Performance on Wheels: The Best Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue N Line Variants for the Performance Enthusiast

Written By: Kshitij Bisen
Published: July 16, 2023 at 02:55 PMUpdated: Updated: July 16, 2023 at 02:55 PM
 review

What a Performance Enthusiast looks for in a car

Performance enthusiasts are drawn to cars with superior power, acceleration, handling, braking, and stability. They seek the best performance cars that can deliver high torque, agile responsiveness, and quick power delivery, offering a thrilling and engaging drive. The performance-focused driver values the number of cylinders, ground clearance, the type of transmission, and top speed.

Other crucial features include high-quality audio systems for an immersive driving experience and advanced driver-assistance features for enhanced control and safety. The Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue N Line are fired by relatively powerful engines, and hold quite an appeal as high-performance car models in India.

Why Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue N Line are popular among Performance Enthusiasts

The Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue N Line are touted as performance-driven models in their respective line-ups. They appeal to performance enthusiasts due to their robust engine capabilities, swift acceleration, and agility.

The Kia Sonet, as highlighted on Team-BHP and Autocar India, boasts engines offering quick power delivery, with some variants featuring advanced automatic transmissions for a smoother, more responsive driving experience. The handling is agile, and the stability at high-speeds is commendable.

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Similarly, the Hyundai Venue N Line is appreciated for its powerful turbo petrol engines, fast acceleration, and the smoothness of its Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), albeit with some initial lag. Its agility in handling and the stable high-speed drive make it an enticing choice for performance lovers.

Both models also flaunt high-quality audio systems, advanced tech features, and well-finished exterior designs, adding to their overall attractiveness. The presence of driver assistance features like cruise control, steering-mounted controls, and rain-sensing wipers enhance the driving experience and control, thereby making these vehicles desirable for performance enthusiasts.

Our variants shortlist for Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue N Line

VariantPrice (INR)
Hyundai Venue N Line N6 turbo DCT DT12,82,000
Hyundai Venue N Line N8 turbo DCT13,66,000
Hyundai Venue N Line N8 turbo DCT DT13,81,000
Kia Sonet 1.5 HTX Plus Diesel13,55,000
Kia Sonet GTX Plus Turbo DCT13,69,000
Kia Sonet 1.5 GTX Plus Diesel13,89,000

The Hyundai Venue N Line N6 turbo DCT DT features a high-power engine with an agile handling, making it a strong contender for performance enthusiasts. It has a noticeable turbo lag, but the quick power delivery and high-speed stability make up for it. You can also read our comparison of the cheapest variants of Hyundai Venue N Line and Skoda Slavia.

Hyundai Venue N Line N8 turbo DCT and N8 turbo DCT DT have similar attributes to the N6 variant, but with a higher price tag. However, the high-quality Bose audio system enhances the driving experience, justifying the additional cost.

Kia Sonet 1.5 HTX Plus Diesel has a high-torque engine that delivers power linearly, minimizing turbo lag. Its agile handling, minimal body roll, and high-speed stability, make it a great choice for a performance enthusiast. If you enjoy long-distance road trips, you can check out our comparison of the Kia Sonet with Maruti Suzuki Brezza.

The Kia Sonet GTX Plus Turbo DCT is another high-performing variant, featuring a DCT with noticeable turbo lag. However, its fast power delivery and agile handling still make it an appealing choice.

Finally, the Kia Sonet 1.5 GTX Plus Diesel variant provides high power and torque, combined with stable and agile handling, perfect for a performance enthusiast. If you are a technology and gadget buff, you can read our guide to the best Kia Sonet variants for you.

Best variant among Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue N Line for Performance Enthusiasts

Based on the data provided, the Hyundai Venue N Line N8 turbo DCT stands as the prime choice for a performance enthusiast. This variant, priced at INR 13,66,000, boasts a powerful turbocharged petrol engine that generates a whopping 118.41 BHP and 172 Nm of torque, providing a quick response and impressive agility. With a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), it offers a superior driving experience with smooth gear shifts and high-speed stability. While it does have noticeable turbo lag, the peppy power delivery more than makes up for it.

The variant comes equipped with a high-end Bose audio system, further enhancing the driving pleasure. Safety and driver-assistance features like Electronic Stability Control, rear parking sensors, and traction control enhance the overall driving experience and are in line with what a performance enthusiast expects from their vehicle.

The Top 3 choices

  1. Hyundai Venue N Line N8 turbo DCT: This variant offers a great balance of power, performance, and features. Its petrol engine with the DCT transmission provides an exciting and responsive driving experience. The inclusion of driver assistance features like rear parking sensors and Electronic Stability Control, along with a quality Bose sound system, makes it a well-rounded choice for the Performance Enthusiast.
  2. Hyundai Venue N Line N6 turbo DCT DT: This variant is a slightly less pricey option, priced at INR 12,82,000, but offers similar performance and handling characteristics as its N8 sibling. It is equipped with a potent turbocharged petrol engine and a DCT transmission that offers smooth and rapid gear shifts. However, it features a standard OEM audio system, which is a step down from the Bose system in the N8.
  3. Kia Sonet GTX Plus Turbo DCT: At INR 13,69,000, this variant comes with a turbocharged petrol engine mated to a DCT transmission, offering agile performance and a quick response. It also offers additional convenience features like wireless charging, making it a good choice for those looking for a blend of performance and practicality.

Attribute Comparison:

AttributesHyundai Venue N Line N8 turbo DCTHyundai Venue N Line N6 turbo DCT DTKia Sonet GTX Plus Turbo DCT
# of cylinders333
AgilityAgileAgileAgile
Audio System (Brand)BoseOEMBose
Engine – displacement (cc)998998998
Engine – Fuel type (petrol, diesel, CNG, Mild hybrid, strong hybrid, PHEV)PetrolPetrolPetrol
Engine – power (BHP)118.41118.41118.36
Engine – Torque (Nm)172172172
Engine responsivenessQuickQuickQuick
Ground clearance (mm)195195211
High-Speed StabilityStableStableStable
Power SteeringYesYesYes
Transmission – Auto TypeDCTDCTDCT
Turbo lagNoticeableNoticeableNoticeable

The Hyundai Venue N Line N8 and N6 variants, with their powerful petrol engines and quick-shifting DCT transmissions, are undoubtedly the best choices for performance enthusiasts. The Kia Sonet GTX Plus Turbo DCT follows as a commendable third option, offering a great blend of performance and practical features. The selections reflect the key attributes that performance enthusiasts value: powerful engines, agile performance, and excellent handling, ensuring an exhilarating driving experience.

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