Hyundai Venue Vs Kia Sonet: A Comparison of Variants Under Rs 12 Lakh for Senior Citizen Car Buyers
So, what are the best cars for senior citizens in India? Let’s look at the compact SUVs, Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet, for the senior citizen car buyer.
In this article, we will share
- What a senior citizen buyer looks for in a car
- Hyundai Venue vs Kia Sonet – a comprehensive look at their variants, features, safety, and fuel efficiency
- How to pick the right car for you
The Hyundai Venue comes with competent engines and is available with automatic gearboxes. Also, it has balanced road manners, and is easy to drive. The Kia Sonet has a well-tuned suspension, and comes with good ground clearance.
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What a Senior Citizen Car Buyer Looks for in a Car
Here’s what a senior citizen buyer should look for in a car:
- Ease of driving – the car should be easy to drive
- Comfort – the car should have good comfort and offer convenience features
- Safety – the car should have essential safety features, and good safety rating
- Fuel efficiency – the car should not guzzle fuel
For senior citizens, the ideal car merges safety, ease of use, and comfort. Vital safety attributes like ABS, airbags, and crash warning are non-negotiable in cars with senior-friendly features.
Features simplifying ingress and egress, automatic transmissions, and clear infotainment systems add to their driving experience.
Lastly, factors like ground clearance and efficient mileage can’t be overlooked, considering varying road conditions and the need for economical long drives.
Why Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet are Popular
Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet have carved a niche as compact SUVs combining the feel of an SUV with the nimbleness of a compact car. They offer high seating positions, aiding older individuals in easier entry and exit from the vehicle.
Their wide array of modern safety features and driver assistance tools ensure a seamless driving experience. The advanced infotainment system, paired with functionalities like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, provides clarity and ease.
The automatic transmission options in both these cars offer hassle-free city drives, further enhancing their appeal as comfortable cars for elderly drivers in India.
Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet Variants Shortlist in Rs 10-12 Lakh Range
For Hyundai Venue, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 15 August 2023 |
|---|---|
| S Opt Turbo iMT | ₹10,44,000 |
| S Opt Turbo DCT | ₹11,43,000 |
For Kia Sonet, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 15 August 2023 |
|---|---|
| HTX Turbo iMT | ₹11,45,000 |
| HTX DCT | ₹11,99,000 |
Hyundai Venue S Opt Turbo iMT
A competitively priced option, it comes equipped with essential safety features like ABS and crash warning. The 4-star GNCAP rating speaks of its safety credentials. The 8-inch LCD touchscreen enhances infotainment while its supportive seats provide comfort. If you enjoy tech and gadgets in a car, you can read our comparison of the Venue with Hyundai Aura and i20.
Hyundai Venue
Hyundai Venue S Opt Turbo DCT
An advanced version of the iMT, the DCT variant provides a fast automatic transmission experience. This, coupled with other features present in the iMT variant, makes it a solid choice for those seeking a smoother automatic experience.
Kia Sonet HTX Turbo iMT
Priced slightly higher, this variant stands out with its light clutch, making it easier for seniors. The addition of fog lights and the hill hold assist adds to the driving convenience, ensuring safe and comfortable drives. We also have our guide to the best Kia Sonet variants for performance enthusiasts.
Kia Sonet HTX DCT
The top-tier offering among the listed variants, it offers the advantage of traction control, enhancing its safety profile. The DCT transmission ensures a swift and smooth driving experience, further complementing the features found in the HTX Turbo iMT variant. You can also read our comparison of the Sonet with Maruti Brezza and Mahindra XUV300 entry-level variants for the budget-conscious.
Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet for Senior Citizen Car Buyers
The Kia Sonet HTX DCT stands out as the prime choice among cars for older people. Its features encompass the primary needs of a senior citizen. The swift DCT automatic transmission, paired with traction control, ensures safety and ease of drive.
With an 8-inch LCD touchscreen and a myriad of essential attributes like power steering, power windows, rear parking camera, and more, it seamlessly merges convenience and safety.
The pricing, though on the higher side, is justified by the feature set offered, making it the most holistic choice for senior citizens.
The Top 3 Choices
- Kia Sonet HTX DCT
- Hyundai Venue S Opt Turbo DCT
- Kia Sonet HTX Turbo iMT
| Attributes | Kia Sonet HTX DCT | Hyundai Venue S Opt Turbo DCT | Kia Sonet HTX Turbo iMT |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Crash warning | No | Yes | Yes |
| DRLs | No | Yes | Yes |
| GNCAP Rating | 3 | 4 | 3 |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 211 | 195 | 211 |
| Overall Mileage (kmpl) | 18.2 | 16.8 | 18.2 |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Windows – Front/Back | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Camera | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Kia Sonet HTX DCT, with its comprehensive feature set, stands as the best.
- The Hyundai Venue S Opt Turbo DCT promises a great automatic experience, with significant safety features, making it the second-best.
- The Kia Sonet HTX Turbo iMT comes third with its ease of drive, ensuring senior citizens have a relaxed driving experience.
Each variant here offers unique advantages for senior citizens. Ultimately, the choice depends upon the specific needs of the buyer.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
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