Kia Sonet : The compact SUV segment just got more interesting with Kia’s latest offering – the refreshed Sonet.
Bringing together head-turning design, premium features, and competitive pricing, this urban warrior is set to shake up the market.
Let’s dive deep into what makes the Sonet a compelling choice for buyers seeking style without breaking the bank.
Kia Sonet Striking First Impressions
Walk up to the Sonet, and you’re immediately struck by its confident stance.
Kia’s designers haven’t played it safe – the front end commands attention with its latest interpretation of the signature ‘tiger nose’ grille, now wider and more imposing than ever.
The LED headlamps integrate seamlessly with the grille, creating a sophisticated light signature that looks premium both day and night.
The side profile reveals carefully crafted character lines that add visual muscle without appearing overdone.
The rising window line and tapering roof create a dynamic silhouette, while the contrast roof option adds an extra dash of personality.
Those 16-inch alloy wheels fill the arches perfectly, their crystal-cut design catching light beautifully.
Moving to the rear, the connected LED tail lamps create a distinctive light bar that spans the width of the vehicle.
The sculpted tailgate and chunky bumper with faux skid plate complete the SUV look, ensuring the Sonet looks good from every angle.
Kia Sonet Premium Interior That Surprises
Step inside, and the Sonet continues to impress. The dashboard layout feels thoroughly modern, with a mix of horizontal lines and well-integrated screens.
The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system appears to float above the dash, while the digital instrument cluster provides crisp, clear information.
Material quality exceeds expectations for this price point. Soft-touch materials cover key touchpoints, while the leatherette upholstery in higher variants feels properly premium.
The attention to detail shows in elements like the knurled finish on key controls and the ambient lighting that creates a welcoming atmosphere after dark.
Space utilization impresses, with good headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers despite the compact exterior dimensions.
The 392-liter boot offers practical storage space, with a low loading lip making it easy to load heavy items.
Kia Sonet Technology That Delivers
Kia hasn’t skimped on the technology front. The Sonet comes loaded with features that were once the preserve of premium segments.
The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Kia Connect suite offers over 60 connected car features including remote engine start, climate control, and vehicle tracking.
The premium Bose sound system, available in top variants, delivers impressive audio quality with 7 speakers strategically placed throughout the cabin.
The system’s been tuned specifically for the Sonet’s cabin acoustics, resulting in rich, balanced sound across all genres.
Ventilated front seats – a segment-first feature – prove invaluable in hot weather, while the air purifier with virus protection adds an extra layer of cabin comfort.
The smart key with remote engine start makes life easier, especially on hot days when you want the cabin cooled before entering.
Kia Sonet Power and Performance Options
Understanding diverse buyer needs, Kia offers the Sonet with multiple powertrain options.
The 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine, perfect for city use, delivers 83 PS and comes paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
This combination offers a good balance of performance and efficiency for urban commuters.
The 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine raises the excitement level with 120 PS and 172 Nm of torque.
Available with either a 6-speed iMT (intelligent Manual Transmission) or 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission), it delivers spirited performance while maintaining reasonable fuel efficiency.
For those preferring diesel power, the 1.5-liter CRDi engine offers two states of tune – 100 PS with a 6-speed manual transmission or 115 PS with a 6-speed automatic.
The diesel variants excel in fuel efficiency while providing strong mid-range torque perfect for highway cruising.
Kia Sonet Safety First Approach
The Sonet’s safety package is comprehensive, starting with six airbags in top variants.
The structure uses high-strength steel in critical areas, while electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, and hill-start assist control come standard on higher trims.
The brake system features ABS with EBD, while the all-disc setup in top variants provides confident stopping power.
The tire pressure monitoring system helps maintain optimal tire pressure for safety and efficiency.
Advanced driver assistance features include:
Front and rear parking sensors
Rear view camera with dynamic guidelines
Blind spot monitoring
Leading vehicle departure alert
High beam assist
Kia Sonet Pricing That Makes Sense
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Sonet is how Kia has managed to package all these features at competitive price points.
Starting at ₹7.79 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base variant and going up to ₹14.89 lakh for the fully loaded automatic version, the Sonet offers excellent value across its range.
The variant strategy is well thought out, with meaningful feature additions as you move up the range.
Even the base variant comes well-equipped with essential features like dual airbags, ABS, power windows, and air conditioning.
Kia Sonet Real World Experience
Living with the Sonet reveals its thoughtful engineering. The high seating position and excellent visibility make city driving a breeze, while the tight turning radius helps in crowded parking lots.
The suspension setup strikes a good balance between ride comfort and handling, soaking up road imperfections while maintaining composure through corners.
Fuel efficiency proves competitive, with the diesel variants delivering 18-20 kmpl in mixed driving conditions.
The turbo-petrol manages 14-16 kmpl, while the naturally aspirated petrol returns around 15-17 kmpl in real-world conditions.
Kia Sonet Maintenance Costs and Service
Kia’s growing service network now covers most major cities and towns, with competitive service costs.
Scheduled maintenance typically costs between ₹5,000 to ₹8,000 depending on the service interval and engine option.
The company offers various service packages that can help reduce long-term maintenance costs.
Kia Sonet Market Position and Competition
The Sonet competes in the hotly contested compact SUV segment against established rivals like the Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue, and Tata Nexon.
While each competitor has its strengths, the Sonet stands out with its combination of distinctive design, premium features, and multiple powertrain options.
Kia Sonet Future Ready Features
The Sonet’s feature set positions it well for the future. The connected car technology can receive over-the-air updates, potentially adding new features over time.
The comprehensive safety package meets current regulations with room for future enhancements.
Kia Sonet Customization Options
Understanding modern buyers’ desire for personalization, Kia offers the Sonet with various customization options.
From different interior color schemes to exterior accessories packages, buyers can tailor their Sonet to match their taste.
Kia Sonet Verdict: Style Meets Substance
The Kia Sonet successfully bridges the gap between premium aspirations and budget realities.
It delivers on the fundamental SUV promises – commanding road presence, practical space, and robust construction – while adding a layer of sophistication through its design, features, and technology.
For buyers seeking a compact SUV that stands out from the crowd without demanding a premium price tag, the Sonet makes a compelling case.
It proves that style, features, and affordability can coexist, setting new benchmarks in its segment.
Whether you’re a first-time SUV buyer or looking to upgrade from a premium hatchback, the Sonet deserves serious consideration.
It’s not just another compact SUV – it’s a statement that affordable cars need not be boring, and premium features need not command premium prices.