Nexon CNG vs Kia Sonet: The compact SUV segment is one of the most competitive and popular segments in India. With a variety of options to choose from, buyers are spoilt for choice. Two of the most recent entrants in this segment are the Tata Nexon CNG and the Kia Sonet. Both of these cars offer a stylish design, a spacious cabin, and a host of features. But which one is better suited for your needs? Let’s find out.
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Tata Nexon CNG
Nexon CNG Launch Date
The Tata Nexon CNG is an upcoming variant of the Tata Nexon, which is already available in petrol, diesel and electric versions. The Nexon CNG is expected to launch by October 2023 with an estimated price of Rs. 8.00 lakh. The Nexon CNG will be powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine that will run on both petrol and CNG modes. The engine will produce 118 bhp of power and 170 Nm of torque when running on petrol, and slightly lower figures when running on CNG. The transmission option will be a 6-speed iMT (intelligent manual transmission) that does not require a clutch pedal.
Nexon CNG Exterior
The Nexon CNG will offer a host of features such as LED headlamps with DRLs, alloy wheels, sunroof, connected panel, LED sound mood lights, overspeed warning, seat belt warning, anti-lock braking system (ABS), front and side airbags, and Kia Connect with 58 smart features.
Tata Nexon CNG Interior
The Nexon CNG will have a dual-tone interior with leatherette or semi-leatherette upholstery options. The dashboard will feature a 26.03 cm (10.25 inch) HD touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and a 10.67 cm (4.2 inch) color cluster display.
Tata Nexon CNG Mileage
The Nexon CNG will have a ground clearance of 209 mm and a boot space of 350 litres. The fuel tank capacity will be 44 litres for petrol and 10 kg for CNG. The expected mileage of the Nexon CNG will be around 25 km/kg in CNG mode and around 17 km/l in petrol mode.
Kia Sonet
The Kia Sonet is the latest offering from the South Korean manufacturer Kia in the compact SUV segment. It was launched in India in September 2020 and has since become a popular choice among buyers. The Sonet offers a sleek and modern design with a signature tiger-nose grille, LED headlamps, projector fog lights, LED tail lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, and roof rails. The Sonet also comes with a newly designed Sonet logo and two new color options – Imperial Blue and Sparkling Silver.
Sonet Engine
The Sonet is available in both petrol and diesel engine options. The petrol engine options are a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine that produces 83 bhp of power and 115 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission; and a 1.0-litre turbocharged engine that produces 120 bhp of power and 172 Nm of torque, paired with either a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch transmission). The diesel engine option is a 1.5-litre engine that produces either 99 bhp of power and 240 Nm of torque with a 6-speed manual transmission; or 113 bhp of power and 250 Nm of torque with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Interior
The Sonet offers a spacious and feature-packed interior with two color tones (beige with black or all-black) and two upholstery options (leatherette or semi-leatherette). The cabin also features a rear-seat back folding knob, an inside rearview mirror with a Kia Connect button, and front and side airbags. The dashboard features a connected 26.03 cm (10.25 inch) HD touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and Bose premium 7-speaker system with LED sound mood lights. Other features include paddle shifters, automatic climate control, cruise control, keyless start/stop button, eight-way manually adjustable driver seat, smart pure air purifier with virus protection, multi-drive modes and traction control, iMT remote engine start, highline tyre pressure monitor, and Kia Connect with 58 smart features.
The Sonet has a ground clearance of 205 mm and a boot space of 392 litres. The fuel tank capacity is 45 litres for petrol and 50 litres for diesel. The mileage of the Sonet ranges from 17.05 km/l to 24.07 km/l depending on the engine and transmission option.
Comparison – Nexon CNG vs Kia Sonet
| Feature | Tata Nexon CNG | Kia Sonet |
|---|---|---|
| Price (ex-showroom) | Rs. 8.00 lakh (estimated) | Rs. 7.79 lakh – Rs. 14.89 lakh |
| Engine | 1.2-litre turbo-petrol with CNG | 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol, or 1.5-litre diesel |
| Power | 118 bhp (petrol), lower (CNG) | 83 bhp (1.2 petrol), 120 bhp (1.0 petrol), or 99/113 bhp (diesel) |
| Torque | 170 Nm (petrol), lower (CNG) | 115 Nm (1.2 petrol), 172 Nm (1.0 petrol), or 240/250 Nm (diesel) |
| Transmission | 6-speed iMT | 5-speed MT, 6-speed iMT, 6-speed MT, 7-speed DCT, or 6-speed AT |
| Mileage | Around 25 km/kg (CNG), around 17 km/l (petrol) | 17.05 km/l – 24.07 km/l |
| Ground clearance | 209 mm | 205 mm |
| Boot space | 350 litres | 392 litres |
| Fuel tank capacity | 44 litres (petrol), 10 kg (CNG) | 45 litres (petrol), 50 litres (diesel) |
| Airbags | Front and side | Front and side |
| Tyre pressure monitor | Yes | Yes |
| Kia Connect | Yes | Yes |
| Sunroof | Yes | No |
Conclusion
The Tata Nexon CNG and the Kia Sonet are both attractive and capable compact SUVs that offer a lot of value for money. The Nexon CNG will appeal to those who want a more eco-friendly and economical option with a decent performance and a good feature list. The Sonet will appeal to those who want more engine and transmission choices with a refined performance and a premium feature list. Both cars have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the final decision will depend on your personal preferences and budget.
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