The subcompact SUV section is pink scorching. All the time fashionable, now it has extra gamers than ever. There are seven vehicles already, with at the least two extra coming throughout the subsequent 6 months. The Kia Sonet is likely one of the very newest to affix the social gathering. And this wild subcompact SUV got here ready for fight. So I made a decision it was clearly time to see it sq. off towards the key rivals it has to deal with. The vehicles are all formidable rivals as a result of they’ve all been profitable fashionable and are competent opponents. The section’s bestseller up to now – Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, the present market chief – Hyundai Venue, India’s ‘most secure automotive’ – the Mahindra XUV 300 and the pioneer on this section – the Ford EcoSport.
Additionally Learn: Toyota Urban Cruiser vs Rivals: Price Comparison
(The Toyota City Cruiser was not prepared in time, whereas we could not get the Tata Nexon, strive as exhausting as we’d)
I might have additionally wished the Tata Nexon and newly launched Toyota Urban Cruiser too. Tata didn’t give us a Nexon regardless of our repeated makes an attempt, and nor did Toyota have the brand new City Cruiser prepared for us in time. However I’m not complaining because the vehicles we do have are those that the Kia Sonet should truly fend off. It was February 2019 when the Mahindra XUV300 arrived and our subcompact shootout then noticed it win. In Could 2019 when the Hyundai Venue drove in, we had one other. And the Venue managed to take the competition then. Rather a lot has occurred since then! The Ford EcoSport whereas the oldest of the lot, stays extraordinarily aggressive and related. The Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza ditched diesel and now has simply the Ok-Sequence petrol engine – however not like the previous now will get an auto, not an AMT. The Tata Nexon is refreshed, was India’s first 5-star automotive, after which XUV 300 overtook its crash take a look at rating. After which there are the Korean duo that share a platform and powertrains. The Toyota City Cruiser is basically a Vitara Brezza in mechanical and efficiency phrases. Just like the Brezza, it does provide a gentle hybrid on the automated.
Additionally Learn: Kia Sonet: Most Value For Money Variant
Styling and Design
(It was the Ford EcoSport, which began the pattern of subcompact SUVs in India. The Brezza appears larger and bolder with the facelift however the XUV300 appears a contact overdone, with the massive grille up entrance)
On appears all vehicles are fairly engaging. The EcoSport has grow to be edgier with the S and Thunder variants and its 2018 facelift. It’s the just one with a wheel mounted on the tailgate, and has a aspect opening boot door – which is not terribly handy. The Vitara Brezza appears larger now with its reworked face, and retains the commonest SUV proportion of the lot (the City Cruiser manages a wiser entrance grille for what it is price). The Mahindra XUV 300 is over styled in its face, and appears truncated on the rear. However the lighting remedy is sweet back and front.
Additionally Learn: Kia Sonet: All You Need To Know
(Sibling rivalry – The Hyundai Venue and the Kia Sonet are the 2 smartest trying vehicles on this section. Undoubtedly, the Sonet is the one with famous person appears right here!)
The Venue carries Hyundai’s new trendy design language and even will get a sport variant with a black grille. The Sonet is the one with drop useless attractive appears, very good stance and muscular proportion. It definitely appears essentially the most trendy, and has two trim strains. With us right this moment is the GT line.
Kia Sonet vs Rivals: Petrol Specs
| Specs | Kia Sonet 1.zero Turbo GDi/1.2 Petrol | Hyundai Venue 1.zero Kappa Turbo Gdi/1.2 Kappa Petrol | Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza 1.5 Petrol | Mahindra XUV300 1.2 Turbo Petrol | Ford EcoSport 1.5 Petrol |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 998 cc/1,197 cc | 998 cc/1,197 cc | 1,462 cc | 1,197 cc | 1,497 cc |
| Max Output | 118 bhp @ 6,000 rpm/82 bhp @ 6,000 rpm | 118 bhp @ 6,000 rpm/82 bhp @ 6,000 rpm | 103 bhp @ 6,000 rpm | 108 bhp @ 5000 rpm | 120 bhp @ 6500 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 172 Nm @ 1,500-Four,000 rpm/115 Nm @ Four,500 rpm | 172 Nm @ 1,500-Four,000 rpm/115 Nm @ Four,500 rpm | 138 Nm @ Four,400 rpm | 200 Nm at 2000 – 3500 rpm | 149 Nm @ 4500 rpm |
| Transmission | 7-speed DCT/ 6-speed IMT/5-speed MT | 7-speed DCT/ 6-speed IMT/6-speed MT/5-speed MT | 6-speed MT/Four-speed AT | 6-Velocity MT | 5-Velocity MT / 6-Velocity AT |
| Claimed Mileage | 18.Three kmpl/18.2 kmpl/18.Four kmpl | 18 kmpl/NA/18.1 kmpl/17.Three kmpl | 17.03 kmpl/18.76 kmpl | NA | 15.9 kmpl / 14.7 kmpl |
(For our subcompact SUV comparability, we had the GT-line trim of the Kia Sonet)
Kia Sonet vs Rivals: Diesel Specs
| Specs | Kia Sonet 1.5 CRDi VGT/WGT | Hyundai Venue 1.5 CRDi | Mahindra XUV300 1.5 Diesel | Ford EcoSport 1.5 Diesel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,493 cc | 1,493 cc | 1,497 cc | 1,498 cc |
| Max Output | 113 bhp/99 bhp @ Four,000 rpm | 99 bhp @ Four,000 rpm | 115 bhp @ 3750 rpm | 99 bhp @ 3750 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 250 Nm/240 Nm @ 1,500-2,750 rpm | 240 Nm @ 1,500-2,750 rpm | 300 Nm @ 1500 – 2500 rpm | 215 Nm @ 1750 – 2500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed AT/6-speed MT | 6-speed MT | 6-Velocity MT / AMT | 5-Velocity MT |
| Claimed Mileage | 19 kmpl/24.1 kmpl | 23.Four kmpl | NA | 21.7 kmpl |
Efficiency
(The Ford EcoSport continues to supply good journey and handing however possibly misses out on a turbo engine, which it had for the primary few years)
Many of the vehicles do get each gas nonetheless – together with the lacking Nexon. However Maruti, Toyota (and upcoming Renault and Nissan fashions) have gone petrol-only in India. Anyhow, I’ll start with the previous champ – the Ford EcoSport. It has ditched some engine choices too after all and now has simply the 1.5 litre Three-cyl petrol and Four-cyl diesel. Now it is actually superb that regardless of being the oldest automotive on this section the EcoSport feels pretty modern. It feels actually enjoyable to drive and the irony right here is that it was the automotive that began of the thrill round having a strong, spunky turbocharged petrol choice. Properly, the ecoboost engine is gone simply when everybody else appears to be providing a turbo. Now the journey high quality and dealing with on the EcoSport have been all the time its two massive strengths. Fortunately these strengths are intact. The EcoSport nonetheless stays a compelling purchase then.
(The Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza will get simply the 1.5 petrol and whereas the engine itself feels refined and ample, the Four-speed AT robs the automotive of the driving pleasure)
Now on to the mighty Vitara Brezza that now will get the 1.5 litre Ok15 B motor. The guide is a 5-Velocity whereas the auto is a Four-Velocity. The earlier diesel Vitara Brezza all the time felt a little bit bit punchier, however I’ve to say the petrol nonetheless works since you’ve received a very refined engine. However all of that simply will get fully killed by this Four-Velocity computerized. A gearbox like that these days, simply feels antiquated. There’s hardly any response from it, it definitely does not provide you with a sporty sensation and it form of dulls out the automotive. So on the entire, whereas it is a very nice automotive to drive, it is good within the metropolis for positive – however simply does not provide you with any feels. However the AT does declare a mileage of 18.76 kmpl, whereas on the guide it’s 17.03. Maruti says that’s on account of the gentle hybrid that simply the automated will get.
(The engine on the XUV300 feels punchy, however that AMT gearbox we had on our take a look at automotive, simply doesn’t work!)
The XUV 300 has the tag of India’s most secure automotive. That is fairly particular. It is also been a earlier winner right here, keep in mind. In our final comparability the rationale why the XUV 300 had emerged on prime is due to its sporty efficiency. The automotive handles rather well, it is very nice by way of it is steering, the journey high quality shouldn’t be too dangerous both and so it simply form of comes collectively as a pleasant driver’s automotive on this area – particularly for the reason that diesel and petrol are punchy. It additionally appears like you’re driving a much bigger automotive, as a result of it’s a larger automotive. It’s primarily based on the SsangYong Tivoli, that could be a section greater car. So it’s larger on the within, and the lighter palette definitely helps make it seem even bigger. However with all of the optimistic efficiency and dynamics – the massive unfavorable is the AMT – and that is additionally simply on the diesel. I get on the time when Mahindra made this resolution the AMT route appeared like a wise factor to do. However now you’ve got such trendy gearboxes on this section, that it feels odd and is simply plain boring. The XUV 300 is screaming for a pleasant torque converter on the diesel aspect and dare I say a twin clutch on the petrol aspect?
(The Hyundai Venue affords essentially the most ‘car-like’ drive amongst all SUVs right here. What it does miss is that attribute SUV really feel)
Which is what you discover within the Hyundai Venue. However solely on the 1.zero turbo petrol, which will get a twin clutch field. The 1.2 petrol and 1.5 diesel get no auto. Of all of the vehicles I’ve been driving right this moment the Venue feels essentially the most car-like. Not having a typical SUV really feel is its massive unfavorable – as a result of although the dynamics are higher, folks shopping for an SUV need that really feel. However total, the Venue has journey and dealing with strengths, and it’s genuinely sporty. Throw within the new non-compulsory IMT or clutch-less guide and issues look good for this mannequin, even on the guide aspect. It’s sporty and enjoyable, and then you definitely simply add in that 1-litre turbo GDI engine; marry it to the 7-Velocity DCT – and you understand it is a fully totally different world. On the greater finish, the DCT additionally offers you paddle shifts – so what’s to not like?
(The Kia Sonet will get the utmost engine and gearbox combos but it surely loses out on journey high quality and dealing with as properly)
So the Venue appeared to cowl all of it; that’s till the Sonet got here alongside. This automotive has the utmost drivetrain choices. On paper this automotive is an absolute a winner, it is received all the things you possibly can consider, its trendy, its modern and it is received essentially the most engine and gearbox choices on this section. These gearboxes are additionally trendy, new know-how choices – which makes it even higher. On the entire, the Sonet comes throughout as extraordinarily enjoyable however has a chink in its armour. Because the automotive has this exaggerated peak to offer it the SUV really feel (folks will love that), its journey high quality suffers. And its dealing with much more so. It isn’t almost as sporty because the Venue and undoubtedly not as sporty because the XUV 300. So the Sonet has a weak spot, however one that almost all consumers would not fuss about an excessive amount of. From the top person perspective it does very properly. It additionally offers you a diesel computerized with a torque converter gearbox that is credible and enjoyable to drive.
Cabin Area and Options
(The Mahindra XUV300 will get essentially the most snug rear seats. Ample knee-room and headroom make for relaxed seating, however the XUV300 doesn’t get AC vents for rear passengers, a evident miss!)
Now allow us to duck inside. The vehicles are all related sized, and provide moderately related cabin area. However one stands out. Amongst all these vehicles, essentially the most snug second row is within the XUV 300. It could shock many – but it surely goes again to it basically being a bigger platform automotive. You additionally get higher thigh help right here, higher leg and knew room, and the headroom can be fairly convincing. The one downside for me right here is the lacking rear AC vents – many of the vehicles on this section now get this. However the subcompact footprint is sufficiently small that even the entrance vents will cool all the cabin moderately successfully. The XUV 300 additionally has a three-point seat belt for the rear center passenger – all others get solely a lap belt. However consumers on this section seldom sit on the rear, and so what of the options?
(The Kia Sonet will get a clear dashboard and an inside which is loaded with options)
Properly, if it’s the sheer numbers of options, then it is vitally troublesome to beat the Sonet! It will get a protracted record of options and being the latest, will get up to date with all the trendy know-how and devices. A number of options are literally section first, just like the10.25-inch touchscreen, the Bose encompass system, wi-fi telephone charger (the Venue has it too – however the Sonet offers you a cooling perform too), air air purifier with virus safety, seat air flow, steering mounted controls, a sunroof, and tyre stress monitoring.
(The Kia Sonet will get an industry-first air air purifier with virus safety, together with ventilated seats, Bose audio system and a Four.2-inch instrument cluster)
Most of those options are solely within the prime variants after all. It’s a very related story on the Venue however the Vitara Brezza appears spartan by comparability – and even the EcoSport outshines it. The Venue does get a 60:40 break up rear seat bench and a cooled glove field on the prime finish, moreover these paddle shifters on the DCT prime spec.
Tech and Connectivity
(The EcoSport’s cabin feels roomy and it outshines the Brezza by way of options. The 9-inch touchscreen on the Ford doesn’t get Apple CarPlay or Android Auto)
Ford offers you an awesome touchscreen, respectable consolation thought the rear is a tad cramped, a sunroof, and the colorful cabin accents on the S variant. An enormous spotlight right here is the steering wheel – the EcoSport is the one automotive right here right this moment that will get a tilt and telescopic adjustment. That is nice! Sure the EcoSport comes from the model that started the touchscreen and telephone connectivity revolution in some ways. The automotive’s Sync system is just obtainable on the very prime specs although. All that works via an eight” display screen and it offers you Apple CarPlay and many others. The mid trims get a 9″ display screen but it surely doesn’t get these smartphone hook ups, simply Bluetooth connectivity. That is a bit odd. Most vehicles now do provide Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the excessive finish.
(The Mahindra XUV300 does get a good variety of options, however the touchscreen interface is a tad tacky)
The Mahindra XUV 300 is surprisingly properly loaded, and whereas the interface is a tad tacky, all of it works. There’s a twin zone local weather management moreover the 7″ touchscreen and smartphone connectivity choices, tyre stress monitoring and reverse digicam. However once more the Kia Sonet simply beats the others by a mile on tech. The aforementioned giant HD display screen although is just on the very prime variants. The mid variants get an eight” display screen just like the Venue’s. Nonetheless, Kia additionally affords UVO related automotive performance on the excessive finish too. And piece de resistance is the important thing! It means that you can maintain down a button and begin the automotive remotely from a distance of as much as 30 metres. That method the AC can start cooling the cabin earlier than you step. In. After all if you’re additional away you are able to do that over the UVO app too. Now we have a devoted video on simply the Sonet’s tech, that you may watch here.
(The Hyundai Venue does get many of the options that the Sonet will get. The cabin feels well-finished too)
On tech, connectivity and embedded sim primarily based web telematics & distant performance, the Venue and Sonet are very related. Hyundai’s blueLink works just about like UVO join, in any case. The Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza received its facelift simply earlier this 12 months. Nonetheless so far as know-how goes, it comes up brief in the event you evaluate the know-how options to the others. There’s a 7-inch touchscreen and Maruti’s infotainment system known as Smartplay Studio. It will get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and when you pair your telephone to the system it’ll present you reside visitors replace as properly.
Security
(All rivals of the Kia Sonet on this section get at the least two airbags with ABS, EBD. The truth is the Mahindra XUV300 scored 5 stars in World NCAP crash take a look at score whereas the Vitara Brezza scored Four stars. The India-made Hyundai Venue or the Kia Sonet have not been subjected to the crash checks but)
On security all vehicles do pretty properly. They every have twin airbags, seat belt reminders and ABS as normal. The EcoSport, Sonet, and Venue every get 6 airbags on the prime finish, whereas the XUV impresses with 7 airbags – to match its most secure automotive tag. The Vitara Brezza will get simply the two. I have to point out that whereas we’ve got good crash outcomes for the XUV 300, Vitara Brezza, EcoSport (and even the Nexon after all), there are not any checks carried out on the Indian made Venue or Sonet as but.
(The beginning value of the Kia Sonet undercuts all of the rivals, however because the variants go up, the Sonet feels a little bit dear)
Now a look on the all vital costs. The section sees a ₹ 6.70 lakh to ₹ 13 lakh value band. The EcoSport maintains its worth tag, however we can’t name its costs aggressive. And the variety of variants have drastically decreased through the years. The Vitara Brezza appears properly priced which explains why it stays a giant vendor for Maruti Suzuki. India’s most secure positive, roomiest too, however that’s the reason the XUV300 can be not the most affordable by far. Its lack of auto choices reveals up right here as properly. The Hyundai Venue appears to stroll the tightrope on worth and providing by giving a reasonably huge value unfold but topping off properly under the Sonet – which begins the bottom however actually defies gravity thereafter, with huge pricing gaps in between variants. That mentioned the mid and up variants are properly loaded. And whereas it’s good to have a diesel auto – the highest spec automatics on each gas sorts (loaded as they might be) are very dear certainly.
Verdict
(It could come as a shock however the Hyundai Venue got here out on prime and is the very best decide within the subcompact SUV section in India)
zero Feedback
So although the bottom variant of Sonet begins the bottom, it does find yourself turning into a really dear proposition as you begin to go up the variant record. You possibly can argue that it offers you extra bang in your buck for the reason that options variant for variant are extra beneficiant too. However the purchaser on this section is value delicate. And that’s the solely actual purpose why the Sonet slips to second place. Selecting it’s nonetheless a clever guess although, particularly if beauty, a great deal of options and the novelty issue are vital to you. So the automotive with steadiness of tech, consolation, options, security gear, and importantly for me – drivability, continues to be the Hyundai Venue, and it retains the crown on this section.
For the newest auto news and reviews, observe carandbike.com on Twitter, Facebook, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Source by [author_name]
