesel variant itself offers essentials like dual airbags, vehicle stability management, tilt steering, front power windows and more at an affordable budget pricing for new buyers. Worth considering. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read our guide to the best Sonet 2024 variants for you.
Kia Sonet HTK Plus iMT
The mid-spec HTK Plus iMT turbo-petrol variant adds convenience features like push button start, automatic AC, steering controls, rear camera etc. improving the overall package at a reasonable ₹10.49 lakhs price point for first time buyers. More value. If you’re a family-focused car buyer, you can read our comparison of the Sonet 2024 with Honda Amaze.
Kia Sonet HTK Plus Diesel
Finally, the similarly priced HTK Plus diesel at ₹11.39 lakhs brings the convenience of an automatic transmission while matching key features of the petrol equivalent. Appeals to those wanting a fuss-free diesel without compromising on safety or basic comforts. If you’re budget-conscious, you can check out our comparison of the Sonet 2024 with Maruti Brezza.
Our Pick for the Best Kia Sonet 2024 variant for First-time car buyers
The Kia Sonet HTK Plus iMT variant priced at ₹10.49 lakhs makes a strong case as the best first car choice when considering its ideal mix of pricing, features and efficiency.
While undercutting most rivals, it packs segment fundamentals like dual airbags, stability management system, disc brakes all around etc. ensuring safety is not compromised. Comfort features like automatic AC, steering controls, electric mirrors etc. further maximise the value making daily drives hassle-free. 18 km/l mileage ensures low running costs.
Plus, the convenience of an AMT clutchless transmission lets enthusiastic new drivers enjoy the dynamics of a manual shift experience without needing to master a conventional manual gearbox. Protecting the clutch from damage during initial stages.
For all these reasons, the brilliantly-packaged Sonet HTK Plus iMT strikes a winning balance between affordability, features, safety and driving ease for starters. Making it our top choice.
The3 Variants Ranked in Order of Preference
- Kia Sonet HTK Plus iMT
- Kia Sonet HTK Diesel
- Kia Sonet HTX iMT
| Attribute | Kia Sonet HTK Plus iMT | Kia Sonet HTK Diesel | Kia Sonet HTX iMT |
| Price (₹ lakhs) | 10.49 | 10.39 | 11.49 |
| Airbags | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Automatic transmission | Yes | No | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The HTK Plus iMT leads the pack by blending safety, convenience, efficiency and driving ease into its reasonable ₹10.49 lakh pricing – just right for new car owners.
- The base HTK diesel maximises safety and space at an entry-level ₹10.39 lakh price point – perfect for tight budgets priortising value.
- And the well-equipped HTX iMT brings added comforts and style at a still-affordable ₹11.49 lakhs range for slightly flexible budgets. Catering to different priorities!
If you’re interested in reading more such guides to popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
