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First launched in 2020, the Kia Sonet has been one of the most successful models in the highly competitive compact SUV segment. The company had introduced the significantly revised & more feature-loaded Sonet facelift in January 2024. The SUV comes with stylish design, feature-rich interior, efficient powertrains and competitive pricing. These key aspects play an important role in its huge success.
In the sub-4 meter compact SUV category, Kia Sonet challenges the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Brezza and the Tata Nexon. These models come with their unique selling points including the brand reputation, performance and affordability. In this article, we bring you a quick specifications based comparison between the Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon and the Maruti Brezza.
The Kia Sonet comes as a value for money product, considering its stylish design, feature-loaded cabin and modern technology coupled with an aggressive price tag. The Kia Sonet petrol version is priced in the range of Rs 7.99 lakh to Rs 14.75 lakh, while the diesel range starts at Rs 9.80 lakh and goes up to Rs 15.75 lakh (ex-showroom).
Its direct rival, the Tata Nexon petrol is available in the price bracket of Rs 8 lakh to Rs 15 lakh. The diesel version is priced at Rs 10 lakh for the base variant and Rs 15.80 lakh for the top-spec model (ex-showroom).
On the flip side, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza is available with both petrol and CNG fuel options. While the petrol version is priced between Rs 8.34 lakh and Rs 14.14 lakh, the CNG version is available in the price bracket of Rs 9.29 lakh and Rs 12.26 lakh (ex-showroom).
The Kia Sonet is well known for its feature-rich interior, which is very evident from the long list of advanced tech features on offer. It comes fitted with a 10.25-inch HD touchscreen infotainment unit with navigation, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 10.25-inch digital instrument console, a 4-way electrically adjustable driver's seat, Bose premium 7-speakers system, front ventilated seats, LED Ambient Sound Mood Lights and power windows.
For safety and security, the new Sonet gets 6 airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), hill assist control, vehicle stability management, blind view monitor, front & rear parking sensors, ESS, all-wheel disc brake and a 360-degree surround view camera. It also comes with Level 1 ADAS tech with features like front collision warning & avoidance assist, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, lane following assist, leading vehicle departure alert, driver attention warning and high beam assist.
Read Also: Top Features of Kia Sonet
On the other hand, the new Tata Nexon impressed with its build quality and safety standards, having achieved a 5-star safety rating in Global NCAP crash tests. It comes equipped with a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless connectivity, a 10.25-inch digital instrument console, a wireless phone charger, an air purifier, ventilated front seats, leatherette seats, touch-based panel for HVAC controls, and others.
For safety and security, the new Nexon gets six airbags, ESP, ABS with EBD, hill hold assist, electronic traction control, a 360-degree surround view camera, front & rear parking sensors, a blind spot monitor, a rear-view camera and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
In contrast, the Maruti Brezza gets a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an automatic AC, a semi-digital instrument console, a single-pane sunroof, wireless phone charging, auto AC and a 360 degree camera. For safety, the SUV gets up to 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Auto-dimming IRVM, Electronic Stability Program, Hill Assist, and others.
The Sonet compact SUV is available with three engine options include a 1.2L Petrol with 5MT, a 1.0L turbo petrol with 6iMT & 7DCT and a 1.5L diesel with 6MT, 6iMT and 6AT. The NA petrol engine produces 81bhp and 115Nm, while the turbo unit is good for 118bhp and 172Nm. The diesel engine produces 114bhp and 250Nm of torque.
The new Nexon is available with a 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder, turbo petrol engine that churns out a maximum power output of 118bhp and a peak torque of 170Nm. The diesel version gets a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder unit that dishes out 113bhp and 260Nm of torque. A total of 4 gearbox options are on offer including a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed AMT and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Read Also: Which is the Best KIA Car to Buy in India?
On the flip side, the Brezza is only available with a single 1.5-litre NA petrol engine. This engine produces 104bhp and 136.8Nm of torque. Transmission choices include a 6-speed torque convertor automatic and a 5-speed manual gearbox. In the CNG mode, the powertrain offers 85bhp and 121Nm of torque. The Brezza CNG is only available with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Each aforementioned SUV comes with their own strengths, and buyers should carefully assess their requirements before going to make any decision. We would suggest you to go for a test drive before choosing any of these three compact SUVs, as all three models have their own USPs.