In this post, I shall cover all the details of the new Kia Sonet and Tata Nexon compact SUVs to find out which one suits your needs the best. Kia recently launched the facelift model of the Sonet. It comes with tons of new-age features including ADAS active safety. The Korean carmaker has equipped it with tons of modern tech features to attract new audiences. On the other hand, Tata Nexon also recently received a facelift. It has new aesthetics and interior layout to offer something fresh to the customers. For this post, let us take a look at the details of the comparison between the two.
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Kia Sonet vs Tata Nexon – Specs Comparison
Kia Sonet
The 2024 Kia Sonet facelift offers three trim levels – GT-Line, X-Line, and Tech-Line. The only elements retained from the pre-facelift model are the powertrains for the compact SUVs. These include a 1.2-litre NA petrol, a 1.0-litre turbo petrol, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. These engines produce power and torque outputs of 83 PS / 115 Nm, 120 PS / 172 Nm, and 115 PS / 250 Nm, respectively. The transmission options are diverse, ranging from a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, iMT, and 6AT, to a 7-speed DCT automatic, ensuring a broad selection to cater to individual preferences.
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Tata Nexon
The latest iteration of the Nexon retains the same powertrain choices as its forerunner too. This includes a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel engine, both delivering robust performance with 120 hp and 170 Nm and 115 hp and 260 Nm of power and torque, respectively. Both engines offer the option of a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed AMT for added convenience. Notably, the petrol variant now provides increased flexibility with the introduction of options for a 5-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox, catering to a broader range of customers. For those who prefer manual control, paddle shifters are also available.
| Specs | Kia Sonet | Tata Nexon |
| Engine | 1.2L (P), 1.0L (Turbo P) & 1.5L (D) | 1.2-litre (P), 1.5-litre (D) |
| Power | 83 PS / 120 PS / 115 PS | 120 PS / 115 PS |
| Torque | 115 Nm / 172 Nm / 250 Nm | 170 Nm / 260 Nm |
| Transmission | 5MT, 6MT, iMT, 6AT, 7-DCT | 5MT, 6MT, 6AMT, 7-DCT |
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Kia Sonet vs Tata Nexon – Price Comparison
Now we know that the prices of the new Kia Sonet are not out yet. Hence, we are comparing the price of the Nexon with the existing Sonet. This is just to give an idea to our readers about what to expect. You could calculate a slight premium over these prices. Once the official prices are announced, we will update this section.
| Price | Nexon (P) | Sonet (P) | Nexon (D) | Sonet (D) |
| Base Model | Rs 8.10 lakh | Rs 7.79 lakh | Rs 11 lakh | Rs 9.95 lakh |
| Top Model | Rs 14.70 lakh | Rs 13.89 lakh | Rs 15.50 lakh | Rs 14.89 lakh |
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Design Comparison
Kia Sonet
The new model undergoes some notable aesthetic adjustments. At the front, you’ll notice 7-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs) encircling the sleek Crown Jewel LED headlamp cluster. Horizontal LED fog lamps (vertical in the GT-Line trim), a redesigned grille with Tiger Nose elements reminiscent of the Seltos facelift, and a dynamic bumper contribute to the frontal alterations. The chrome elements on the grille vary in pattern based on the variant. Additionally, the availability of multiple alloy wheel options enhances the SUV’s sporty and contemporary appearance. Moving to the rear, the compact SUV showcases a connected LED taillamp unit and a robust skid plate, emphasizing its sporty appeal.
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Tata Nexon
By blending the contemporary styling theme of the CURVV concept with the design introduced at Auto Expo 2014, Tata has effectively elevated the Nexon’s premium appeal. These newly incorporated details enhance the vehicle’s visual allure. The front end showcases a completely revamped lighting setup, featuring hood-level DRLs and lower-positioned main beams. The bumper appears more assertive with pronounced contours. Although the side profile remains mostly unchanged, new alloy wheels have been introduced. Moving to the rear, there is a departure from the previous Y-shaped LED tail lamps, now replaced with sleeker LED units connected by a light bar – a design detail that aligns with current trends.
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Interior and Features Comparison
Kia Sonet
Kia always offers the best features and amenities in the segment. For the facelift model, some of the key highlights include a black colour theme for the cabin with brown inserts. Apart from that, the attractive features include :
- Segment-best Ambient Lighting
- Connected 10.25-inch HD Touchscreen Infotainment System with Navigation
- 10.25-inch Driver’s Instrument Cluster
- Remote Window Auto Up/Down Function
- Rear Doors Sunshade Curtains
- Air Purifier with Virus and Bacteria Protection
- Kia Connect with 70+ Features
- X-Line with Matte Black Colour
- Diesel Engine with iMT (Intelligent Manual Clutchless Transmission) and 2 Different Alloy Wheel Designs
- Find My Car with Surround View Monitor
- ADAS Features
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Tata Nexon
This time around, even Tata Motors is offering the latest gadgets and gizmos with the new Nexon facelift. The top features are:
- Free-standing 10.25-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Display
- 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
- Touch-operated HVAC Controls
- Flat-Bottom Steering Wheel
- Rotary Dials for Drive Mode Selection
- Ventilated Seats
- Wireless Charging
- Two-spoke Steering Wheel with Illuminated Tata Logo
- Electric Sunroof
- LED Cabin Light
- Premium Audio System
- iRA 2.0 Connected Car Tech
- 360-Degree Camera
- 6 Airbags
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Author’s Note
In inference, I would like to highlight a few points for each car which could help you make an informed decision. Firstly, the Kia Sonet is a compact SUV which leans toward offering its owners a premium feel inside the cabin and flexibility in terms of powertrain options. In this facelift avatar, it certainly amps up that aspect. It won’t be wrong to conclude that the Sonet might just be the most feature-rich product in the segment.
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On the other hand, the Nexon continues to offer high safety standards. Note that while the current model is not crash-tested yet, it is based on the same platform as the pre-facelift model which boasts a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating. Apart from that, Tata has worked a lot on the aesthetics of the vehicle from the outside. The cabin is also new-age. Therefore, a lot will depend on the pricing of the Sonet. In any case, you can’t go wrong with either of the two.
