Citroen BasaltX vs Kia Sonet vs Tata Nexon (2026)
The classic compact suv shortlist, settled with numbers (October 2026):
- Pick the Citroen BasaltX if you want the biggest boot (470 L).
- Pick the Kia Sonet if you want the most power (118 bhp), the best claimed efficiency (up to 24.1 kmpl).
- Pick the Tata Nexon if you want the lowest starting price (₹7.40 Lakh), the best crash-test score (5 stars).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
Citroen BasaltX in short
The BasaltX is India's most affordable coupe-SUV — the sloping-roof Basalt launched in August 2024, refreshed as the X in September 2025 with six airbags standard, a new dashboard and more equipment. Power comes from an 82 PS 1.2 NA petrol or a 110 PS 1.2 turbo-petrol (190 Nm with the 6-speed manual, 205 Nm with the 6-speed torque-converter automatic), and its 470-litre boot is the biggest in the compact-SUV class. A 4-star Bharat NCAP rating and famously supple ride quality back its fight against the Tata Curvv, the only other coupe-SUV at this price.
Full BasaltX prices & variants →Kia Sonet in short
The Kia Sonet is one of the most feature-loaded sub-4-metre SUVs on sale, and its 2024 facelift sharpened the styling while making six airbags standard across the range. It remains the only car in its class to offer a diesel-automatic combination, giving it a unique selling point against the Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue and Mahindra XUV 3XO. The wide engine-gearbox matrix and segment-first features like ventilated seats and a 360-degree camera keep it a strong all-rounder.
Full Sonet prices & variants →Tata Nexon in short
The Nexon is Tata's best-selling model and a perennial top-three player in India's cut-throat sub-4-metre SUV segment against the Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet. The 2023 facelift brought a dramatic Curvv-inspired design, twin digital displays and a 7-speed DCA automatic. It holds 5-star ratings from both Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP, and is the only car in the class with turbo-petrol, diesel and turbo-CNG options.
Full Nexon prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
BasaltX vs Sonet vs Nexon — which should I buy?
Pick the Citroen BasaltX if you want the biggest boot (470 L). Pick the Kia Sonet if you want the most power (118 bhp), the best claimed efficiency (up to 24.1 kmpl). Pick the Tata Nexon if you want the lowest starting price (₹7.40 Lakh), the best crash-test score (5 stars). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among BasaltX, Sonet, Nexon?
The Tata Nexon starts lowest at ₹7.40 Lakh, against ₹7.45 Lakh for the Sonet and ₹8.55 Lakh for the BasaltX (ex-showroom, October 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Citroen BasaltX: 4 stars; Kia Sonet: not yet NCAP-tested; Tata Nexon: 5 stars.