Kia Sonet vs Skoda Slavia: Comparing Their Variants Priced Rs 12-14 Lakh for Performance Enthusiasts

What are some of the best performance cars, or top sports cars in India? What makes them high-performance car models? Today, we are looking at the Kia Sonet and Skoda Slavia. Let’s see how their variants compare with each other in terms of performance.

In this article, we will share

• What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
• Kia Sonet vs Skoda Slavia – a comprehensive analysis of their variants, performance and features
• How to pick the right car for you

Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500

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 cars that offer an adrenaline-fueled driving experience. They seek vehicles with high-speed stability, minimal body roll, and agile handling. A powerful engine with rapid power delivery and minimal turbo lag is essential. 

Enthusiasts also value precise and responsive steering, effective traction control, and a transmission that offers seamless power transition. High-quality interiors with advanced infotainment systems, along with a sporty aesthetic, enhance the overall experience. 

Safety features like electronic stability control and multiple airbags are also important for confident and secure driving.

Why Kia Sonet and Skoda Slavia are Popular

Kia Sonet and Skoda Slavia have become favorites among performance enthusiasts due to their unique offerings. 

Kia Sonet, with its turbocharged engines, provides a dynamic driving experience. Its high-speed stability, combined with agile handling, makes it ideal for both urban commuting and spirited highway drives. The Sonet stands out with its advanced DCT transmission and high-quality Bose audio system, offering a blend of performance and luxury.

Skoda Slavia, on the other hand, is known for its minimal body roll and linear power delivery, making it a joy to drive. Its light clutch and responsive engine cater to enthusiasts who enjoy an engaging driving experience. Slavia’s spacious interiors and sleek design, along with its stable high-speed performance, make it a practical yet exhilarating choice for performance-driven individuals. Also Read: Honda Elevate vs Skoda Slavia: Comparing Their Automatic Variants Priced Rs 13-15 Lakh

Kia Sonet and Skoda Slavia Variants Shortlist in Rs 12-14 Lakh Range

For Kia Sonet, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 1 December 2023
1.5 HTX Plus Diesel	₹13,55,000
GTX Plus Turbo DCT	₹13,69,000
X-Line Turbo DCT	₹13,89,000
1.5 GTX Plus Diesel	₹13,89,000

For Skoda Slavia, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 1 December 2023
1.0 TSI Ambition Plus	₹12,49,000
1.0 TSI Ambition	₹13,29,000
1.0 TSI Ambition Plus AT	₹13,79,000

Kia Sonet Variants:

• 1.5 HTX Plus Diesel: Offers stability and agility, appealing to enthusiasts who prefer diesel engines. If you’re budget-conscious, you can check out our comparison of the Sonet with Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Mahindra XUV300.
• GTX Plus Turbo DCT: Equipped with a turbocharged petrol engine and DCT, it provides a peppy and smooth driving experience. If you’re style-conscious, you can read our comparison of the Sonet with Hyundai Venue.
• X-Line Turbo DCT: This top-tier variant combines performance with luxury, including features like LED headlights and genuine leather upholstery.
• 1.5 GTX Plus Diesel: Balances power and efficiency, ideal for those seeking a diesel variant with advanced features.

Skoda Slavia Variants:

• 1.0 TSI Ambition Plus: Known for its agile handling and linear power delivery. The turbocharged engine makes it a compelling choice. If you’re a family-focused car buyer, you can read our comparison of the Slavia with Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.
• 1.0 TSI Ambition: Delivers stable high-speed performance with a comfortable and sleek interior.
• 1.0 TSI Ambition Plus AT: Offers the convenience of an automatic transmission while maintaining engaging driving dynamics.

Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Kia Sonet and Skoda Slavia for Performance Enthusiasts

The Kia Sonet GTX Plus Turbo DCT emerges as the best choice for performance enthusiasts among the Kia Sonet and Skoda Slavia variants. This variant’s selection is based on its balance of performance, features, and driving dynamics:

1. Engine and Performance: It is powered by a turbocharged petrol engine, offering 118.36 BHP and 172 Nm of torque, ensuring a responsive and exhilarating driving experience.
2. Transmission: The dual-clutch transmission (DCT) provides quick and smooth gear shifts, crucial for an engaging drive.
3. Handling and Stability: The Sonet offers excellent high-speed stability and agility, suitable for both city driving and highway cruising.
4. Advanced Features: This variant is equipped with premium features like a Bose audio system and LED headlights, enhancing driving pleasure and comfort.
5. Safety and Convenience: With advanced safety features and modern infotainment systems, it ensures a perfect blend of performance, safety, and daily usability.

These factors make the Kia Sonet GTX Plus Turbo DCT a top pick for those seeking a dynamic and feature-rich driving experience. Also Read: Hyundai Venue N Line vs Skoda Slavia: Comparing Their Variants Priced Rs 12-14 Lakh

The Top 3 Choices

1. Kia Sonet GTX Plus Turbo DCT
2. Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition Plus AT
3. Kia Sonet X-Line Turbo DCT

Attributes	Kia Sonet GTX Plus Turbo DCT	Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition Plus AT	Kia Sonet X-Line Turbo DCT
Engine Power (BHP)	118.36	113.98	118.36
Engine Torque (Nm)	172	178	172
Transmission	DCT	Automatic	DCT
High-Speed Stability	Stable	Stable	Stable
Agility	Agile	Agile	Agile
Turbocharging	Yes	Yes	Yes
Audio System	Bose	OEM	Bose
LED Headlights	Yes	Halogen	Yes
Price (INR)	₹13,69,000	₹13,79,000	₹13,89,000

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Kia Sonet GTX Plus Turbo DCT stands out for its excellent performance and advanced features. 
• The Skoda Slavia 1.0 TSI Ambition Plus AT offers a balanced driving experience with the convenience of an automatic transmission. 
• The Kia Sonet X-Line Turbo DCT, with similar performance attributes as the GTX Plus but with additional luxury features, is an excellent alternative for those seeking high performance with added style.

These three variants collectively provide a mix of exhilarating driving dynamics, advanced technology, and comfort, making them the top choices for performance enthusiasts.

If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.

Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered