Wondering what the best performance cars or top sports cars in India are, and what makes them high-performance car models? Today, let’s compare Kia Sonet 2024 and Volkswagen Taigun, and see how their variants fare in terms of their overall performance.
In this article, we will share
- What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
- Kia Sonet 2024 vs Volkswagen Taigun – a comprehensive analysis of their variants, performance and features
- How to pick the right car for you
What a Performance Enthusiast Looks for in a Car
Here’s what to look for in a car as a performance enthusiast:
- Acceleration and Speed – How quickly a car accelerates, what is its top speed
- Power – How it pulls weight, how is its high speed stability, does it feel strained while going up the hills, or with AC on
- Agility – How it behaves while turning at speeds
- Driving Experience/Handling – Is the gearbox smooth and responsive, how is its steering/braking performance
Performance enthusiasts prioritize quick cars that deliver an exhilarating driving experience. They seek powerful engines, responsive transmissions, and sharp handling. Key factors in fast cars include quick acceleration, minimal turbo lag, linear power delivery, and precise steering.
Performance enthusiasts also appreciate features like sport-tuned suspensions, advanced braking systems, and aerodynamic design elements that enhance the car’s overall performance and style.
Why Kia Sonet 2024 and Volkswagen Taigun are Popular
The Kia Sonet 2024 and Volkswagen Taigun are popular among performance enthusiasts due to their impressive powertrains and dynamic handling capabilities. Both cars offer turbocharged engine options that deliver quick acceleration and linear power delivery. The Sonet’s 1.0-liter turbo petrol engine produces 118 BHP and 172 Nm of torque, while the Taigun’s 1.0-liter TSI engine generates 113.98 BHP and 178 Nm of torque.
In terms of handling, the Taigun is known for its razor-sharp agility, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and precise steering. The Sonet also exhibits minimal body roll and agile maneuverability, making it a joy to drive on winding roads.
Both cars come equipped with advanced transmissions, such as the iMT (intelligent Manual Transmission) in the Sonet and the smooth manual transmission in the Taigun, which provide engaging driving experiences. Additionally, these cars offer essential safety features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS, and multiple airbags, ensuring a secure ride during spirited driving.
Kia Sonet 2024 and Volkswagen Taigun Variants Shortlist in Rs 10-13 Lakh Range
For Volkswagen Taigun, we have:
| Variant | Price as on 3 April 2024 |
| 1.0 TSI Comfortline | ₹11,62,000 |
For Kia Sonet 2024, we have:
| Variant | Price as on 3 April 2024 |
| HTK Plus Turbo iMT | ₹10,49,000 |
| HTX Turbo iMT | ₹11,49,000 |
| HTX Diesel iMT | ₹12,60,000 |
Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Comfortline
The Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Comfortline is an excellent choice for performance enthusiasts. It offers a powerful 1.0-liter TSI engine with 113.98 BHP and 178 Nm of torque, delivering quick acceleration and linear power delivery. The Taigun’s razor-sharp agility and precise steering make it a thrilling car to drive on winding roads. If you want a value-for-money car, you can check out our comparison of the Taigun with Kia Seltos 2023.
Kia Sonet HTK Plus Turbo iMT and HTX Turbo iMT
The Kia Sonet HTK Plus Turbo iMT and HTX Turbo iMT are both compelling options for performance enthusiasts. They come with a 1.0-liter turbo petrol engine that produces 118 BHP and 172 Nm of torque, providing a punchy driving experience. The iMT transmission offers smooth and engaging gear changes, adding to the driving pleasure. You can check out our comparison of the Sonet 2024 with Honda Amaze for tech-savvy gadget lovers.
Kia Sonet HTX Diesel iMT
The Kia Sonet HTX Diesel iMT is a great choice for those who prefer the torque and fuel efficiency of a diesel engine. It is powered by a 1.5-liter diesel engine that generates 114 BHP and 250 Nm of torque, delivering strong performance across the rev range. The iMT transmission enhances the driving experience, making it a fun car to drive. If you enjoy long-distance road trips, you can read our comparison of the Sonet 2024 with Honda City.
Our Pick for the Best Variant among Kia Sonet 2024 and Volkswagen Taigun for Performance Enthusiasts
We recommend the Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Comfortline as the best variant for performance enthusiasts. The Taigun’s 1.0-liter TSI engine delivers an impressive 113.98 BHP and 178 Nm of torque, providing quick acceleration and linear power delivery. The engine’s responsiveness and minimal turbo lag make it a joy to drive, especially when coupled with the smooth manual transmission.
What sets the Taigun apart is its razor-sharp agility and precise steering. The well-tuned suspension minimizes body roll and provides excellent handling, allowing the driver to tackle corners with confidence. The Taigun’s dynamic capabilities make it a thrilling car to drive on winding roads, satisfying the desires of performance enthusiasts.
Moreover, the Taigun offers a comfortable and well-equipped cabin, with features like a modern infotainment system, automatic climate control, and premium upholstery. The build quality and fit and finish are top-notch, adding to the overall driving experience.
Overall, the Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Comfortline’s combination of powerful performance, razor-sharp handling, and premium features make it the best choice for performance enthusiasts among the Kia Sonet and Volkswagen Taigun variants.
The Top 3 Choices
- Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Comfortline
- Kia Sonet HTX Turbo iMT
- Kia Sonet HTX Diesel iMT
| Attributes | Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Comfortline | Kia Sonet HTX Turbo iMT | Kia Sonet HTX Diesel iMT |
| Turbocharging | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Engine – power (BHP) | 113.98 | 118 | 114 |
| Engine – Torque (Nm) | 178 | 172 | 250 |
| Traction Control | Yes | No | Yes |
| ESC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless charging | No | No | Yes |
| Headlights (Halogen, LED) | Halogen | LED | LED |
| DRLs | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sunroof (panoramic, standard) | No | No | No |
| Push Button Start | No | Yes | Yes |
| Ventilated seats | No | No | No |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Volkswagen Taigun 1.0 TSI Comfortline takes the top spot for performance enthusiasts. Its 1.0-liter TSI engine delivers quick acceleration and linear power delivery, while the razor-sharp agility and precise steering make it a thrilling car to drive on winding roads. The Taigun’s well-tuned suspension minimizes body roll, providing excellent handling and driving dynamics.
- The Kia Sonet HTX Turbo iMT secures the second position. It is powered by a 1.0-liter turbo petrol engine that produces 118 BHP and 172 Nm of torque, offering a punchy driving experience. The iMT transmission provides smooth and engaging gear changes, enhancing the overall driving pleasure. The Sonet’s agile handling and minimal body roll make it a fun car to drive.
- The Kia Sonet HTX Diesel iMT takes the third spot on our list. It comes with a 1.5-liter diesel engine that generates 114 BHP and 250 Nm of torque, delivering strong performance across the rev range. The iMT transmission adds to the driving experience, making it an enjoyable car to drive. The Sonet’s well-tuned suspension and responsive steering provide a confident and engaging driving experience.
The Taigun 1.0 TSI Comfortline stands out with its razor-sharp agility, precise steering, and powerful TSI engine. The Sonet HTX Turbo iMT impresses with its punchy turbo petrol engine and smooth iMT transmission, while the Sonet HTX Diesel iMT offers strong diesel performance and engaging driving dynamics.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
