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
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 Maruti Suzuki Fronx are popular
Kia Sonet 2024 and Maruti Suzuki Fronx 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 Maruti Suzuki Fronx, being a new entrant in the market, offers a fresh and stylish design that appeals to young buyers. It comes equipped with features like a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors, and automatic climate control. The Fronx’s fuel-efficient engines and Maruti Suzuki’s reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs make it an attractive proposition for first-time buyers.
Kia Sonet 2024 and Maruti Suzuki Fronx 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 Maruti Suzuki Fronx, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 19 March 2024 |
| Delta | ₹832,000 |
| Delta AMT | ₹888,000 |
| Delta Plus Turbo | ₹972,000 |
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.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta, Delta AMT & Delta Plus Turbo
The Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta variant is an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers, offering essential safety features like dual airbags and ABS with EBD. The Delta AMT variant offers the convenience of an automated manual transmission, making it ideal for city driving. The Delta Plus Turbo variant offers a more powerful turbocharged engine and additional features like push-button start and follow-me-home headlights. If you’re budget conscious, you can read our guide to the best Fronx variants for you.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Kia Sonet 2024 and Maruti Suzuki Fronx for First-time car buyers
After careful consideration, we recommend the Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta AMT as the best variant for first-time car buyers. This variant offers an excellent balance of affordability, convenience, and features.
The Fronx Delta AMT comes equipped with a fuel-efficient 1.2-liter petrol engine paired with an AMT gearbox, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free driving experience in city traffic. It offers essential safety features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors. The touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity enhances the overall user experience.
Moreover, Maruti Suzuki’s extensive service network and low maintenance costs make the Fronx an attractive choice for first-time buyers. The Delta AMT variant strikes the right balance between affordability and convenience, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a reliable and feature-packed car.
The Top 3 choices
- Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta AMT
- Kia Sonet HTK Plus
- Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta Plus Turbo
| Attributes | Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta AMT | Kia Sonet HTK Plus | Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta Plus Turbo |
| Push Button Start | No | No | Yes |
| 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 |
| Hill Hold assist | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Keyless Entry | Yes | No | Yes |
| Power Windows – Back | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta AMT offers the best combination of affordability, convenience, and essential features.
- The Kia Sonet HTK Plus is a well-rounded package with a sporty design and additional features like a rear parking camera and fog lights.
- The Maruti Suzuki Fronx Delta Plus Turbo offers a more powerful engine and premium features like push-button start and follow-me-home headlights.
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 practicality, 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.