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Old 10th September 2021, 12:38   #91
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Re: Nexon vs Sonet?

Quote:
Originally Posted by jasjotbains View Post
I'm looking for a bigger vehicle (higher ground clearance for village roads plus higher stance against the stupid dipper drivers on the highway) which will probably be a diesel for the sheer torque on tap, which my i10 has been found lacking at times. It has to be an AT because I am pretty lazy to change gears by myself (having an i10 AT at home has always made me dislike my own car a little).

My choices are simple - Tata Nexon and Kia Sonet. No Ford's, no XUVs (my Activa has bigger boot space) and no Nissan's.

My requirements are few:
1. Should be a diesel AT.
2. Should be a safe vehicle.
3. Ease of availability of spares and service.
4. Should be comfortable to drive (highest drives ~ 150kms after a long day at work)
5. Raised stance and projectors.
6. Drool worthy music system.
7. Being a public sector banker, won't mind sarkari attitude!

I would require your advice/suggestions/real life examples and feedbacks on which beast to tame before we all shift to EVs. Thanks in advance!
My family owns a Tiago AMT, so I will put this as simply as I can. 90% of your requirements are more than fulfilled by the Nexon. Sunroof is personal preference, I dont care much. Ventilated seats, again personal preference.

Coming to the transmission. Yes, by design a TC will be better than AMT. But this in no way means that an AMT is bad. Remember, not only is an AMT more fuel efficient than a TC, the maintenance costs are also very very less since basically what you have, is an automated clutch. The rest of the gearbox is same as a manual car.

Now as for the jerky shifts, this totally depends on how you drive. If your drive foot flat to the floor all the time, yes, the shifts are jerky. But the gearbox can be tamed. It has certain behaviours you can use to your advantage to enjoy extremely smooth shifts. I drive my family's Tiago most of the time, so I have dialled in my actions to enjoy as smooth a shift as dare I say, a TC gearbox.

So I wholly recommend the Nexon, it will take some time to gel with the gearbox, but once you do, you wont regret it. I know petrol is skyrocketing right now, but get the petrol Nexon since it is more suited to your usage

Last edited by RPRIME95 : 10th September 2021 at 12:39. Reason: grammatical errors and spelling mistakes
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Old 10th September 2021, 17:11   #92
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Re: Which AT Compact SUV for me?

It's a tough one and you will have to compromise on either safety or driving pleasure.
While it's true that AMT on Nexon is not a bummer, I can vouch on the difference on driving pleasure of Sonet. It's just not a notch better but a complete league ahead. Though I don't put too much preference on gizmos, but the experience in Sonet is richer.

On the other hand, nobody knows how good/bad Sonet is in safety. The fact that Seltos came as a cropper in crash test doesn't give too much confidence either. Comparatively, Nexon is a tank. It's a very safe car and is the strongest point in the car. I personally also found Nexon to have better space.

Sonet will give you 13-15kmpl in city and 16-19 on highways.

Had it been a manual, I would have voted for Nexon. But since it's an auto, I will suggest to take longish test drives and take a pick.
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Old 10th September 2021, 23:10   #93
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Re: Which AT Compact SUV for me?

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Originally Posted by jasjotbains View Post
How's the economy on the TC? And the sound quality and space at the back? Do you have ventilated seats and what's the feedback? The seats and TC are the only reasons I'm considering Sonet
Ours was delivered today so now I can answer this.

For a trip of 60km within city and hectic traffic conditions as it was raining all day today it delivered 13.5kmpl which includes some idling time, quite a few bumper to bumper traffic and 100% AC. I expect mileage to become better and better after 3-4k kms.

Torque Converter is a dream to drive. Smooth as silk.

Sound system is pretty good. I won't be upgrading. My wife and mother sat in the back and they were completely satisfied with the space.

Quote:
Originally Posted by theprashu View Post
I think what you missed out in your comparison is the engine capacity. Sonet, venue etc are all 1000 cc, which is even lower than Ritz!! What I would prefer in an SUV is heavy curb weight (for grip & stability) & higher engine capacity. This is provided only by Brezza & Nexon. AMT is not as great disadvantage as compared to lower engine power!!
Please don't give misleading information.

Sonet AT has a 1493 CC engine which produces 113 bhp and 250 NM. Nexon produces 108 bhp and 260 NM torque in AMT and Brezza is nowhere near it as it's petrol and gives 103 bhp with 138 NM torque.

Also, you haven't driven Sonet for sure on a highway otherwise you would have known it's very good in handling.
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Old 10th September 2021, 23:22   #94
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Re: Which AT Compact SUV for me?

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Originally Posted by harry10 View Post
Sonet AT has a 1493 CC engine which produces 113 bhp and 250 NM. Nexon produces 108 bhp and 260 NM torque in AMT and Brezza is nowhere near it as it's petrol and gives 103 bhp with 138 NM torque.

Also, you haven't driven Sonet for sure on a highway otherwise you would have known it's very good in handling.
Sorry my bad. I was comparing petrol automatic engines. Since I recently bought petrol SUV after taking test drive of all competitors. I felt Sonet/Venue AT petrol much less powerful, but yes my personal experience. Another point I rembered why I didn't take Sonet - very difficult to fit 3 people on back seat!
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Old 10th September 2021, 23:56   #95
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Re: Nexon vs Sonet?

Quote:
Originally Posted by jasjotbains View Post
Hi
I'm currently the owner of …

My requirements are few:
1. Should be a diesel AT.
2. Should be a safe vehicle.
3. Ease of availability of spares and service.
4. Should be comfortable to drive (highest drives ~ 150kms after a long day at work)
5. Raised stance and projectors.
6. Drool worthy music system.
7. Being a public sector banker, won't mind sarkari attitude!
May I suggest the Nexon EV? All the positives of the diesel nexon with the best “auto transmission”. ESP as your highest drives are 150 kms, suits your needs to the T. When you need a longer range you can rent a car from your savings in fuel.

If not the Nexon AMT is a good choice. About the jerkiness - AMT takes a bit of getting used to. But once you are used to it you can actually enjoy the gearbox. Need engine braking at 80 kph, stamp the accelerator - the car will downshift one or two gears, need a quick overtake, stamp and go!
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Old 11th September 2021, 02:32   #96
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Re: Which AT Compact SUV for me?

Nexon is a good product now leaving aside the AMT, Sonet feels cramped on the rear seat but the positives are proper automatic transmission. Go for a proper longish test drives and decide. I Know a few folks at Tata Motors, Chandigarh. Let me know if I can be of any help.

Happy Hunting!
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Old 11th September 2021, 09:01   #97
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Re: Nexon vs Sonet?

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Originally Posted by torquecurve View Post
May I suggest the Nexon EV? All the positives of the diesel nexon with the best “auto transmission”. ESP as your highest drives are 150 kms, suits your needs to the T. When you need a longer range you can rent a car from your savings in fuel.
Don't tempt me please! The EV was on my mind but it's slightly out of budget. Punjab govt isn't giving any incentives on EV which is a big bummer
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Old 11th September 2021, 11:03   #98
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Re: Nexon vs Sonet?

Quote:
Originally Posted by jasjotbains View Post
Against Nexon - No sunroof (for cooling a hot car) and no 10" system and ventilated seats

Against Sonet - no star rating as such (Seltos anyone?), spares and service may be a hit and a miss, cost of spares.
SSA Vadde bai! Being from Punjab, I can understand the need of ventilated seats. What has worked out well for me is having fabric upholstry. I got fancy seatcovers that are leatherette all round (easier to maintain and clean) except the seating area, which is premium velvet and has helped prevent my backside from getting burnt every time I sat in a hot parked car. I had a leatherette seat covers in my Baleno and it was a nightmare in Amritsar summers.

I won't comment on safety, if that's the most important criteria the Nexon should be your first choice. I will say that you should definitely take an extended TD and decide based on the driving experience of AMT vs TC. I drive a Polo TSI with a TC and took TDs of many AMT cars but just could not settle with one. Given the amount of money you'll be spending, you should really consider the choice of gearbox here. A torque convertor with a Diesel is going to be pretty smile inducing.

For what its worth, Punjab roads are pretty wide and safe. The traffic also seems better based on my driving experience in many other states.

PS: Nice to see a Punjabi BHPian, very few of us around here.
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Old 11th September 2021, 13:52   #99
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Re: Nexon vs Sonet?

Quote:
Originally Posted by jasjotbains View Post
Don't tempt me please! The EV was on my mind but it's slightly out of budget. Punjab govt isn't giving any incentives on EV which is a big bummer
From what I am aware - Central government provides two incentives (10,000 subsidy per kWh upto 1.5 lakh, plus MoF through Income tax exemption for first time buyer under 80EEB of 1.5 lakh)

Additionally as you are employed by a bank - I believe you can go for 100% on road financing - which means your EMI will probably be close to your fuel spend (and the down payment you can invest to repay the loan earlier).

While the Sonet is a good option - I have seen a couple of cars where the rear plastic cladding (on the C Pillar) fades out and looks bad.

For the AMT - how much will you be driving in 'stop-go' traffic, that is where it gets most irritating if at all. If you spend 15% of your time in stop-go, bumper to bumper slow moving traffic and most of it driving at least 500-800 meters before a signal - then AMT is good enough.

As for seats heating up - my friend uses a simple backrest (wood with net) and it helps a lot. Cloth seat covers (in areas of contact) is also a good option.
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Old 11th September 2021, 16:11   #100
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Re: Nexon vs Sonet?

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Originally Posted by torquecurve View Post
From what I am aware - Central government provides two incentives (10,000 subsidy per kWh upto 1.5 lakh, plus MoF through Income tax exemption for first time buyer under 80EEB of 1.5 lakh)

Additionally as you are employed by a bank - I believe you can go for 100% on road financing - which means your EMI will probably be close to your fuel spend (and the down payment you can invest to repay the loan earlier).

For the AMT - how much will you be driving in 'stop-go' traffic, that is where it gets most irritating if at all. If you spend 15% of your time in stop-go, bumper to bumper slow moving traffic and most of it driving at least 500-800 meters before a signal - then AMT is good enough.
I think the subsidy is provided only by Maharashtra govt and Delhi govt. If that is not the case and the subsidy is provided by everyone, is this subsidy amount already included in the final OTR cost?

I'll probably get 5.5% simple interest on the loan and that's not much of a bummer.

My stop go traffic coverage is very less right now since I live near the bypass at my current place and weekend runs to Chandigarh are around 140 kms each way. I'll still cross verify with Tata dealership here regarding the subsidy.

Last edited by jasjotbains : 11th September 2021 at 16:13.
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Old 11th September 2021, 16:26   #101
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Re: Nexon vs Sonet?

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Originally Posted by jasjotbains View Post
I think the subsidy is provided only by Maharashtra govt and Delhi govt. If that is not the case and the subsidy is provided by everyone, is this subsidy amount already included in the final OTR cost?

I'll probably get 5.5% simple interest on the loan and that's not much of a bummer.

My stop go traffic coverage is very less right now since I live near the bypass at my current place and weekend runs to Chandigarh are around 140 kms each way. I'll still cross verify with Tata dealership here regarding the subsidy.
Subsidy from the states is additional to the central govt. subsidy - IIRC and all that.

If you are driving in free-flowing traffic mostly - go with the AMT (If you do decide for the Diesel). Free flowing traffic means less gear changes to bother you anyways. Also the 'S' mode in the AMT gear box allows you to hold the revs to the redline when required (plus manual mode).
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Old 11th September 2021, 17:11   #102
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Re: Nexon vs Sonet?

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Originally Posted by jasjotbains View Post
If that is not the case and the subsidy is provided by everyone, is this subsidy amount already included in the final OTR cost?
The deduction under 80EEB isn't a blanket 1,50,000 deduction but a deduction of the amount of interest paid on the loan for an EV. You can avail a deduction of the lower amount of the two;

1) Interest on loan payable for the previous year,
2) 1,50,000.

It doesn't work out to much for someone who'll get a loan on 5.5 SI.

Quote:
Originally Posted by torquecurve View Post
If you are driving in free-flowing traffic mostly - go with the AMT (If you do decide for the Diesel). Free flowing traffic means less gear changes to bother you anyways. Also the 'S' mode in the AMT gear box allows you to hold the revs to the redline when required (plus manual mode).
With all due respect, I disagree with recommending gearboxes in this manner. One simple cannot decide what they might or might not like without experiencing them first. When I was buying my choice of AT, I thought I'd like CVT. After following all the reviews, I did not think the "rubberband" effect will both me and that I'll be a very happy owner of a reliable CVT. When I actually drove it, it was extremely disappointing. Given that the gentleman has a TC i10, he probably knows how the experience with them goes.

As for driving in traffic, any amount of prolonged stay and driving in Chandigarh can make one wish they had the best AT gearbox available. There's just too much start-stop involved, the roundabouts, and all that is Chandigarh traffic. It's never about congestion, stop and go but Chandigarh is unique in its driving requirements. I absolutely *loved* driving an AT there, more than I actually did in stop and go traffic.
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Old 11th September 2021, 18:09   #103
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Re: Nexon vs Sonet?

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With all due respect, I disagree with recommending gearboxes in this manner. One simple cannot decide what they might or might not like without experiencing them first. When I was buying my choice of AT, I thought I'd like CVT. After following all the reviews, I did not think the "rubberband" effect will both me and that I'll be a very happy owner of a reliable CVT. When I actually drove it, it was extremely disappointing. Given that the gentleman has a TC i10, he probably knows how the experience with them goes.

As for driving in traffic, any amount of prolonged stay and driving in Chandigarh can make one wish they had the best AT gearbox available. There's just too much start-stop involved, the roundabouts, and all that is Chandigarh traffic. It's never about congestion, stop and go but Chandigarh is unique in its driving requirements. I absolutely *loved* driving an AT there, more than I actually did in stop and go traffic.
Pray, do tell where have I 'recommended' ONLY the AMT? Sorry if it did come off like that!

Please do read the post in the context of "AMT's are jerky, head nod, etc". In my personal experience - which I have quoted here - of using and experiencing multiple automatics (DSG, AMT, TC & CVT) across a minimum of 1000 kms of driving each type (lowest being CVT TBH) - any gear box/ transmission will get a little time getting used to. There are pros and cons to every transmission. As you mentioned the rubber band effect of the CVT - a good way to manage that is by feathering the throttle and 'building' revs instead of 'dumping' revs.
On the AMT side, the reason I mentioned specifically about traffic patterns and 'free' drive distances is that the jerkiness (apparent) is not actually a big issue. In the Celerio for example - the AMT is tuned for efficiency and upshifts really quickly into the highest possible gear as compared to the Tiago which holds the revs just a little longer.
If you have free flowing traffic - the AMT is a good gearbox. The jerkiness is most prominent in slow moving (<15 kmph) traffic as the gearbox is confused to upshift or stay in same gear.

Last edited by torquecurve : 11th September 2021 at 18:37.
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Old 11th September 2021, 19:02   #104
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Re: Nexon vs Sonet?

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Originally Posted by RoadMonkey View Post
Given that the gentleman has a TC i10, he probably knows how the experience with them goes.

As for driving in traffic, any amount of prolonged stay and driving in Chandigarh can make one wish they had the best AT gearbox available. There's just too much start-stop involved, the roundabouts, and all that is Chandigarh traffic. It's never about congestion, stop and go but Chandigarh is unique in its driving requirements. I absolutely *loved* driving an AT there, more than I actually did in stop and go traffic.
Driving that vintage 4 speed TC is a bliss. No doubts about it. Especially in Chandigarh with its ever increasing traffic. Driving a manual transmission is becoming a pain
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Old 12th September 2021, 15:48   #105
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Re: Which AT Compact SUV for me?

Have you considered MG Astor?
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