What are some of the best budget cars, or value for money cars in India? Let’s look at the compact SUVs, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Kia Sonet, and Mahindra XUV300, to see what attracts budget-conscious buyers to them.
In this article, we will discuss
- What a budget-conscious buyer looks for in a car
- Maruti Suzuki Brezza vs Kia Sonet vs Mahindra XUV300 – a comprehensive analysis of their entry-level variants, features, affordability, and fuel efficiency
- How to pick the right car for you
The entry-level variants of these cars are among affordable car options in the compact SUV segment in India. But which of these is the best budget compact SUV? Read on.
Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500
What a Budget-conscious buyer looks for in a car
A budget-conscious buyer should look for these in a car:
- Affordability – a car should be affordable, and have low maintenance costs
- Fuel efficiency – The car shouldn’t guzzle fuel
- Safety features – Essential safety features are a must in a car
- Brand perception – Is the brand of the car known for its wide service network, after sales service, etc.
- Resale value – The car should fetch good resale rates
A budget-conscious buyer primarily focuses on obtaining maximum value for money. Key considerations include initial purchase cost, fuel efficiency for cost-saving in the long run, essential safety features, and basic conveniences without added luxury premiums.
Additionally, dependable performance and low maintenance costs are vital, and are primary concerns for budget-conscious buyers.
Why Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Kia Sonet, and Mahindra XUV300 are Popular
Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Kia Sonet, and Mahindra XUV300 have become favorites among budget-conscious buyers due to their affordable price range combined with essential features. These vehicles offer a balanced mix of safety, performance, and convenience at competitive prices.
Their compact sizes also ensure better city mileage, adding to savings. Brands like Maruti have a reputation for low maintenance costs, which further enhances their appeal to budget-conscious consumers.
Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Kia Sonet, and Mahindra XUV300 Entry-level Variants
For Maruti Suzuki Brezza, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 28 August 2023 |
| Lxi | ₹829,000 |
For Mahindra XUV300, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 28 August 2023 |
| W4 | ₹842,000 |
For Kia Sonet, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 28 August 2023 |
| 1.2 HTE | ₹779,000 |
Maruti Suzuki Brezza Lxi
This variant offers ABS, 2 airbags, a petrol engine with a city mileage of 20.15 kmpl, power steering, and both front and rear power windows. The inclusion of body-colored bumpers and glove box cooling adds a touch of convenience and aesthetic appeal. Despite lacking a touchscreen, its competitive price and essential features make it a solid choice for the budget-conscious. If you’re a long-distance road trip lover, you can check out our comparison of the Brezza with Honda Amaze.
Mahindra XUV300 W4
Coming with ABS, 2 airbags, petrol engine with a city mileage of 16.82 kmpl, this variant also offers power steering, front and rear power windows, and body-colored bumpers. Although it misses out on glove box cooling and rear AC vents, its safety and fuel efficiency align well with a budget-conscious perspective. We also have our comparison of the XUV300 with Tata Nexon for safety-conscious buyers.
Kia Sonet 1.2 HTE
The cheapest among the three, this variant boasts ABS, 4 airbags, and a petrol engine with a city mileage of 18.4 kmpl. It provides power steering, front power windows, and also includes rear AC vents, which its competitors miss out on. The lack of rear power windows is a downside, but its lower price might offset that for many budget buyers. We have also compared the Kia Sonet with Renault Kiger for the budget-conscious.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Kia Sonet, and Mahindra XUV300 for Budget-conscious buyers
The Kia Sonet 1.2 HTE emerges as the best variant for a budget-conscious buyer. With a price tag of ₹779000, it’s the most affordable in the compact SUV segment on our list. It excels in safety with 4 airbags, offers a commendable city mileage of 18.4 kmpl, and includes power steering and front power windows.
Its petrol engine ensures economical fuel consumption, and the inclusion of rear AC vents adds to the convenience. The combination of its low price, safety features, and other significant attributes makes it the top pick.
The 3 Entry-level Variants Ranked
- Kia Sonet 1.2 HTE
- Maruti Suzuki Brezza Lxi
- Mahindra XUV300 W4
| Attributes | Kia Sonet 1.2 HTE | Maruti Suzuki Brezza Lxi | Mahindra XUV300 W4 |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Airbags (number) | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| City Mileage (kmpl) | 18.4 | 20.15 | 16.82 |
| Engine – Fuel type | Petrol | Petrol | Petrol |
| Overall Mileage (kmpl) | 18.4 | 20.15 | 16.82 |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Windows – Front | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Windows – Back | No | Yes | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- Kia Sonet 1.2 HTE offers outstanding value for its price with the added advantage of 4 airbags for safety.
- Maruti Suzuki Brezza Lxi is a close second, offering excellent city mileage and essential features without a hefty price tag.
- Mahindra XUV300 W4 is a bit pricier but compensates with its features and brand reputation.
Each variant has its strengths, and is a car that fits within your budget. The Kia Sonet 1.2 HTE offers the best combination of safety, fuel efficiency, and essential conveniences without breaking the bank. The Brezza Lxi and XUV300 W4 follow closely, providing alternatives based on brand preferences and specific feature priorities.
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
