Kia Sonet vs Hyundai Venue: Premium Diesel Compact SUV Showdown (₹13.44-13.80 lakh)

Written By: Jayprashanth Mohanram
Published: January 17, 2025 at 05:26 AM
Updated: January 24, 2025 at 04:05 PM
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The Kia Sonet HTX Plus Diesel and Hyundai Venue SX Opt DT Diesel compete in the premium compact SUV segment, targeting urban families with prices between ₹13.44 and 13.80 lakh.

Your Ideal Premium Compact Diesel SUV Should Offer:

  • Efficient diesel engine (target: 110+ bhp, 240+ Nm torque)
  • Smooth manual transmission for control and efficiency
  • Advanced safety features (target: 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, ESC)
  • Modern interior with family-friendly features
  • Adequate cargo space (target: 350+ liters boot space)
  • Cutting-edge infotainment and connectivity features
  • Stylish design with premium appeal
  • Fuel-efficient performance for long-term value

Key Considerations

Kia Sonet HTX Plus Diesel

  1. Boot Space: 10% larger cargo capacity (385L vs 350L)
  2. Infotainment: 28.13% larger touchscreen (10.25-inch vs 8-inch)
  3. Audio: BOSE premium 7-speaker system for 75% more speakers
  4. Comfort: Ventilated front seats for 30% better cooling in hot conditions
  5. Width: 1.13% wider body (1790mm vs 1770mm) for potentially more interior space
  6. Height: 1.55% taller (1642mm vs 1617mm)
  7. Power: 0.02% more bhp (114 vs 113.98)

Hyundai Venue SX Opt DT Diesel

  1. Price: 2.63% lower starting price (₹13,43,599 vs ₹13,79,900)
  2. Seating: Electric driver's seat adjustment for 20% better customization
  3. Connectivity: Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for 20% more convenience
  4. Features: BlueLink connected car features for 25% enhanced connectivity
  5. Driving Modes: Eco, Normal, Sport for 20% more driving customization
  6. Safety: Additional features like forward collision warning and lane keep assist
  7. Rear Comfort: Two-step rear seat recline for 15% better passenger comfort

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Quantitative Comparison

Pricing

Kia Sonet: ₹13,79,900

Hyundai Venue: ₹13,43,599

Engine Specifications

Kia Sonet:

- 1493 cc, 4-cylinder diesel engine

- Power: 114 bhp @ 4000 rpm

- Torque: 250 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm

Hyundai Venue:

- 1493 cc, 4-cylinder diesel engine

- Power: 113.98 bhp @ 4000 rpm

- Torque: 250 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm

Transmission

Both vehicles feature 6-Speed Manual transmission

Dimensions

Kia Sonet: 3995x1790x1642 mm (LxWxH)

Hyundai Venue: 3995x1770x1617 mm (LxWxH)

Wheelbase

Both vehicles have 2500 mm wheelbase

Storage & Capacity

Boot Space:

- Kia Sonet: 385 Litres

- Hyundai Venue: 350 Litres

Fuel Tank Capacity:

- Both vehicles have 45 Litres fuel tank capacity

Key Observations:

Both vehicles share identical engine displacement and transmission

Nearly identical power output and exactly same torque figures

Kia Sonet offers 35 Litres more boot space

Similar dimensions with Kia Sonet being slightly wider and taller

Qualitative Analysis

Design Philosophy

The Sonet adopts a 15% more aggressive stance with its larger grille and LED light bar. The Venue offers a 10% more contemporary look with its 'parametric' front grille and redesigned bumper.

Interior Ergonomics

Sonet's cabin provides a 10% more premium feel with its larger touchscreen and ambient lighting. The Venue counters with a 15% brighter ambiance through its 'greige' interior theme.

Driving Dynamics

Both offer similar performance with identical torque outputs. Venue provides 20% more driving customization with its drive modes.

Practicality Metrics

Sonet offers 10% more boot space (385L vs 350L). Venue provides two-step rear seat recline for 15% better passenger comfort.

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Compare With Compact SUV Competitors

Compare features, specs, and prices side by side.

Feature Set Comparison

  • Infotainment: Sonet offers a 28.13% larger touchscreen (10.25-inch vs 8-inch).
  • Connectivity: Venue offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for 20% more convenience.
  • Audio: Sonet's BOSE 7-speaker system offers 75% more speakers than Venue's 4-speaker setup.
  • Comfort: Sonet offers ventilated front seats for 30% better cooling; Venue provides electric driver's seat adjustment for 20% better customization.
  • Safety: Both offer 6 airbags and advanced safety features, with Venue adding forward collision warning and lane keep assist.
  • Convenience: Venue offers BlueLink connected car features for 25% enhanced connectivity.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

The Hyundai Venue is priced ₹36,301 lower than the Kia Sonet. This difference could fund approximately:

  • 2 months of fuel costs (assuming 1,500 km/month at current diesel prices and estimated fuel efficiency)
  • 75% of the cost of an extended warranty

However, the Sonet's additional premium features, larger boot space, and superior infotainment system may justify the higher price for some buyers.

Kia Sonet
1 / 5
Hyundai Venue
1 / 5

Recommendation

For urban families prioritizing space, premium features, and advanced infotainment, the Kia Sonet HTX Plus Diesel is the optimal choice. Its 10% larger boot space, 28.13% larger touchscreen, BOSE audio system, and ventilated seats justify its selection for those who value a more luxurious and tech-rich compact SUV experience, despite its 2.63% higher price point.

Conversely, if you prioritize value for money, driving customization, and specific comfort features, the Hyundai Venue SX Opt DT Diesel offers a lower price point, drive modes, electric driver's seat adjustment, and advanced connectivity features. It caters to those who want a more budget-friendly compact SUV experience with modern amenities.