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 Tata Nexon 2023, 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 Tata Nexon 2023 – 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 essential features when choosing their initial vehicle. They seek cars that offer good value for money, with a focus on fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs. Key features such as power steering, air conditioning, and a user-friendly infotainment system are important considerations.
Safety features like airbags and ABS are also crucial for first-time buyers. Additionally, they appreciate a spacious cabin, comfortable seating, and ample storage space for everyday practicality. A compact size and easy maneuverability are often preferred for navigating city traffic and parking in tight spaces.
Why Kia Sonet 2024 and Tata Nexon 2023 are popular
The Kia Sonet 2024 and Tata Nexon 2023 have gained popularity among first-time car buyers due to their attractive pricing, feature-rich offerings, and strong brand reputation. Both vehicles offer a range of variants that cater to different budgets and preferences, making them accessible to a wide audience.
The Kia Sonet attracts first-time buyers with its modern design, spacious interior, and impressive list of features. Even the entry-level variants come equipped with essential amenities like power windows, rear parking sensors, and a touchscreen infotainment system. The Sonet’s fuel-efficient engine options and low maintenance costs further appeal to cost-conscious buyers.
Similarly, the Tata Nexon has built a strong reputation for its safety features, stylish design, and value-for-money proposition. The Nexon’s 5-star GNCAP safety rating instills confidence in first-time buyers who prioritize the well-being of themselves and their loved ones. The vehicle’s spacious cabin, comfortable seating, and ample storage space make it a practical choice for everyday use.
Both the Sonet and Nexon offer a range of safety features, including multiple airbags, ABS, and electronic stability control, even in their lower variants. The brands’ focus on safety reassures first-time buyers who are new to the road.
Moreover, the extensive sales and service network of both Kia and Tata ensures easy access to after-sales support, which is a crucial factor for first-time buyers.
Kia Sonet 2024 and Tata Nexon 2023 variants shortlist in Rs 8-10 lakh range
For Tata Nexon 2023, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 18 March 2024 |
| Smart | ₹8,10,000 |
| Smart Plus | ₹9,10,000 |
| Pure | ₹9,70,000 |
| Smart Plus S | ₹9,70,000 |
For Kia Sonet 2024, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 18 March 2024 |
| HTK | ₹8,79,000 |
| HTK Plus | ₹9,90,000 |
Tata Nexon Smart
The Nexon Smart is an excellent choice for first-time car buyers, offering essential features at an affordable price point. It comes equipped with power steering, rear parking sensors, and LED DRLs, enhancing safety and convenience. The variant’s 6 airbags and 5-star GNCAP safety rating provide peace of mind to safety-conscious buyers. The Nexon Smart’s spacious cabin and comfortable seating make it a practical choice for daily commutes and family trips. If you’re budget conscious, you can read our guide to the best Nexon variants for you.
Tata Nexon Smart Plus and Smart Plus S
The Nexon Smart Plus and Smart Plus S variants build upon the features of the Smart variant, offering additional amenities for first-time buyers. They include a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and steering-mounted controls, enhancing convenience and comfort. The Smart Plus S variant adds a rain-sensing wiper, providing an extra touch of premiumness. Both variants retain the 6 airbags and 5-star GNCAP safety rating, prioritizing occupant protection. If you’re a gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the Nexon 2023 with Nissan Magnite and Mahindra XUV300.
Tata Nexon Pure
The Nexon Pure variant offers a balance of features and affordability for first-time buyers. It comes equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors, and follow-me-home headlamps, enhancing safety and convenience. The variant’s 6 airbags and 5-star GNCAP safety rating ensure occupant protection. The Nexon Pure’s spacious cabin and comfortable seating make it a practical choice for everyday use.
Kia Sonet HTK
The Sonet HTK variant is a well-rounded option for first-time buyers, offering essential features and a premium feel. It comes equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking camera, and manual air conditioning. The variant’s 6 airbags and electronic stability control prioritize occupant safety. The Sonet HTK’s stylish design and comfortable cabin make it an attractive choice for first-time buyers.If you’re looking for a family car, you can read our guide to the best Sonet 2024 variants for you.
Kia Sonet HTK Plus
The Sonet HTK Plus variant offers additional features and a more premium experience for first-time buyers. It includes automatic climate control, a rear-view camera, and LED DRLs, enhancing comfort and safety. The variant’s 6 airbags and electronic stability control ensure occupant protection. The HTK Plus variant’s premium interior and advanced infotainment system make it an appealing choice for tech-savvy first-time buyers.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Kia Sonet 2024 and Tata Nexon 2023 for First-time car buyers
After careful consideration, we recommend the Tata Nexon Smart Plus as the best variant for first-time car buyers. This variant offers an excellent balance of affordability, essential features, and safety, making it an ideal choice for those venturing into car ownership for the first time.
The Tata Nexon Smart Plus comes equipped with a range of features that cater to the needs and preferences of first-time buyers. It offers power steering, making maneuvering the vehicle effortless, especially in city traffic. The rear parking sensors provide assistance while reversing, instilling confidence in novice drivers. The touchscreen infotainment system, with its user-friendly interface, keeps occupants entertained and connected during journeys.
In terms of safety, the Nexon Smart Plus prioritizes the well-being of its occupants. It comes standard with 6 airbags, including side and curtain airbags, providing comprehensive protection in the event of a collision. The variant’s 5-star GNCAP safety rating is a testament to its robust build quality and advanced safety features. The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) ensures stable braking performance, while Electronic Stability Control (ESC) helps maintain vehicle stability in challenging driving conditions.
The Nexon Smart Plus’s 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine offers a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The engine’s linear power delivery and smooth acceleration make it easy for first-time drivers to navigate city traffic and highways alike. The 5-speed manual transmission provides an engaging driving experience while keeping the cost of ownership in check.
While the Kia Sonet variants offer a premium feel and advanced features, the Tata Nexon Smart Plus stands out for its exceptional safety rating, comprehensive airbag protection, and value-for-money proposition. Its spacious cabin, comfortable seating, and practical features make it an ideal choice for first-time car buyers prioritizing safety and affordability.
In conclusion, the Tata Nexon Smart Plus emerges as the best variant for first-time car buyers, offering a well-rounded package that combines essential features, impressive safety credentials, and affordability.
The Top 3 choices
- Tata Nexon Smart Plus
- Tata Nexon Pure
- Kia Sonet HTK Plus
| Attributes | Nexon Smart Plus | Nexon Pure | Sonet HTK Plus |
| USB Ports | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Steering Mounted Controls | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 208 | 208 | 211 |
| Knee/curtain airbags | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Crash warning | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Traction Control | Yes | Yes | No |
| Touchscreen type | LCD | LCD | LCD |
| Power Windows – Front | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Hold assist | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Camera | No | No | Yes |
| Audio System (Brand) | OEM | OEM | Arkamys |
| Steering column | Tilt and Collapsible | Tilt and Collapsible | Tilt |
| ESC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Engine – Fuel type | Petrol | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine – Transmission | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Drive Type | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel tank capacity (l) | 44 | 44 | 45 |
| Length (mm) | 3995 | 3995 | 3995 |
| Width (mm) | 1804 | 1804 | 1790 |
| Height (mm) | 1620 | 1620 | 1642 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2498 | 2498 | 2500 |
| Boot capacity (liters) | 382 | 382 | 385 |
| Airbags (number) | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| GNCAP Rating | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| ORVM | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Day/night IRVM | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Headlights | LED | LED | Halogen |
| Low fuel indicator | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DRLs | Yes | Yes | No |
| Rear AC vents | No | Yes | Yes |
| Seating Adjustments | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Wheel size | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Wheel Type | Steel | Steel | Steel |
| Body colored bumpers | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Body colored door handles | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dashboard | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Upholstery | Cloth | Cloth | Synthetic Leather |
| Touchscreen size | Yes | Yes | 8 |
| Touchscreen Navigation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Activated Controls | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Audio System – # of speakers | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Dashboard design | Modern | Modern | Modern |
| Material quality | Average | Average | Premium |
| Ergonomics | Well-designed | Well-designed | Well-designed |
| Seat comfort | Supportive | Supportive | Supportive |
| Visibility | Good | Good | Good |
| Noise insulation | Average | Average | Good |
| Overall design | Balanced | Balanced | Aggressive |
| Headlights design | Sleek | Sleek | Bold |
| Taillights design | Sleek | Sleek | Bold |
| Body lines | Sculpted | Sculpted | Sharp |
| Paint & Finish quality | Metallic | Metallic | Glossy |
| Fit & Finish | Good | Good | Good |
| Door Handles | Conventional | Conventional | Conventional |
| Pillar | Slim | Slim | Slim |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Tata Nexon Smart Plus takes the top spot for its impressive combination of features, safety, and affordability. It offers essential amenities like power steering, rear parking sensors, and a touchscreen infotainment system, making it an attractive choice for first-time buyers. The Nexon Smart Plus’s 6 airbags and 5-star GNCAP safety rating instill confidence and provide peace of mind to novice drivers. The variant’s spacious cabin, comfortable seating, and fuel-efficient petrol engine further enhance its appeal.
- The Tata Nexon Pure secures the second position, offering a well-balanced package for first-time buyers. Its touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors, and follow-me-home headlamps provide essential convenience and safety features. The Nexon Pure’s 6 airbags and 5-star GNCAP safety rating prioritize occupant protection, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers. The variant’s spacious cabin and comfortable seating ensure a pleasant driving experience.
- The Kia Sonet HTK Plus rounds off the top three choices, catering to first-time buyers seeking a more premium experience. It offers automatic climate control, a rear-view camera, and LED DRLs, enhancing comfort and safety. The HTK Plus variant’s 6 airbags and electronic stability control provide comprehensive occupant protection. The Sonet’s stylish design, premium interior, and advanced infotainment system make it an appealing choice for tech-savvy first-time buyers willing to stretch their budget slightly.
The Tata Nexon Smart Plus and Pure prioritize safety, affordability, and essential features, making them reliable choices for those new to the road. The Kia Sonet HTK Plus, on the other hand, offers a more premium experience with its advanced features and stylish design, catering to first-time buyers willing to stretch their budget slightly.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.