Exploring 3 Areas Where the 2024 Kia Sonet Facelift Outshines the 2023 Tata Nexon

If you're in the market for a new subcompact SUV, both Kia and Tata offer compelling options with the upcoming 2024 Sonet facelift and the recently updated 2023 Nexon. While both vehicles have undergone recent enhancements, the 2024 Sonet stands out in three key areas when compared to the Tata Nexon.

Features

Both the 2024 Kia Sonet and Tata Nexon boast feature-loaded cabins, leaving little to be desired in terms of features. However, the Sonet takes the lead with some modern features that set it apart:

1. Powered Driver's Seats: The Sonet offers a 4-way adjustable powered driver's seat providing enhanced comfort and flexibility. In contrast, the Nexon's driver's seat is manually adjustable.
2. Ambient Lighting: The Sonet elevates the cabin ambiance with ambient lighting that dynamically adjusts its colors and effects based on the music being played.
3. One-touch Up/Down Windows: The Sonet provides one-touch up/down windows for all doors, adding a touch of convenience to the driving experience.
4. Remote Engine Start: While both SUVs feature connected car technology, the Sonet goes a step further with its smart key, allowing users to remotely start the engine.

Safety

The 2024 Kia Sonet introduces Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including forward-collision avoidance, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, and high-beam assist. These features are absent in the Tata Nexon. Both vehicles share standard safety features such as ABS with EBD, six airbags across all variants, electronic stability control, and a 360-degree camera and the Sonet further enhances safety with all-wheel disc brakes.

Traction Modes

While both the Sonet and Nexon offer various drive modes, the Sonet excels by providing traction modes – Snow, Mud, and Sand and these modes adjust the engine mapping to optimize grip levels in diverse driving conditions. It's worth noting that drive and traction modes with the Sonet are available in the automatic transmission variants only.

As for pricing, official announcements from Kia are expected in early 2024. The starting price of the 2024 Sonet is anticipated to be higher than the current model, which begins at Rs 7.79 lakh (ex-showroom). The ex-showroom pricing range for the 2023 Tata Nexon is Rs 8.09 lakh to Rs 15.50 lakh. Beyond competing with each other, these SUVs rival the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, and Nissan Magnite in the market.