Mahindra XUV 3XO vs Kia Sonet 2024: Best Diesel Variant Priced Rs 9-11 Lakh for Buyers on a Budget

Written By: Kshitij Bisen
Published: May 21, 2024 at 01:42 PMUpdated: Updated: May 21, 2024 at 01:42 PM
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Budget is an important consideration for car buyers. If you have a set budget, it doesn’t mean you can’t get what you want among the cars you can afford. The Indian car market is full of choices among the best budget variants of top cars, or the most value for money car variants in India. To help you decide, we compare the Mahindra XUV 3XO and Kia Sonet 2024 to find out which of their diesel variants will be the best for you.

In this article, we will discuss

  • What a budget-conscious buyer looks for in a car
  • Mahindra XUV 3XO vs Kia Sonet 2024 – a comprehensive analysis of their diesel variants, features, affordability, and fuel efficiency
  • How to pick the right car for you

Can these be considered the most affordable cars in the hatchback segment? What affordable options do they have in their lineup? Read on.

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

Budget-conscious buyers prioritize affordability and value for money when choosing a car. They seek vehicles that offer a good balance of features, performance, and reliability without breaking the bank. Fuel efficiency is a key consideration, as it directly impacts the long-term running costs.

Additionally, budget-conscious buyers appreciate cars with low maintenance costs, good resale value, and a warranty that provides peace of mind. They also look for essential safety features and a comfortable interior that can accommodate their daily needs.

Why Mahindra XUV 3XO and Kia Sonet 2024 are Popular

The Mahindra XUV 3XO and Kia Sonet 2024 have gained popularity among budget-conscious buyers due to their competitive pricing, fuel-efficient engines, and a host of features that offer excellent value for money.

The Mahindra XUV 3XO stands out with its aggressive pricing strategy, making it an attractive option for buyers on a tight budget. Despite its affordable price tag, the XUV 3XO does not compromise on essential features. It offers a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The XUV 3XO also boasts a powerful and efficient 1.5-liter turbo-diesel engine that delivers impressive performance while keeping fuel costs in check.

On the other hand, the Kia Sonet 2024 is known for its modern design, premium features, and competitive pricing. It offers a well-appointed interior with high-quality materials and a range of comfort and convenience features that are usually found in higher-priced segments. The Sonet’s 1.5-liter CRDi diesel engine is renowned for its refinement and fuel efficiency, making it an economical choice for daily commutes and long drives.

Both the XUV 3XO and Sonet come equipped with essential safety features, such as dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors, providing peace of mind to budget-conscious buyers. They also offer a comfortable ride quality, thanks to their well-tuned suspension systems that absorb bumps and potholes effectively.

In terms of after-sales service and maintenance costs, both Mahindra and Kia have extensive dealership networks and affordable service packages. This ensures that owners can keep their vehicles in top condition without spending a fortune on maintenance.

Moreover, the XUV 3XO and Sonet have strong resale values in the market, which is a crucial factor for budget-conscious buyers who may want to upgrade their vehicles in the future. The brand reputation and the popularity of these models ensure that they retain their value well over time.

Mahindra XUV 3XO and Kia Sonet 2024 Diesel Variants Shortlist in Rs 9-11 Lakh Range

For Kia Sonet 2024, we have:

VariantPrice (INR) as on 16 May 2024
HTE Diesel₹9,79,900
HTE (O) Diesel₹9,99,900
HTK Diesel₹10,49,900

For Mahindra XUV 3XO, we have:

VariantPrice (INR) as on 16 May 2024
MX2 Diesel₹9,99,000
MX2 Pro Diesel₹10,39,000
MX3 Diesel₹10,89,000

Kia Sonet HTE Diesel

This variant offers an excellent balance of features and affordability. It comes equipped with essential safety features like emergency stop signal, vehicle stability management, and all-seat 3-point seat belts with reminders, making it a great value proposition for budget-conscious buyers.

Kia Sonet HTE (O) Diesel

The HTE (O) Diesel variant builds upon the features of the HTE Diesel, offering additional value for a slightly higher price. It includes assist grips and eco-coating, enhancing the overall driving experience without significantly increasing the cost.

Mahindra XUV 3XO MX2 Diesel

The MX2 Diesel variant of the XUV 3XO is a compelling choice for buyers on a tight budget. It offers a spacious interior, rear parking sensors, and a powerful 1.5-liter turbo-diesel engine, making it an excellent value for money.

Mahindra XUV 3XO MX2 Pro Diesel

The MX2 Pro Diesel variant offers additional features compared to the MX2 Diesel, such as smart steering modes and fabric upholstery, enhancing the overall driving experience while still being budget-friendly.

Our Pick for the Best Diesel Variant Among Mahindra XUV 3XO and Kia Sonet 2024 for Budget-Conscious Buyer

After carefully considering the features, performance, and pricing of the shortlisted variants, we recommend the Kia Sonet HTE Diesel as the best option for budget-conscious buyers.

The Kia Sonet HTE Diesel offers an unbeatable combination of affordability and essential features. With a price tag of Rs. 9,79,900, it is one of the most budget-friendly options in our shortlist, making it an excellent choice for buyers who want to keep their costs low without compromising on basic amenities.

Despite its affordable price, the HTE Diesel variant comes equipped with a range of safety features, including emergency stop signal, vehicle stability management, and all-seat 3-point seat belts with reminders. These features provide peace of mind and ensure the safety of occupants, which is a top priority for budget-conscious buyers.

In terms of performance, the Kia Sonet HTE Diesel is powered by a 1.5-liter CRDi diesel engine that delivers an impressive 250 Nm of torque, ensuring a smooth and effortless driving experience. The 6-speed manual transmission offers precise and easy gear shifts, making it user-friendly for drivers of all skill levels.

The HTE Diesel variant also offers a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The leatherette upholstery adds a touch of durability and ease of maintenance, which is crucial for budget-conscious buyers.

While the Kia Sonet HTE Diesel may not have some of the premium features found in higher-priced variants, it still offers a well-rounded package that caters to the needs of budget-conscious buyers. Its combination of affordability, essential safety features, and efficient performance make it an excellent value proposition in the compact SUV segment.

The Top 3 Choices

  1. Kia Sonet HTE Diesel
  2. Mahindra XUV 3XO MX2 Diesel
  3. Kia Sonet HTE (O) Diesel
AttributesSonet HTE DieselXUV 3XO MX2 DieselSonet HTE (O) Diesel
Price (in Rs.)9,79,9009,99,0009,99,900
Diesel Fuel Tank Capacity45 Litres42 Litres45 Litres
No. of Airbags666
Rear CameraNoNoNo

How to Pick the Right Car for You

  • The Kia Sonet HTE Diesel takes the top spot for its unbeatable combination of affordability and essential features. It offers a range of safety features, a spacious interior, and an efficient diesel engine at a budget-friendly price point.
  • The Mahindra XUV 3XO MX2 Diesel secures the second position, offering a spacious interior, powerful diesel engine, and rear parking sensors at a competitive price. It also comes equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, adding value to the overall package.
  • The Kia Sonet HTE (O) Diesel rounds off the top three choices, building upon the features of the HTE Diesel variant. It offers additional comfort and convenience features, such as assist grips and eco-coating, at a slightly higher price point.

All three variants offer excellent value for money, with a focus on affordability, essential features, and fuel efficiency. They provide budget-conscious buyers with a range of options to choose from, depending on their specific needs and preferences. Whether it’s the essential safety features, spacious interior, or efficient diesel engine, these top three choices ensure that budget-conscious buyers can find a compact SUV that fits their requirements without compromising on quality or performance.

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