Maruti Brezza vs 2024 Kia Sonet 2024 Tech Showdown: Base Variants In Focus
Technology and gadgets are an essential part of life today. As a tech-savvy gadget lover, you look for the best cars with advanced technology, or top cars with the latest features in India. But if you have a tight budget, and still want what’s best in the cars you can afford, you have come to the right place. Let’s look at the Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Kia Sonet 2024, and see how their budget variants compare in terms of their technology, features, and gadgets.
In this article, we will share
- What a tech-savvy gadget lover looks for in a car
- Maruti Suzuki Brezza vs Kia Sonet 2024 – A comprehensive analysis of their entry-level variants, their technology, features and gadgets
- How to pick the right car for you
Do these cars have innovative gadgets? Are these the most feature-rich cars in the compact SUV segment? Let’s find out.
What a Tech-savvy gadget lover looks for in a car
Here’s what to look for in a car as a tech-savvy buyer:
- Hi-tech features: What advanced features such as infotainment system does the car have
- Driver assistance: Does the car have tech-driven features to assist you in driving
- Connectivity: Does the car have internet connectivity
- Convenience: What features does the car have to enhance convenience
A tech-savvy gadget enthusiast prioritizes advanced technology features when car shopping. They appreciate a modern infotainment system with a large touchscreen, smartphone connectivity via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a premium sound system.
Advanced driver assistance and safety tech like parking sensors and cameras are also important. Conveniences like keyless entry, push-button start, and wireless charging appeal to their high-tech preferences.
Why the Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Kia Sonet 2024 Are Popular
The Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Kia Sonet 2024 have emerged as top choices in the competitive compact SUV segment, especially for first-time car buyers. Both offer stylish designs, feature-rich interiors, and efficient yet peppy engines at attractive price points.
The Brezza, Maruti’s first compact SUV, has been a sales success since its 2016 launch. The 2024 model gets a bold makeover with an upright stance, squared-off wheel arches, and modern LED lighting. Inside, a new dashboard houses a freestanding touchscreen with connected tech. The proven 1.5L petrol engine now gets smart hybrid tech for improved efficiency.
Kia made a grand entry into the segment with the Sonet in 2020. Its aggressive front end, athletic proportions, and upmarket cabin helped it win the coveted ICOTY award. For 2024, the Sonet gains ADAS safety features and an updated infotainment system. Engine options include efficient 1.2L petrol and 1.5L diesel units.
Both models offer extensive variant lineups catering to diverse budgets and preferences. Maruti’s wide service network and Kia’s long warranty provide peace of mind. With their winning combination of style, features, and value, the Brezza and Sonet have struck a chord with first-time buyers looking to upgrade from a hatchback or sedan to the trendier compact SUV body style.
Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Kia Sonet 2024 Entry-level Variants
For Kia Sonet 2024, we have:
| Variant | Price as on 14 May 2024 |
|---|---|
| HTE | ₹7.99 lakh |
| HTE (O) | ₹8.19 lakh |
| HTK | ₹8.89 lakh |
For Maruti Suzuki Brezza, we have:
| Variant | Price as on 14 May 2024 |
|---|---|
| LXi | ₹8.34 lakh |
| VXi | ₹9.69 lakh |
Kia Sonet HTE and HTE (O)
The Kia Sonet HTE and HTE (O) are the base petrol variants powered by a 1.2L engine. While missing some feel-good features, they still get essentials like rear parking sensors, all power windows, and a 2-DIN audio system, making them a value-packed choice for budget-conscious tech-savvy buyers.
Kia Sonet HTK
One step up, the Sonet HTK adds a rear view camera, 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, steering-mounted audio controls, and voice recognition – appealing extras for gadget lovers while still being affordably priced.
Maruti Suzuki Brezza LXi
The Maruti Brezza LXi is also a basic variant but packs in important safety kit like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors, and hill hold assist. The efficient 1.5L SHVS petrol engine is an advantage. But it misses out on the touchscreen and connectivity features tech-savvy buyers crave.
Maruti Suzuki Brezza VXi
The Brezza VXi variant is pricier but adds a 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay support, push-button start/stop, auto AC and electrically adjustable ORVMs to the LXi’s features, making it better aligned to the needs and wants of a gadget lover.
Our Pick for the Best Variant Among the Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Kia Sonet 2024 for Tech-Savvy Gadget Lovers
After carefully analyzing the Brezza and Sonet variant lineups, we recommend the Kia Sonet HTK as the top pick for the tech-savvy gadget lover persona. At Rs. 8.89 lakh, it optimally balances the budget consideration with the high-tech features that matter most to this buyer.
The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support is the Sonet HTK’s headline feature, letting users seamlessly connect their smartphone to access navigation, music streaming, and communication apps on the go. Steering-mounted audio and voice controls further enhance the connected experience.
In contrast, the base Brezza LXi sorely lacks a touchscreen or smartphone connectivity. The Brezza VXi matches the Sonet HTK’s 7-inch touchscreen and smartphone integration, but commands a hefty Rs. 80,000 premium, diminishing its value proposition.
Other niceties on the Sonet HTK include a rear view camera with dynamic guidelines, a sunroof, cruise control, a wireless phone charger, an air purifier and LED sound mood lighting. While the Brezza VXi offers similar convenience features, it skips the sunroof and charges substantially more.
The Sonet HTK’s 1.2L petrol engine puts out a healthy 83PS and 115Nm, while delivering an ARAI-rated mileage of 18.4 kmpl, pairing peppy city performance with efficiency. It offers a comfortable ride, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and plush seats. On the safety front, dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) are standard.
Backed by Kia’s industry-leading 6 year/1.5 lakh km warranty package, the Kia Sonet HTK is our winner for the tech-savvy gadget lover seeking a well-equipped, well-priced, and well-protected compact SUV.
The Top 3 Choices
- Kia Sonet HTK
- Maruti Suzuki Brezza VXi
- Kia Sonet HTE
| Feature | Kia Sonet HTK | Maruti Suzuki Brezza VXi | Kia Sonet HTE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Touchscreen Infotainment | Yes (8-inch) | Yes (7-inch) | No |
| Android Auto & Apple CarPlay | Yes | Yes | No |
| Steering-mounted Audio Controls | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Camera | Yes | No | No |
| Push-button Start | Yes | Yes | No |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- Kia Sonet HTK: This is our top choice, and the reasons are mentioned above.
- Maruti Suzuki Brezza VXi: While pricier than the Sonet HTK, the Brezza VXi is still a solid choice for tech-savvy buyers. Its 7-inch SmartPlay touchscreen offers crisp graphics and an intuitive interface. Smartphone addicts will appreciate the seamless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. The VXi also adds keyless entry with push button start, auto AC, and electrically adjustable ORVMs over the base LXi variant.
- Kia Sonet HTE: For tech lovers on a tighter budget, the base Sonet HTE is a surprisingly well-equipped option at Rs. 7.99 lakh. While it foregoes the touchscreen, it still packs in essential tech like a 3.5-inch mono display, Bluetooth connectivity, steering-mounted audio controls, and front & rear USB charging ports. Importantly, it doesn’t compromise on safety, offering dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and ESC.
The Kia Sonet HTK’s superior touchscreen, connectivity features and rear camera give it an edge for tech-savvy buyers. The Brezza VXi is a worthy alternative with its own high-tech kit. And the Sonet HTE impresses with its essential tech and safety features at a bargain price. Together, they provide three compelling options for gadget lovers at different budget levels in the compact SUV segment.
If you’re interested in reading more such comparisons of popular car variants, head over to ourBuying Advice section.