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 Honda Amaze, 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 Honda Amaze – 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, and value for money when choosing their first vehicle. They seek cars with good fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, and essential safety features.
User-friendly technology, comfortable interiors, and ample storage space are also important considerations. First-time buyers often prefer compact or subcompact cars that are easy to maneuver in city traffic and park in tight spaces.
Why Kia Sonet 2024 and Honda Amaze are popular
Kia Sonet 2024 and Honda Amaze have gained popularity among first-time car buyers due to their attractive pricing, modern design, and feature-rich offerings. Both models offer a range of variants catering to different budgets and preferences.
The Kia Sonet boasts a bold, sporty design with premium interior features like a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking camera, and automatic climate control. It also offers advanced safety features such as multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, and electronic stability control. The Sonet’s fuel-efficient engines and smooth transmission options make it an appealing choice for first-time buyers.
The Honda Amaze, on the other hand, is known for its reliability, spacious interiors, and comfortable ride quality. It comes equipped with features like a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking camera, and automatic climate control in higher variants. The Amaze’s fuel-efficient engines and low maintenance costs make it an attractive proposition for budget-conscious buyers.
Kia Sonet 2024 and Honda Amaze variants shortlist in Rs 8-10 lakh range
For Kia Sonet 2024, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 19 March 2024 |
| HTK | ₹879,000 |
| HTK Plus | ₹990,000 |
For Honda Amaze, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 19 March 2024 |
| S CVT | ₹873,000 |
| VX | ₹895,000 |
| VX CVT | ₹910,000 |
Kia Sonet HTK & HTK Plus
The Kia Sonet HTK variant offers excellent value for first-time buyers with its affordable pricing and essential features like power steering, rear parking sensors, and a touchscreen infotainment system. The HTK Plus variant adds more convenience features like automatic climate control and fog lights. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read our guide to the best Sonet 2024 variants for you.
Honda Amaze S CVT
The Honda Amaze S CVT variant is an ideal choice for those seeking an automatic transmission at an affordable price point. It comes with features like power windows, power steering, and a rear parking camera. If you’re looking for a family car, you can read our guide to the best Amaze variants for you.
Honda Amaze VX & VX CVT
The VX variant offers additional features like push-button start, cruise control, and LED headlights, making it a more premium offering. The VX CVT variant combines the convenience of an automatic transmission with the premium features of the VX variant. If you’re a gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the Amaze with Renault Kiger.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Kia Sonet 2024 and Honda Amaze for First-time car buyers
After careful consideration, we recommend the Kia Sonet HTK Plus as the best variant for first-time car buyers. This variant strikes an excellent balance between affordability and features, making it a value-for-money proposition.
The HTK Plus variant comes equipped with a fuel-efficient 1.2-liter petrol engine that offers a smooth driving experience. It also boasts essential safety features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors. The touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity ensures a seamless and enjoyable user experience.
Moreover, the Kia Sonet has received a commendable 3-star safety rating from Global NCAP, ensuring the safety of occupants. The HTK Plus variant also offers convenience features like automatic climate control, electrically adjustable ORVMs, and fog lamps, enhancing the overall driving experience.
The Top 3 choices
- Kia Sonet HTK Plus
- Honda Amaze VX CVT
- Kia Sonet HTK
| Attributes | Kia Sonet HTK Plus | Honda Amaze VX CVT | Kia Sonet HTK |
| Push Button Start | No | Yes | No |
| Steering Mounted Controls | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen type | LCD | LCD | LCD |
| Power Windows – Front | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Camera | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fog lights | Yes | Yes | No |
| Keyless Entry | No | Yes | Yes |
| Power Windows – Back | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Kia Sonet HTK Plus offers the best combination of features, safety, and value for money.
- The Honda Amaze VX CVT is a well-rounded package with a smooth automatic transmission and premium features like push-button start and LED headlights.
- The Kia Sonet HTK is the most affordable option, providing essential features and safety equipment.
All three variants are attractive choices for first-time car buyers, catering to different budgets and preferences. They offer a mix of affordability, modern features, and safety, ensuring that there is a suitable option for every buyer in this segment.
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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