Second Hand Kia Sonet vs Second Hand Maruti Suzuki Ignis: Which One Should You Buy?

Pitching the Maruti Suzuki Ignis against the Kia Sonet would be unfair on multiple counts. One is a compact SUV, while the other is a hatchback. One has a strong sales record to back its popularity, while the other has fewer but equally satisfied buyers. 

But if you set aside categories and sales numbers for a moment, it's easy to see why a buyer may get confused between a used Kia Sonet and a used Maruti Suzuki Ignis. Both these cars pack some SUV-sized charm in a compact size, have good features, stand out for their eye-catching design and feel more premium than their rivals at the same price point. 

In this blog, we break down both contenders across design, cabin comfort, features, performance, fuel economy, maintenance, and resale to help you make a smarter pick for your budget and lifestyle.

Sonet or Ignis: What’s Your Kind of Car?

Before we go on with the comparison, ask yourself these questions:

• Do you crave that SUV-like road presence? - The Sonet will feel right up your alley.
• Do you need a compact city car that's easy to park and quick around town? - The Ignis thrives in the chaos with its nimble size and zippy nature.

• Still unsure? Looking for better resale, cabin quality, or more features? Stick around, we’re breaking it all down.

   

Design & Dimensions: Second Hand Kia Sonet vs Second Hand Maruti Suzuki Ignis

The Kia Sonet resembles a Mini SUV with its aggressive grille, elevated ground clearance, and rugged front design. It is a sub-4 metre car that does little to diminish its brawn and attitude.

Maruti Suzuki Ignis, on the other hand, is a funky hatchback with a boxy, retro-futuristic design. Its small size enables easy manoeuvring through city traffic and parking in congested spaces.

Here’s what the dimensions for both look like: 

Verdict: The Kia Sonet wins hands down if you're looking for a car with dominating road presence and better boot space. But if uniqueness and compact dimensions are what you prefer, Ignis is your friend.

Cabin Comfort & Interior Feel: Second Hand Kia Sonet vs Second Hand Maruti Suzuki Ignis

The Sonet over-delivers on this one, too. Even the mid-range models have a nice, well-made cabin. The interior is designed with the driver in mind, featuring a wraparound design and a sophisticated, dark colour scheme. While the materials are not soft-touch, they have a texture that gives them a high-quality feel for the car’s class. The car’s insulation is great, making outside noise quieter during daily driving.

Alternatively, the Ignis interior is designed for ease of use and optimal comfort in an upright position. Even though it lacks some of the Sonet’s refinement, the car is light, airy and cheerful because of its colourful and funky interior. It’s quite clever how the space is used, and there is plenty of room for four adults, despite the smaller size. 

Verdict: Sonet offers a more premium appeal, but Ignis excels in urban practicality.

Engine Options & Driving Experience: Second Hand Kia Sonet vs Second Hand Maruti Suzuki Ignis

Kia Sonet (Second-hand)

Depending on the variant, you'll find:

• 1.2L petrol (manual)
• 1.0L turbo-petrol (iMT or DCT auto)

• 1.5L diesel (manual or automatic)

   

The 1.0L turbo-petrol engine is sporty and energetic, whereas the diesel is excellent in torque and mileage. Sonet provides a firm and stable ride, even on highways.

Maruti Suzuki Ignis (Used)

On the Maruti Suzuki Ignis, you get the 1.2L K-series petrol engine that is offered in either the manual or AMT transmission. The driving experience is smooth, efficient, and great for city rides. But you'll feel the lack of power on highways. The AMT is convenient, but not as smooth as a proper automatic transmission.

Verdict: Sonet has more variety and better long-distance capability. Ignis shines only in the city.

Fuel Efficiency: Who's the Frugal One? Second Hand Kia Sonet vs Second Hand Maruti Suzuki Ignis

Here's a quick comparison of real-world average mileages of used Kia Sonet and used Maruti Suzuki Ignis:

Verdict: The Petrol Ignis is surprisingly economical for daily running. But Sonet diesel is the winner for mileage if you're doing long runs or heavy usage.

Features & Tech: Second Hand Kia Sonet vs Second Hand Maruti Suzuki Ignis

Even the base and mid variants of the Sonet are loaded with features like:

• Wireless charging
• Sunroof (top variants)
• Cruise control

• Rear parking camera with dynamic guidelines

   

Ignis doesn't offer so much, even among its top variants. However, it still gets the job done with basic but practical features like:

• Touchscreen with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
• Push-button start (upper versions)

• Reverse parking sensors

   

Verdict: The Sonet is definitely the better one in terms of features. If technology and features are your concern, Sonet's your winner.

Maintenance & Service Costs: Second Hand Kia Sonet vs Second Hand Maruti Suzuki Ignis

Here's where Maruti takes the win. The Ignis is famous for:

• Relatively very low maintenance costs
• A wide and accessible service network

• Easy-to-find spares

   

Sonet, although relatively reliable, has:

• Higher service charges
• More expensive spares

• Fewer service stations than Maruti (particularly in small towns)

   

Verdict: Ignis is lighter on the pocket and more convenient to use in the long run.

Safety: Second Hand Kia Sonet vs Second Hand Maruti Suzuki Ignis

• The Kia Sonet comes with up to 6 airbags on top variants, ESC, and hill start assist. It has not been crash-tested yet.

• The Maruti Ignis comes with two airbags and ABS as standard fitment, but scored only 1 star in Global NCAP tests.

   

Verdict: Sonet, particularly the top variants, offers more safety features but hasn't yet undergone crash testing. The Ignis loses this round with just a 1-star safety rating.

Resale & Used Market Pricing: Second Hand Kia Sonet vs Second Hand Maruti Suzuki Ignis

Here's an estimated price range for used vehicles of these models that are 2-3 years old:

Verdict: Ignis is cheaper than the Sonet. However, the Sonet is a premium sub-compact SUV with lots of features. Moreover, it retains value better as a sub-compact SUV.

Second Hand Kia Sonet vs Second Hand Maruti Suzuki Ignis: Final Verdict: Which One to Buy?

Buy the Second-hand Kia Sonet if:

• You want a feature-packed SUV experience
• You have long drives or highway drives
• You are comfortable with additional maintenance costs
• You want enhanced safety features and resale value

Buy the Second-hand Maruti Suzuki Ignis if:

• You have only city driving to do
• You want low maintenance and excellent mileage
• You are on a tighter budget

• Ease of parking and manoeuvrability matter to you

   

Conclusion

In summary, both the second hand Kia Sonet and the second hand Maruti Suzuki Ignis serve two very different buyer needs in the used car space. If you're after an SUV-like stance, more powertrain options, modern tech, and stronger resale value, the Sonet makes a compelling case, especially for highway users and feature-hunters. But if your focus is easy city driving, lower costs, and worry-free ownership, the Ignis is a no-nonsense, budget-friendly choice. Your final pick comes down to whether you want more style and substance or more savings and simplicity.