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Kia Sonet delivery delayed by 5 months; need an alternative

My son who is a car lover is turning 5 in Jan, and hence we wanted a new car around that time.

BHPian anirudhbb recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

On 28th Oct, after taking numerous test drives of the XUV300, Nexon and Sonet, all petrol non-manual variants, we finally booked the Sonet DCT. Yay!

Today, 3rd Dec, came to know that delivery is pushed to April. Nay.

Honestly don't want to wait that long. When we booked the Sonet, KIA has said delivery is mostly in Dec/Jan. My son who is a car lover is turning 5 in Jan, and hence we wanted a new car around that time.

But now it will be 6 months and even that seems uncertain.

So we are back to the search.

The XUV300 and Nexon, both are AT, though not as refined as the DCT in the Sonet, are seemingly good options other than the Sonet.

My budget is 15L on road in Bangalore.

Are there any other good options I am overlooking?

What I need (I am driving a Wagon-R for the past 7 years):

  • Safety.
  • Automatic/AT/CVT/DCT.
  • Sunroof.
  • Space.
  • Good ground clearance.
  • Driving pleasure: I love driving and we used to take 3-4 road trips a year pre-Covid.
  • Reliable car, reliable brand (have had Maruti all my life).
  • Low maintenance.

Thanks a ton!

Here's what BHPian quantobigboot had to say on the matter:

Under Rs. 15 Lakh I feel the options you have shortlisted are the best of the lot. Also remember that even the Nexon and XUV300 have considerable waiting periods, unless some political/financial influence is used. Have you looked at the S Cross? I don't recommend it often due to its outdated and bland interiors, but it will satisfy most of the needs except the sunroof and the driving pleasure part. I don't think the new one will arrive at our shores anytime soon.


If I was given a choice, I would take a long-ish TD of the Nexon and finalise it if the AMT feels sufficient.

Here's what BHPian VWAllstar had to say on the matter:

Since you are from Bangalore and have a budget of 15L, then why not look at the Nexon EV? If you don't intend to drive more than 300 KMs at one go, you should have a great package in the Nexon EV.


Apart from this, I don't see any true blue AT under 15L and especially being delivered by Jan 22. Most manufacturing would be shut post this week and will reopen only by 2nd week of January 22. Either you will have to chose from an existing inventory or let go off having delivery asap.

Here's what BHPian Shreyans_Jain had to say on the matter:

Get yourself a Honda City automatic, Gen 5 base model. It has all the essentials covered, including 4 airbags, and will just about fit your budget. If your kid is insistent on the sunroof, go for the mid trim. The car is available for immediate delivery.

Here's what BHPian IshaanIan had to say on the matter:

Well think of it as a blessing in disguise since the Sonet and Venue both perform miserably in crash tests. I would say simply forgo the sunroof requirement and get yourself an S-Cross. Test drive the vehicle before dismissing it based on uninspiring journalist's reviews. It rides and handles with far more maturity than any other vehicle in its segment and the engine+gearbox combo feels robust and smooth. Interior quality is fairly decent and the visibility and roominess of the cabin is a boon. It is also probably the only car in its class that will last you a long time until your son matures and can appreciate it You will also get massive discounts upwards of 75k on it at the moment as well as immediate delivery.


If you are enamored by touchscreens, LEDs and other such insipid bits that seem to give car makers an excuse not to put some thorough engineering behind their cars, then perhaps the MG Astor ought to be in your list of vehicles to test out.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

 
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