The Kia Sonet and Tata Nexon are two subcompact SUVs that target different client bases, depending on their budget and needs. The Kia Sonet is one of the most popular models in the used car market, boasting advanced features, ample boot space, and a more compact SUV feel.
Meanwhile, the new Tata Nexon commands popularity for its comfort and top-notch tech features. The diesel iMT and gravity edition of the Kia Sonet had to be scrapped as the company finally decided to streamline the range and upgrade with new variants and trims.
This article aims to assist customers in evaluating the pros and cons of purchasing a new Tata Nexon versus a used Kia Sonet, enabling them to make a financially sound decision based on price, features, maintenance costs, and overall value.
Keep reading to compare the new Tata Nexon and the used Kia Sonet on all major aspects!
New Tata Nexon Quick Overview
The new Tata Nexon is packed with features and also carries a 5-star safety rating. It has a flat ride, tall ground clearance, a liquid sky-winged cabin, a huge instrument cluster and a responsive infotainment system.
This comfortable little SUV has been applauded for its ride quality, decent performance, and stability at speed. The 1199 cc turbo engine comes mated to a manual or automatic (AMT or DCT) transmission, depending on the fuel variant. What’s more, the all-new Tata Nexon is a strong contender in the subcompact SUV arena, focusing on performance and safety.
Key Updates of the New Tata Nexon
The Tata Nexon Facelift 2023 is sleek, polished, and futuristic in design, featuring LED DRLs, LED headlamps, a dual-tone roof colour-coordinated to the exterior, and an electric sunroof with voice command. The spacious cabin offers leather interiors for front and rear seats with comfortable thigh support and rear seats.
The floating infotainment system supports Alexa commands. It offers wireless charging, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and connected vehicle services through the iRA connected vehicle app and mobile app.
Here are the significant changes in the 2023 Tata Nexon Facelift:
- A sleeker and more sculpted stance with a new front grille, new LED elements, and larger alloy wheels for a shinier style.
- Two-spoke steering wheel and 360-degree camera for enhanced usability and striking aesthetics.
- Enhanced safety features, including better driver-assist kit offerings like lane-keeping assist and autonomous emergency braking.
- Ventilated front seats, height-adjustable seatbelts, and rear AC vents further enhance the new-age comfort.
- The top variants offer wireless connectivity, hands-free operation, and tech add-ons.
These updates are targeted to improve safety, convenience, and comfort for the new Nexon.
Here are the ex-showroom prices for the new Tata Nexon:
| New Tata Nexon Ex-Showroom Price | ||
| Car Variant | Transmission | Price |
| Nexon Smart 1.2 Petrol 5MT | Manual | ₹8 Lakh |
| Nexon Smart Plus 1.2 Petrol 5MT | Manual | ₹8.90 Lakh |
| Nexon Smart 1.2 iCNG 6MT | Manual | ₹8.90 Lakh |
| Nexon Smart Plus (S) 1.2 Petrol 5MT | Manual | ₹9.20 Lakh |
| Nexon Smart Plus 1.2 Petrol 6AMT | Automatic (AMT) | ₹9.60 Lakh |
| Nexon Pure Plus 1.2 Petrol 6MT | Manual | ₹9.70 Lakh |
| Nexon Pure Plus (S) 1.2 Petrol 6MT | Manual | ₹10.00 Lakh |
| Nexon Smart Plus 1.5 Diesel 6MT | Manual | ₹10.00 Lakh |
| Nexon Smart Plus 1.2 iCNG 6MT | Manual | ₹10.00 Lakh |
| Nexon Smart Plus (S) 1.5 Diesel 6MT | Manual | ₹10.30 Lakh |
| Nexon Smart Plus (S) 1.2 iCNG 6MT | Manual | ₹10.30 Lakh |
| Nexon Smart Plus (S) 1.2 iCNG 6MT | Automatic (AMT) | ₹10.40 Lakh |
| Nexon Pure Plus 1.2 iCNG 6MT | Manual | ₹10.70 Lakh |
| Nexon Pure Plus (S) 1.2 Petrol 6AMT | Automatic (AMT) | ₹10.70 Lakh |
| Nexon Creative 1.2 Petrol 6MT | Manual | ₹10.99 Lakh |
| Nexon Pure Plus 1.5 Diesel 6MT | Manual | ₹11 Lakh |
| Nexon Creative Plus (S) 1.2 Petrol 6MT | Manual | ₹11.30 Lakh |
| Nexon Pure Plus (S) 1.5 Diesel 6MT | Manual | ₹11.30 Lakh |
| Nexon Creative Plus (S) Dark Edition 1.2 Petrol 6MT | Manual | ₹11.70 Lakh |
| Nexon Pure Plus 1.5 Diesel 6AMT | Automatic (AMT) | ₹11.70 Lakh |
| Nexon Creative 1.2 Petrol 6AMT | Automatic (AMT) | ₹11.70 Lakh |
| Nexon Creative 1.2 iCNG 6MT | Manual | ₹12 Lakh |
| Nexon Creative Plus (S) 1.2 6AMT | Automatic (AMT) | ₹12 Lakh |
| Nexon Creative 1.2 Petrol 7DCA | Automatic (DCT) | ₹12.20 Lakh |
| Nexon Creative Plus (PS) 1.2 Petrol 6MT Dual Tone | Manual | ₹12.30 Lakh |
| Nexon Creative Plus (S) 1.2 6AMT Dark Edition | Automatic (AMT) | ₹12.40 Lakh |
| Nexon Creative 1.5 Diesel 6MT | Manual | ₹12.40 Lakh |
| Nexon Creative Plus (S) 1.2 iCNG 6MT Dark Edition | Manual | ₹12.70 Lakh |
| Nexon Creative Plus (S) 1.5 Diesel 6MT | Manual | ₹12.70 Lakh |
| Nexon Creative Plus (S) 1.5 Diesel 6MT Dark Edition | Manual | ₹13.10 Lakh |
| Nexon Creative 1.5 Diesel 6AMT | Automatic (AMT) | ₹13.10 Lakh |
| Nexon Creative Plus (PS) 1.2 iCNG 6MT Dual Tone | Manual | ₹13.30 Lakh |
| Nexon Creative Plus (S) 1.5 Diesel 6AMT | Automatic (AMT) | ₹13.40 Lakh |
| Nexon Fearless Plus (PS) Dark Edition 1.2 Petrol 6MT | Manual | ₹13.50 Lakh |
| Nexon Creative Plus (PS) 1.2 Petrol DCA Dual Tone | Automatic (DCT) | ₹13.50 Lakh |
| Nexon Fearless Plus (PS) 1.5 Diesel 6MT Dark Edition | Manual | ₹13.50 Lakh |
| Nexon Creative Plus (PS) 1.5 Diesel 6MT Dual Tone | Manual | ₹13.70 Lakh |
| Nexon Fearless Plus (PS) 1.2 iCNG 6MT Dark Edition | Manual | ₹13.70 Lakh |
| Nexon Creative Plus (PS) 1.2 iCNG 6MT Dark Edition | Manual | ₹13.70 Lakh |
| Nexon Fearless Plus (PS) 1.5 Diesel 6MT Dual Tone | Manual | ₹13.70 Lakh |
| Nexon Creative Plus (S) 1.5 Diesel 6AMT Dark Edition | Automatic (AMT) | ₹13.80 Lakh |
| Nexon Creative Plus (PS) 1.2 Petrol 7DCA Dark Edition | Automatic (DCT) | ₹13.90 Lakh |
| Nexon Fearless Plus (PS) 1.2 iCNG 6MT Dual Tone | Manual | ₹14.30 Lakh |
| Nexon Creative Plus (PS) 1.5 Diesel 6AMT Dual Tone | Automatic (AMT) | ₹14.40 Lakh |
| Nexon Fearless Plus (PS) 1.2 Petrol DCA Dual Tone | Automatic (DCT) | ₹14.50 Lakh |
| Nexon Fearless Plus (PS) 1.2 Petrol 7DCA Dark Edition | Automatic (DCT) | ₹14.70 Lakh |
| Nexon Creative Plus (PS) 1.5 Diesel 6AMT Dark Edition | Automatic (AMT) | ₹14.80 Lakh |
| Nexon Fearless Plus (PS) 1.5 Diesel 6AMT Dual Tone | Automatic (AMT) | ₹15.40 Lakh |
| Nexon Fearless Plus (PS) 1.5 Diesel 6AMT Dark Edition | Automatic (AMT) | ₹15.60 Lakh |
Used Kia Sonet Quick Overview
The Kia Sonet was introduced in the Indian SUV market back in 2020 and has been a popular choice since then. Due to its stylish look and refined engine options, it still holds a strong presence in the used car market. Being a practical and reliable car for daily commutes, packed with high-end features, the Kia Sonet becomes a lucrative choice for budget-conscious buyers.
The Sonet has a wide variant line-up. However, the top three variants that offer value for money are the HTX/HTX+ variant, the GTX variant, and the X-line facelift variant. The petrol variant is ideal for short city rides and has a fairly low maintenance cost, while the diesel variant is ideal for drivers who enjoy long highway rides.
Here is the price range for the used Kia Sonet, along with its production year and transmission:
| Production Year | Transmission | Price Range |
| 2020-2023 | Petrol MT, Petrol AT, Diesel MT, Diesel AT | ₹6.87 Lakh to ₹12.85 Lakh |
| 2024- Present | Petrol MT, Petrol AT, Diesel MT, Diesel AT | ₹9.55 Lakh to ₹15.39 Lakh |
Used Kia Sonet vs New Tata Nexon: Financing Comparison
When comparing financing for a new Tata Nexon and a used Kia Sonet, the Nexon will require a higher loan amount, but appealing financing options like a lower down payment and lower interest rates. Meanwhile, a used Kia Sonet may require a higher down payment, and the loan amount will have a higher interest rate as well.
With interest rates ranging from 9.5 to 10%, the monthly EMIs for the Nexon fall between ₹23,437 and ₹23,711 over a 5-year tenure, making it easier on the budget. However, the used Kia Sonet will require a higher down payment and slightly higher interest rates, around 12-12.9%.
Here is a comparison of the Tata Nexon Creative Plus (S) 1.2 6AMT Dark Edition, priced at ₹12.40 Lakh and a used Kia Sonet priced at ₹12.85 lakh:
| New Tata Nexon Financing | Used Kia Sonet Financing | |
| Down Payment | ₹1,23,999 | ₹3,00,000 |
| Loan Tenure | 5 Years | 5 Years |
| Loan Amount | ₹11,15,991 | ₹10,26,023 |
| Interest Rate | 10% | 12.9% |
| Interest Amount | ₹3,06,697 | ₹3,35,447 |
| Total Paid | ₹14,22,688 | ₹13,61,470 |
| Difference | ₹1,82,688 (Approx) | ₹76,500 (Approx) |
New Tata Nexon vs Used Kia Sonet: Insurance Comparison
The new Tata Nexon has higher insurance costs, with annual premiums starting around ₹15,000 and going up to ₹24,000 for higher variants. This totals roughly ₹75,000 to ₹1.20 lakhs over a five-year period.
In comparison, the used Kia Sonet may have lower insurance costs, depending on the car’s condition, depreciation, and whether the previous owner made any claims on the car. The premium amount for a used Sonet car can range from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000, depending on the variants and the condition of the car.
Ultimately, the used Kia Sonet car offers cost-effective insurance options, while the new Tata Nexon offers a premium experience with slightly higher insurance costs. For more details on used models and pricing, check the 2023 Kia Sonet on Spinny.
New Tata Nexon vs Used Kia Sonet: Which to Choose?
The new Tata Nexon boasts a good value proposition, as it has a perfect balance of features, performance, and safety. Designed to handle the rugged terrains, it is suitable for both city commuting and long highway rides.
The used Kia Sonet, on the other hand, is known for its fuel economy and a wide range of modern features. It’s a good purchase for daily city commuting and will provide you with access to higher trims at a lower cost.
Ultimately, the choice will depend on your driving needs and priorities. If you prioritise safety and like highway cruising, then the new Tata Nexon will be the best buy for you. However, if you need a car for daily commuting in city traffic, then a used Kia Sonet will be a better choice, as it lets you access premium features at a lower maintenance cost.
FAQs About Used Kia Sonet vs New Tata Nexon
Which car is better, a new Tata Nexon or a used Kia Sonet?
The all-new Tata Nexon offers better ride quality and safety ratings and is spacious, but the used Kia Sonet offers high fuel economy and proves to be the best value for daily city riding. So, the ‘better’ car depends on your driving needs, budget, and priorities.
Does the used Kia Sonet iMT need special care?
The Sonet iMT variant performs closely like a manual transmission, but you must ensure that the clutch actuator and sensor systems are inspected properly during servicing.
Is the new Tata Nexon worth buying?
The new Tata Nexon comes with improved engine performance and higher ground clearance, making it suitable for drivers who prioritise highway cruising and enjoy long rides. Overall, the car will be a great buy in the SUV category.
Is the turbo petrol Sonet suitable for city driving?
The turbo petrol Sonet is responsive but lags a little in the stop-and-go traffic. However, a 1.2L NA petrol engine would be better suited for daily city rides.
Which model of the Tata Nexon is the best value for money?
The Tata Nexon Smart(O) and Creative variants offer the best value for money. The Smart(O) variant is suitable for value-conscious buyers, while the Creative variants offer an ideal balance between features and value.
