Kia Sonet vs Tata Nexon: Affordable Premium Compact SUV Showdown (₹13.34-14.54 lakh)

Written By: Vikas Kaul

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Updated: Invalid Date

The Kia Sonet GTX Plus Turbo DCT and Tata Nexon Creative Plus Dark DCA compete in the affordable premium compact SUV segment, targeting budget-conscious buyers seeking upscale features, with prices between ₹13.34 and ₹14.54 lakh.

Your Ideal Affordable Premium Compact SUV Should Offer:

Efficient turbocharged engine (target: 110+ bhp, 160+ Nm torque)

Smooth automatic transmission for urban driving

Advanced safety features (target: 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, ESC)

Modern interior with premium touches

Adequate cargo space (target: 350+ liters boot space)

Up-to-date infotainment and connectivity features

Stylish design with premium appeal

Value-oriented pricing without compromising on key features

Key Considerations

Kia Sonet GTX Plus Turbo DCT

Engine: Slightly higher torque (172 Nm vs 170 Nm)

Transmission: Sophisticated 7-speed DCT for smooth performance

Features: Ventilated front seats and BOSE premium sound system

Design: Sporty GT Line styling with LED lighting

Safety: Comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems

Price: 8.98% higher starting price (₹14,54,900 vs ₹13,34,990)

Tata Nexon Creative Plus Dark DCA

Price: Significant ₹1,19,910 (8.24%) lower starting price

Safety: 5-star Global NCAP rating

Ground Clearance: Class-leading 208 mm for urban obstacles

Space: More generous interior, especially rear seating

Efficiency: 17.01 km/l ARAI-certified mileage

Design: Dark Edition elements for aggressive styling

Transmission: New 7-speed DCA for improved responsiveness

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Quantitative Comparison

Pricing & Basic Details

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

Tata Nexon Creative Plus Dark DCA: ₹13,34,990

Engine & Performance

Kia Sonet

Engine: 1.0L Turbo

Power: 118 bhp

Torque: 172 Nm

Fuel Efficiency: Not specified

Tata Nexon

Engine: 1.2L Turbo

Power: 118.27 bhp

Torque: 170 Nm

Fuel Efficiency: 17.01 km/l (ARAI)

Dimensions & Storage

Kia Sonet

Length x Width x Height: 3995 x 1790 x 1642 mm

Ground Clearance: Not specified

Boot Space: Not specified

Tata Nexon

Length x Width x Height: 3995 x 1804 x 1620 mm

Ground Clearance: 208 mm

Boot Space: Not specified

Features & Technology

Kia Sonet

Transmission: 7-speed DCT

Touchscreen: 10.25-inch

Tata Nexon

* Transmission: 7-speed DCA

* Touchscreen: 10.24-inch

Key Differences

Price difference of about ₹1.2 lakhs

Different engine displacements (1.0L vs 1.2L)

Minor variations in dimensions

Nexon provides ground clearance and fuel efficiency information while Sonet doesn't specify

Marginal difference in touchscreen size

Key Similarities

Same transmission type (7-speed dual-clutch)

Nearly identical power output

Similar torque figures

Same overall length (3995 mm)

Qualitative Analysis

Design Philosophy

Sonet: Bold and sporty with GT Line elements and connected LED taillamps

Nexon: Striking facelift with Dark Edition styling and coupe-like roofline

Interior Ergonomics

Sonet: Premium feel with driver-centric layout, potentially cramped rear seats

Nexon: Upgraded with layered dashboard, more spacious rear seating

Driving Dynamics

Sonet: Peppy performance, smooth DCT shifts, balanced but firm ride

Nexon: Strong mid-range performance, new responsive DCA, plush ride quality

Practicality Metrics

Sonet: Compact dimensions, advanced driver assistance features

Nexon: Higher ground clearance, more spacious interior, fuel-efficient

Compare With Compact SUV Competitors

Compare features, specs, and prices side by side.

Feature Set Comparison

Infotainment: Both offer 10.25-inch touchscreens with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay

Audio: Sonet features BOSE system; Nexon offers 4-speaker setup with 2 tweeters

Comfort: Sonet has ventilated front seats; Nexon offers auto-dimming IRVM

Safety: Both have 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, ESC; Nexon boasts 5-star Global NCAP rating

Driver Assistance: Sonet offers advanced ADAS features; Nexon provides basic assists

Connectivity: Both offer connected car features with remote functions and tracking

Cost-Benefit Analysis

The Tata Nexon is priced ₹1,19,910 lower than the Kia Sonet. This significant difference could fund:

Approximately 1 year of fuel costs (assuming 1,000 km/month at current petrol prices)

Full coverage of the first year's insurance premium and several services

The Nexon's lower price, coupled with its spacious interior and high safety rating, offers substantial value. However, the Sonet's premium features and advanced driver assists may justify the higher price for some buyers.

Kia Sonet Gallery

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Tata Nexon Gallery

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Recommendation

For affordable SUV buyers prioritizing value, space, and safety, the Tata Nexon Creative Plus Dark DCA is the recommended choice. Its significantly lower price point, spacious interior, and 5-star safety rating offer an excellent entry into the premium compact SUV segment without breaking the bank.

Conversely, if you're willing to stretch your budget for additional premium features and advanced driver assistance systems, the Kia Sonet GTX Plus Turbo DCT offers a more upscale experience with its refined powertrain and comprehensive feature set.