[Rangy62]

I sympathize with your incident of a head on collision. Bringing a brand like Maruti Suzuki into picture is really uncalled for. I have survived a head on collision with a Maruti 1000 on the Old Madras road near Hoskote in Bangalore with an ambassador and came out of the incident unscathed. We were 4 in the car and with seat belts on and not one of us were hurt. The passengers in Ambassador, the story was different.

[ashvek3141]

Originally Posted by Rangy62

Bringing a brand like Maruti Suzuki into picture is really uncalled for.

My sincere apologies Rangy62 if I sounded offensive with regards to Maruti Suzuki. It wasn’t the intention here. I know a car is dear to each one of us, no matter the brand! Also, we have owned 4 cars from the stable it the past. I have immense respect for the brand too; it’s just that I’m not quite happy with their latest offerings, especially in terms of the sheet metal they use. Again, this is my personal opinion.

Nonetheless, this isn’t the topic to debate. I hope our cars keep us and our families happy and safe.

[maximus_fiat]

Originally Posted by ashvek3141

In a very unfortunate event that happened 2 weeks back, I met with a very serious accident with my car wherein I crashed head-on into one of the cement pillars of a flyover. I wouldn't like to divulge much into the details of this as it pains me even to recollect the event and the fact the car is nearly beyond repair.

Glad that you came out safe after a head on collision. Hope you have now regained the mental composure and able to drive well as before. Not many people regain the composure to drive again after a major crash.

Are you not looking at pre-owned cars ? Since, you love Sonet so much, you can try looking at the same model. Infact within same budget range you can probably get hold of Creta or Seltos even.

If you are looking at a brand new purchase, getting petrol or strong hybrid / electric may be a better option.

[ghodlur]

Originally Posted by ashvek3141

In a very unfortunate event that happened 2 weeks back, I met with a very serious accident with my car wherein I crashed head-on into one of the cement pillars of a flyover. I wouldn't like to divulge much into the details of this as it pains me even to recollect the event and the fact the car is nearly beyond repair.

Aside, the insurance claim formalities have begun and going by the initial estimate submitted by Kia, it looks to be a case of TOTAL LOSS!
I am awaiting the official decision from the insurance company though.

Very glad to hear that you came out of the incident unscathed, Thank almighty and your starts for this luck.

While I know reminiscing the bad thoughts is painful, good to always share the reasons for the collision or the conditions as it may help fellow BHPians to be extra careful. Never hurts to help others not be a similar victim. I leave it to you.

Another thing which would be interesting to know is the Total loss settlement, suggest to pen down something on that too as and when it happens.

Coming to your next car selection as others have suggested to stick with the Sonet if safety is your priority and you already have experienced the safety levels of the car. If this is going to be your beater car can I suggest the Tata Tiago or Tigor which is not in your current shortlist. It could be an EV from either of them. Both have the proven star rating when it comes to safety.

[pratyush369]

Mod Note : Please quote ONLY the relevant bits of a post. Quoting a full, long post inconveniences our mobile readers.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by ashvek3141

Coming to the main part now - THE DILEMMA, yet AGAIN !

There is no denying the fact that the SONET D AT was a 'complete' car for me! Totally worthy upgrade from my Swift ZDi. I thoroughly enjoyed driving it for last 1 year and 11,500 KMS. It was a pure enthusiast car, for me at least. Needless to say, it was VFM too.

Sadly, the same model has gotten expensive by over 1.20 L in last one year, majorly to blame the RDE norms. Sigh!

Checkout the new Tata Altroz 2023 facelift. I hear good things about the upgrade, new Infotainment, more power.

[Dracoon]

Thank God you are safe man. The car looks in a terrible condition, it's definitely a total loss..can only imagine how major the accident must have been.

Glad to hear about Sonet safety..stay safe. You already have some great cars..should consider EV.

PS: I also totally hate single digit FE.

[SeniorC]

Originally Posted by ashvek3141

I would appreciate your inputs to help me in my dilemma, yet again and if possible also help to add in a few other options that I can consider.

The fact that you could come out of a near total loss vehicle safely speaks much for the safety mechanisms working, when needed, of Sonet trim you were driving. Also to add, your skills and presence of mind at the moment.

If you want to remain in sub 4 meter segment then why not Sonet facelift again? Although I realise the trauma associated with this car for you now. But seriously give it a thought dispassionately. Or Nexon facelift.

If you are comfortable to move a segment up then the facelifted Seltos could be a good option or wait for upgraded Creta. All of these would offer you diesel motors with automatic drive trains.

On another note, I find none of these segment cars are to be driven enthusiastically. They are too small for the purpose.

[Bismaya]

I read your entire post OP and in addition to your points, I would suggest that you make a safer car for your focus. And that means something which is far safer than a Sonet.

Nexon is a no brainer and with the facelift in place, it's going to be a bit costly but time and again Nexon has proved how study and livesaver it can. I am not a huge fan of the Nexon Petrol (poor FE) but have had some fun with the Diesel MT that a friend owns.

We hear that the facelift might get a DCT option. Might be worth waiting for it. Why not give it a shot? It might just fulfil all the points you are looking for.

[kpkeerthi]

Originally Posted by ashvek3141

all I can say is, it's the SONET which saved me from this horrific accident. If it was for any other car, say the likes of Maruti Suzuki; I wouldn't have been sitting and writing this post.

Maruti's Vitara Brezza which, you may want to recollect, is in the same segment as the Sonet, is a better rated car in crash safety. Drive safe!

[harbinder_s]

Originally Posted by ashvek3141

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/offic...ml#post5352735 (Kia Sonet : Official Review)

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I shall be returning to this thread in just a year of purchasing my car, the Sonet D AT.

In a very unfortunate event that happened 2 weeks back, I met with a very serious accident with my car wherein I crashed head-on into one of the cement pillars of a flyover. I wouldn't like to divulge much into the details of this as it pains me even to recollect the event and the fact the car is nearly beyond repair.
I am really thankful to the almighty and my well-wishers that I managed to come out with minors bruises, given the kind of impact it was!
I simply cannot stress enough the importance of belting up, having maximum number of airbags and more importantly a structurally well-built car.

Also, whatever is the debate regarding the supposedly poor safety ratings of Kia cars; all I can say is, it's the SONET which saved me from this horrific accident. If it was for any other car, say the likes of Maruti Suzuki; I wouldn't have been sitting and writing this post. I really hope GNCAP test the Sonet / Venue and be done with the bad air about the suspicious "poor ratings" thing. I'm pretty sure it'll score a 4 stars , if not more.

Aside, the insurance claim formalities have begun and going by the initial estimate submitted by Kia, it looks to be a case of TOTAL LOSS!
I am awaiting the official decision from the insurance company though.


.

Thank God you are safe. But as GTO pointed out the GNCAP is one of the parameters.
Just look at the below link of Sonet hitting the current 1 star rated Suzuki Swift in a road accident. The Sonets axle breaks while the Swift has minor damages.

https://youtu.be/t_jotaCPCI4

Kia cars safety ratings in India are questionable.

I would say instead of Ignis Sigma you could have gone with a Zeta with more features. It would have served you well now.

IMO the options I can suggest are: Nexon, Brezza or Fronx.
Punch and ignis are comparable so you may miss your Sonet more.

If you increase you budget a bit you can upgrade to a VW Taigun/ Skoda Kushaq, or even Suzuki Grand Vitara.
You can as well look at Mahindra Thar or a Suzuki Jimny.

[jasjotbains]

Originally Posted by ashvek3141

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I shall be returning to this thread in just a year of purchasing my car, the Sonet D AT.

Hello. I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your Sonet, but happy to hear that you're ok. I still remember your excitement during our conversation when you were in the purchase period for the Sonet

May i throw in the Nexon EV/EV Max into the picture? I'm seeing so many of them during my daily travels that it sometimes makes me jealous, considering their running costs I think that will be the only vehicle comparable to the Sonet in terms of performance and smoothness that you had now become accustomed to

[sulliavi]

Originally Posted by ashvek3141

My requirements -

1. PURE automatic (TC, DCT, CVT - absolute last option)
2. High seating - Hence an SUV only, maybe.
3. Good looking
4. Fun to drive
5. Fuel type - BIG Question! - I just LOVE turbo-diesels!! However, this was easier about a year ago to pick one! But now which the stringent norms and some ridiculous govt. policies, I'm not quite sure if it would be a right move to go in for a diesel now. I had actually got the Sonet thinking that I would retain it for as long as I can, without a thought of selling it even after 10 years. But now I'm just confused about this as we simply cannot foresee what our beloved govt. has in store for the diesel car lovers.

[

There are only 2 cars which offer pure AT below 20 lacs in diesel.

1. Sonet - safety/structural integrity is questionable, space is similar to a premium hatchback.

2. Scorpio-N - 5 Star rated, well built, commanding seating position, exceptional petrol/diesel engines, Mahindra AT is super slick.

[GuChDa]

Originally Posted by ashvek3141

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/offic...ml#post5352735 (Kia Sonet : Official Review)

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I shall be returning to this thread in just a year of purchasing my car, the Sonet D AT.

In a very unfortunate event that happened 2 weeks back, I met with a very serious accident with my car wherein I crashed head-on into one of the cement pillars of a flyover. I wouldn't like to divulge much into the details of this as it pains me even to recollect the event and the fact the car is nearly beyond repair.
I am really thankful to the almighty and my well-wishers that I managed to come out with minors bruises, given the kind of impact it was!
I simply cannot stress enough the importance of belting up, having maximum number of airbags and more importantly a structurally well-built car.

Also, whatever is the debate regarding the supposedly poor safety ratings of Kia cars; all I can say is, it's the SONET which saved me from this horrific accident. If it was for any other car, say the likes of Maruti Suzuki; I wouldn't have been sitting and writing this post. I really hope GNCAP test the Sonet / Venue and be done with the bad air about the suspicious "poor ratings" thing. I'm pretty sure it'll score a 4 stars , if not more.

Aside, the insurance claim formalities have begun and going by the initial estimate submitted by Kia, it looks to be a case of TOTAL LOSS!
I am awaiting the official decision from the insurance company though.

Coming to the main part now - THE DILEMMA, yet AGAIN !

There is no denying the fact that the SONET D AT was a 'complete' car for me! Totally worthy upgrade from my Swift ZDi. I thoroughly enjoyed driving it for last 1 year and 11,500 KMS. It was a pure enthusiast car, for me at least. Needless to say, it was VFM too.

Sadly, the same model has gotten expensive by over 1.20 L in last one year, majorly to blame the RDE norms. Sigh!

My current garage stands as under,

1. 2015, Hyundai Creta SX+ P MT - 8 years, Driven for 72,000 kms and absolutely in love with it. The car is Stage 1+ tuned by Wold Moto and I have spruced it up with aftermarket rims , wider tires, dual tone paint job, etc. Leaving aside the feature set, which anyway weren't upto the 2015 standards back then; this car is pure joy to own. Ofcourse, there were a few share of niggle and issues that come with the early-adopters; but they were all resolved duly and to my satisfaction by the ASS.
- I had plans of replacing this car with something better, maybe the 2023/4 Creta Facelift or the 5-seater SUV from Mahindra (XUV500) sometime next year; but now with this conundrum of the Sonet, Idk what to do. However, it stays for now, for how long? Idk.

2. 2020 MS Ignis Sigma - 2.5 Years, Driven for 35,000 kms. This is my wifey's car and a very basic one at that! This is her 1st car when she learnt driving about 3 years ago and hence went in for a very basic / cheap car, just to start with. Having said that, I absolutely detest driving this car! No offence to the Ignis owners and I also don't mean that it doesn't drive well. It's good, pretty good actually for it's size and that 1.2 L motor under the hood. But, it lacks all the features that I'm used too; even the basic ones! The Sonet had spoilt me with the feel-good features and possibly this is the reason why I don't enjoy this car that much. Aside, my parents too find it difficult to use this car as it's too low for their liking (and mine too) given the fact that we've been used to high seating cars since 2007! But again, for just the sheer driving thing, it's
- For the very reason, I had plans of replacing this car with something like an EV and that would have kinda completed our garage - 1 NA Petrol , 1 Turbo-Diesel & 1 EV.. I was actually eyeing the Tiago .EV or even the upcoming Punch .EV. Alas, sometimes things don't really go how you plan!

Anyway, now coming to the big question - Which car to fill in for the SONET?

Below are the thoughts that are running through my head currently. Idk if I'm thinking rationally yet. But it is, what it is.

My requirements -

1. PURE automatic (TC, DCT, CVT - absolute last option)
2. High seating - Hence an SUV only, maybe.
3. Good looking
4. Fun to drive
5. Fuel type - BIG Question! - I just LOVE turbo-diesels!! However, this was easier about a year ago to pick one! But now which the stringent norms and some ridiculous govt. policies, I'm not quite sure if it would be a right move to go in for a diesel now. I had actually got the Sonet thinking that I would retain it for as long as I can, without a thought of selling it even after 10 years. But now I'm just confused about this as we simply cannot foresee what our beloved govt. has in store for the diesel car lovers.

Cars in consideration -

1. Kia Sonet D AT - Needless to say how much I love this car! But the story is different a year later. Aside, from getting expensive by over a lakh INR, it has also lost some key features like the rear centre armrest! I cannot comprehend, why would Kia do such a stupid thing with such a basic feature?
- Aside, Idk what changes have been done to the 1.5 L CRDi engine with the new RDE norms which focus primarily on emissions and the fuel efficiency? Are the new BS-6.2 engines just as good to drive as the ones before? Are they tamed down to boost efficiency? Furthermore, now even the 1.5 L engines need a Urea top up unlike before.

2. Nexon Facelift - Off late Nexon has been selling like hot cakes, even beating the segment leader - MS Brezza. And all of this inspite of MS launching an updated Brezza. Really speaks volumes about this car. However, I do feel that the primary reason for masses going for this car is the solid 5-stars safety rating more than anything else.
- No PURE Diesel Auto is a big downer here. Having said that , there are rumours that the facelift will come with better automatics. The 1.2 L turbo-petrol DCT looks to be happening, but nothing on the Diesel TC yet; which I doubt if it will ever happen.
- A major con with the turbo-petrol DCT's is the abysmal FE's that we see for enthusiast-driving and even city driving conditions. I am simply not used to seeing single digit FE figures, EVER! even my Creta return healthy FE figures for it's size.
- The launch is also not certain yet. TML is still in the testing phases.

3. TATA Punch .EV - Like I mentioned above, I have been eyeing an EV in the garage and the Punch makes perfect sense. Given the spy shots and updates, seems like TATA is loading the Punch with some good features.
- Also, given the pricing of earlier EV's, I presume TATA will do a decent job here. No denying the fact that EV's are still very expensive.
- Having said that, this will come with the cons associated with EV's like the range anxiety, charging availability on road trips, etc. As opposed to regular ICE's, the EV's need proper planning for long road trips and this becomes all the more difficult when one is travelling with family.
- I still feel we're not quite ready to have an EV as our 1st or even 2nd car. Just my thought though.

4. Mahindra THAR D AT - This is not a car, it's an EMOTION!
- Possibly the YOLO thing kicked-in after the chain of events, or possibly I'm not thinking straight. However, this will blow up my budget by significant amounts though!
- Also, not that I didn't have an option of Thar when I picked up the Sonet a year ago, but we had just 2 cars in the garage back then; and both needed to be of proper utility. Cars like Thar generally negate that, as they are purely for lifestyle purpose. To me, THAR is strictly a 2-seater. I cannot see my elderly parents climbing into the back seat.
- Anyway, I'm still not completely ruling this out. But yes, budget is definitely a concern here.
- Also, if I end up picking the Thar, then the Ignis will definitely need a replacement ASAP. Like I said, it not quite what I (and my parents) enjoy driving / driven around.

So ya, this is all that I'm considering for now as replacement and possible replacement plan for the other cars in my garage.
This accident has really taken a toll - mentally , physically and financially. But then, there is only so much that you can do other than just accepting what it is and moving on; hoping for something good to happen in the future.

I would appreciate your inputs to help me in my dilemma, yet again and if possible also help to add in a few other options that I can consider.

Sad to hear about the tragedy while its good to know that you have recovered. For me the look at the vehicle lost the accident was in itself terrifying.

Since you are a Sonet fan with Diesel AT in mind, may be you should wait for the upcoming facelift that promises both exterior and interior major overhaul. If along with this they increase the depth of the rear seat bench then there is nothing to beat it in the segment with DAT as an option. Regarding passive safety concerning the structure there isn't going to be any changes for this model.

Until then maybe you should use cabs so that you will be less stressful until time gives courage, confidence and options as well for you.

Happy and safe driving.

[T.rex]

Originally Posted by ashvek3141

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/offic...ml#post5352735 (Kia Sonet : Official Review)

My requirements -

1. PURE automatic (TC, DCT, CVT - absolute last option)
2. High seating - Hence an SUV only, maybe.
3. Good looking
4. Fun to drive

What about VW Virtus GT? I think it meets all your requirements, although looks can be subjective. Ground clearance is high for a sedan but definitely you won't sit tall like in an SUV. Yes the DSG reliability may be an issue though

[epiccross]

I was in an accident with a KSRTC and the bus was fully loaded (although I was going pretty slow, he wasn't going that slow for a steep curve) and there was no damage to the structure beyond the external sheet metal. I'm all in all pretty happy with the car and the passive and active safety it provides. It's all about how comfortable you are with the car and how you drive it, at the end of the day as every brand comes with one tradeoff or the other.

We own an Altroz and my brother who drives it feels more confident driving my Sonet, his only gripe being the headlight performance and his preference towards lighter steering of Altroz. You never have to second guess when it comes to overtaking etc. and I can't highlight how much of a difference a well tuned engine/gearbox combo makes.

Coming to your options - right now with the hike, it feels overpriced for sure, but even if I were to shop right now, I don't know if I have anything in the budget that fits the bill as well. Personally my next choice would be ZS EV - generally niggle free (not that there haven't been lemons but generally seems better from whatever I know), good range and you get the torquey fun of the diesels. But that was/is way above my budget, if you can stretch, I would recommend this.