I am confused about choosing between the Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue for city driving. My monthly usage is around 800 to 900 km. Which SUV and model should I choose? I want an automatic variant. I currently own a 2019 Honda City automatic, which I plan to sell. For highway driving, I have a 2023 Skoda Octavia.

Autocar India

•33s

Go for the Hyundai Venue with the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol DCT combination; it is a good fit as a city car, with compact dimensions, light steering and good visibility making it easy to drive and park. It is also based on a newer platform than the Kia Sonet.

Since your usage is mainly in the city and limited to around 800-900km a month, performance from the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol is more than adequate, and the DCT is generally smooth in operation, with only occasional hesitation. Ride quality has also improved compared to the previous generation, with better low-speed bump absorption. The cabin feels modern and well-built, and the top trims get a crisp and responsive infotainment system.

The one thing you give up compared to the Kia Sonet is boot space; the Venue offers about 350 litres, whereas the Sonet gives roughly 392 litres, so airport runs with three to four bags may need some planning.

If you need that extra luggage room or prefer the styling of the Sonet, then go for it instead. It uses the same powertrains, so it will feel similar in that regard, but the ride quality is on the firm side.

Test drive both over some rough patches to see which you prefer. Also check for any jerkiness from the DCT when driving slowly or during downshifts.

Explore cars mentioned

Hyundai

Venue

from ₹9.39 Lakh

Kia

Sonet

from ₹8.59 Lakh

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More questions on similar cars

Abhi Nivesh

•1w

I am planning to buy a car with a budget of around ₹10 lakh. My usage will be primarily on highways (around 80%), with a monthly running of approximately 3,000-5,000 km. I have shortlisted the Hyundai Venue HX5 Turbo MT and the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 (manual). My key requirements are a reliable engine, good comfort for long drives, and strong safety.

Autocar India

•2d

Both the Hyundai Venue and the Mahindra XUV 3XO are good choices for your needs. Since most of your usage is on the highway, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is the better pick. Its suspension has a more robust feel than the Venue's; it feels planted and composed at speed, making it more comfortable. It also offers more cabin space for passengers, but loses out to the Venue in boot space.In terms of safety, both are well equipped, but the XUV 3XO has scored five stars in the Bharat NCAP tests. The Venue is yet to be tested. Do test drive both before you make your final decision.

Hyundai Venue

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Suraj Bhatia

•4d

Hi team, odometer today at 50k. Current and expected usage is: 1. Rainy season, daily 10 km 2. Otherwise, weekends 20 km 3. Highway trip once every 2 months, 150 km 4. Ad hoc usage Need a 5-seater petrol automatic. Requirements: 1. Good boot space 2. Powerful AC in the back seat 3. Easy turning and parking 4. No wobbling while overtaking and at speeds above 80 kph Budget approximately ₹12 to ₹15 lakh on-road. Prefer utility and practicality over looks. Kindly suggest options with variants. Thanks for the help.

Autocar India

•1d

The Hyundai Venue 1.0-litre DCT in the HX6 trim fits within your budget and is a good choice in this segment. Since most of your driving is in the city and easy parking is a priority, its compact size is an advantage. The light steering also makes it easy to drive and park. The 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is refined, and the DCT is generally smooth in operation, with only occasional delays in shifts. It also offers good performance for a car in this class, so overtaking on the highway is not an issue.Cabin space is good too, but the slightly narrow width means squeezing three passengers in the rear can be a bit tight. That said, the boot is a useful 375 litres, and it comes with rear AC vents and rear sunblinds in the HX6 variant. Before you decide, do take a thorough test drive.

Hyundai Venue

Murty Mulukutla

•5d

Hi Team! I have started driving a car since 3 years and currently own wagon r 2013 model. Now I am planning to buy a car at a budget of 14 lakhs on road in Ahmedabad (Can stretch by 1lakh if needed). I travel 45kms daily on SG highway where my avg speed is 40-70kmh. I hardly go outstation so this car will be mainly for city driving. Can you suggest me 2 options with model with my priorities being a practical car, smooth transmission, decent mileage and stress free ownership. (Suggest Options other than Suzuki).

Autocar India

•1d

The Hyundai Venue 1.0 Turbo DCT HX6 is a good option for your requirements. The Venue is an easy-to-drive compact SUV with a peppy engine and smooth DCT gearbox that suits your usage. It's practical too, with good space for four adults and a large enough boot. Hyundai's service is good, and you will have a stress-free ownership experience. Alternatively, you could look at the Kia Syros Turbo DCT HTK Plus. It has the same engine and gearbox as the Venue and is nice to drive. It's also got a very roomy cabin and also packs in a few more frills than the Venue HX6, such as a panoramic sunroof and a larger touchscreen. The Syros does have a slightly firm ride, but this should not be too much of a deal breaker on smooth highway roads. Kia's service is also more than satisfactory, making the Syros an easy option to recommend.

Hyundai Venue

Kia Syros

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