Premium SUVs: Brezza AT vs Sonet DCT Comparison 2024

Top Reasons for Consideration

Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXi Plus AT:

1. Spacious interior with ample rear-seat room

2. Excellent fuel efficiency: 19.8 kmpl (ARAI certified)

3. 6 airbags and advanced safety features

4. 9-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity

5. Maruti's widespread service network

6. Smooth 6-speed automatic transmission

7. 328-liter boot with 60:40 split rear seats

8. Refreshed exterior design

9. Comfort-oriented suspension

Kia Sonet GTX Plus Turbo DCT:

1. Powerful 1.0L turbo petrol engine (118 bhp, 172 Nm)

2. Advanced 7-speed DCT

3. Premium features like ventilated seats and 10.25-inch touchscreen

4. Distinctive exterior styling

5. 6 airbags and electronic stability control

6. Larger 385-liter boot space

7. Advanced tech: wireless charging, air purifier, UVO connected car tech

8. Multiple drive modes (Normal, Eco, Sport)

9. Compact dimensions for easy city maneuverability

10. Modern brand image

Quantitative Comparison: By the Numbers

1. Engine Performance:

- Brezza: 1462cc, 101.64 bhp, 136.8 Nm

- Sonet: 998cc, 118 bhp, 172 Nm

2. Transmission:

- Brezza: 6-speed automatic

- Sonet: 7-speed DCT

3. Dimensions (L x W x H):

- Brezza: 3995 x 1790 x 1685 mm

- Sonet: 3995 x 1790 x 1642 mm

4. Boot Space:

- Brezza: 328 liters

- Sonet: 385 liters

5. Fuel Efficiency:

- Brezza: 19.8 kmpl (ARAI)

- Sonet: Not specified (typically around 18-19 kmpl)

6. Safety:

Both offer 6 airbags, ABS, EBD

7. Infotainment:

- Brezza: 9-inch touchscreen

- Sonet: 10.25-inch touchscreen

8. Price:

- Brezza ZXi Plus AT: ₹13,98,000

- Sonet GTX Plus Turbo DCT: ₹14,54,900

Qualitative Comparison

Exterior Design:

The Brezza sports a refreshed look with a flatter bonnet and slender headlamps while the Sonet boasts a larger grille and L-shaped head-turning headlamps.

Interior and Comfort:

The Brezza has a spacious cabin with particularly roomy rear seats. The Sonet's interior, while stylish and well-appointed, could feel a bit cramped.

Driving Experience:

Driving the Brezza is smooth, comfortable, and relaxed. The Sonet, with its turbo engine, provides a peppy response. The DCT can be a bit jerky in traffic but it shines on open roads.

Practicality:

Both SUVs offer split-folding rear seats, perfect for when you impulse-buy that oversized teddy bear at the mall. The Sonet's larger boot might save you from playing automotive Tetris with the grocery bags, while its ventilated seats are a godsend during sweltering summer commutes.

Feature Showdown

1. Infotainment:

- Brezza: 9-inch touchscreen

- Sonet: 10.25-inch touchscreen with BOSE premium sound

Both offer smartphone connectivity

2. Climate Control:

Both feature automatic climate control

3. Seating:

- Brezza: Fabric upholstery

- Sonet: Leatherette upholstery with ventilated front seats

4. Sunroof:

Both offer a single-pane sunroof

5. Digital Instrument Cluster:

- Brezza: Semi-digital cluster

- Sonet: 10.25-inch full-digital cluster

6. Wireless Charging:

Available in Sonet, not in Brezza

7. Connected Car Tech:

Both offer connected car features with their respective platforms

8. Drive Modes:

- Sonet: Normal, Eco, Sport

- Brezza: Not available

9. Safety:

Both offer 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, hill assist, and tire pressure monitoring

Recommendation

For urban families in this premium price range, the Kia Sonet GTX Plus Turbo DCT edges out as our top pick. Here's why:

1. More powerful and engaging driving experience

2. Premium features like ventilated seats and larger touchscreen

3. Larger boot space (385L vs 328L)

4. Modern design and tech-forward approach

5. Multiple drive modes for varied driving conditions

While the Maruti Suzuki Brezza ZXi Plus AT offers advantages like better fuel efficiency and a more spacious rear seat, the Sonet's overall package aligns more closely with the desires of premium compact SUV buyers. The Sonet simply offers more bells and whistles for those willing to pay a slight premium.