Kia Sonet: A Feature-Packed Sub-Compact SUV
The Kia Sonet stands out as a feature-loaded sub-compact SUV. This model offers a blend of style and performance, making it a strong contender in its segment. Prices start from around ₹9 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base model, extending up to approximately ₹20 lakh for the top variants. It is available with both diesel and petrol engine options, offering manual, automatic, and iMT transmission choices. The Sonet is offered in various variants, including HTE, HTK, HTK+, HTX, HTX+, GTX+, and X-Line.
Bold Exterior Design
The Sonet features a refreshed and bold front design with its facelift. It includes new DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) and updated headlights. Four-point fog lamps are placed lower on the front, along with front parking sensors. The lower grille is black, complemented by a grey-finished skid plate, giving it a muscular look. A proper engine guard is also offered with this car.
From the side, the Sonet features stylish steel wheels that resemble alloys, with a Kia logo. Tire specifications are 215/60 R16. Black cladding runs along the side. Outside Rear View Mirrors (ORVMs) come with integrated indicators and can be electrically folded and unfolded.
At the rear, the Sonet boasts connected LED taillights, a new addition with this facelift. It carries the Kia logo in the center. A defogger, high-mount stop lamp, shark fin antenna, and roof rails are present. Badging for “Turbo DI” and “Sonet” can be seen on the sides. A reverse parking camera is located near the nameplate, along with two reverse parking sensors. The dual-tone bumper has reflectors and a silver-finished skid plate.
Spacious Dimensions and Practical Boot Space
The Sonet measures 3995 mm in length, 1790 mm in width, and 1642 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2500 mm. The car offers a generous boot space of 392 liters, which is suitable for its segment. The rear seats are 100% foldable, providing additional cargo space when needed. A 15-inch normal steel spare tire is provided, which is one size smaller than the main wheels.
Modern and Comfortable Interior
Inside, the Sonet features an all-black dashboard with subtle silver inserts. A key feature is the 8 to 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, USB, and AUX connectivity. Automatic climate control ensures comfort. A sunroof is also available in some variants.
The fully digital instrument cluster provides extensive information, including TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System), trip details, mileage, and range. The steering wheel has a Kia logo and mounted controls for the infotainment system. The steering is tilt-adjustable.
Other interior features include power window controls on the driver’s door, along with ORVM adjustments. Rear passengers get AC vents and two Type C USB ports. Bottle holders and an umbrella holder are present in the doors. An armrest with storage is available. The seats are fabric in this variant, with height adjustment and recline options for the front seats. Ventilated seats are available in top models. A standard glove box is also present. The fuel tank capacity is 45 liters for petrol variants, with AdBlue required for diesel models.
Powerful Engine Options and Fuel Efficiency
The Sonet offers a range of engine choices:
- 1.0-liter Turbo Petrol Engine: This 3-cylinder engine produces 118 bhp power and 172 Nm torque, offering a mileage of approximately 18-19 kmpl.
- Non-Turbo Petrol Option: This engine provides 82 bhp power and 115 Nm torque.
- 1.5-liter Diesel Engine: This engine generates 114 bhp power and 250 Nm torque, with a mileage of around 20-22 kmpl.
Transmission options include manual, automatic, and iMT to suit different driving preferences.
Enhanced Safety Features
Safety is a priority in the Kia Sonet, which comes with standard safety features including six airbags. It also has ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution). Front wheels have disc brakes, while the rear wheels use drum brakes. For parking, it includes reverse parking sensors and a reverse parking camera. Additional safety features comprise traction control, TPMS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), seat belt warning, engine immobilizer, and a crash sensor.
Price and Warranty
The HTK+ Turbo iMT variant is priced at ₹12.29 lakh (ex-showroom), with an on-road price of around ₹14.01 lakh in Lucknow. The non-turbo iMT variant costs ₹11.39 lakh (ex-showroom) and approximately ₹13.02 lakh on-road in Lucknow.
The Kia Sonet comes with a 3-year unlimited kilometer warranty, which can be extended up to 5 years. It is available in various color options, including Black, Red, White, Silver, and Blue.
The Kia Sonet presents a strong package in the sub-compact SUV segment. It combines stylish looks, a feature-rich interior, and multiple engine options. Its direct competitors include the Hyundai Venue, Maruti Brezza, and Tata Nexon.
