KIA Sonet

KIA Sonet Expert Verdict

KIA Sonet Detailed Review

• Sonet Performance

  Not one, not two, but three distinct engine choices are available for the Kia Sonet. First, there is a 1.2-liter, normally aspirated petrol engine that complies with BS6. This petrol engine's maximum output is 114 Nm of peak torque and 83 PS of power. Only a 5-speed manual transmission is available with this engine, and while it doesn't provide particularly sporty driving experience, it simply does the job. You may want to think about this engine option if you're on a tight budget. The next engine is a potent 1.0-liter petrol turbocharged engine that complies with BS6. This turbocharged petrol car produces a maximum of 172 Nm of peak torque and 120 PS of maximum power. The engine is connected to both a 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch transmission) and a 6-speed iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission). With this engine, a true manual gearbox is not available. If you enjoy driving, you should choose the Sonet since its turbo-petrol engine provides exceptional performance.

  Last but not least, Kia is also providing a diesel engine with its small SUV. It should be noted that the Sonet is one of the few compact SUVs with a diesel engine. A 1.5-liter diesel engine with BS6 compliance powers the Sonet, producing a maximum of 100 PS and a maximum torque of 240 Nm. This engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. With the Sonet's diesel engine, Kia also offers a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission that produces 250 Nm of maximum torque and 115 PS of maximum power at its peak. If you frequently travel long distances, the Kia Sonet's diesel model may be the best option for you. These diesel powertrains offer excellent performance and fantastic fuel efficiency.

  Summary

  Kia is offering multiple powertrain options with the Sonet and so there is one Sonet for everyone. However, if you want a powerful engine, the turbo petrol motor should be your pick. Also it's nice to see a Diesel paired up to a torque converter automatic gearbox in a segment dominated by AMT-equipped competitors.

• Sonet Exterior

  

   

  At the rear, the Sonet gets a LED taillamp with a red-coloured strip that connects both the tail lamps, however, it is not an illuminating strip. The Kia Sonet gets body-cladding all-around with faux skid plates at the front and the rear to give this sub-compact SUV a more rugged appeal. All in all, the Sonet is a wonderful package and though it may not look butch or very robust, it still has a great road presence. The Kia Sonet is currently available in a total of 12 colour options, out of which seven are mono-tone shades and three are dual-tone colours. The mono-tone colour shades of the Sonet are Intense Red, Glacier White Pearl, Steel Silver, Aurora Black Pearl, Beige Gold, Gravity Gray and Intelligence Blue. The dual-tone colour variants are Beige Gold with Aurora Black Pearl, Glacier White Pearl with Aurora Black Pearl and Intense Red with Aurora Black Pearl. A matte grey paint job with contrast black accents is applied to the Sonet XLine. Gloss black paint will be used to complete the ORVM cap, grille, and fog light surround.

  Summary

  The Kia Sonet attracts eyeballs out on the streets and its youthful design language has won it plenty of takers in the Indian market. The GT line with its sportiness enhances the aesthetic appeal of the Sonet even more.

• Sonet Interior

  The Kia Sonet features a warm interior in addition to its stylish design. The top-spec GT line trims of the new Kia Sonet include an all-black interior with dynamic red accents. A 10–25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection commands the centre of its dashboard. Even Kia's UVO linked car technology, which has over 57 connected car functions, is included. The sub-compact SUV's other standout features include an electric sunroof, an ambient lighting system, a premium BOSE audio system, a smart air purifier, ventilated front seats, and much more. When it comes to the Sonet's seats, the front ones are particularly cosy and supportive. The area at the is really spacious. The interior colour scheme for the XLine edition is Splendid Sage. It is a lovely grey and beige combo that complements the black headliner. The seats, door pads, and steering wheel all have orange contrast stitching.

  

  Summary

  Kia is known to offer segment-best features in their cars and the Sonet is no different. It is packed with several best-in-class features including a massive touchscreen system.

• Sonet Dimensions and Capacity

  The Kia Sonet is a sub-4-meter compact SUV with dimensions of 3995 mm in length, 1790 mm in width, and 1647 mm in height. The Sonet's 2500 mm wheelbase guarantees that there is plenty of room within the cabin for the occupants, and its 211 mm ground clearance is more than sufficient for bumpy roads and subpar speed breaks. Its 392 litre boot allows you to transport your belongings for weekend vacations with ease.

  

  Summary

  The Kia Sonet is well-proportioned. It features more than enough ground clearance and a class-leading wheelbase that guarantees enough interior space. One of the larger ones in the group is the 392 litre boot. Taller people may find the back seats to be a little uncomfortable.

• Sonet Ride and Handling

  Although the Kia Sonet has amazing performance, is it enjoyable to drive? True is the response. The Kia Sonet offers excellent ride and handling qualities and is undoubtedly far more enjoyable to drive than most of its competitors. Due to its slightly stiffer suspension, the Sonet has excellent cornering ability and is fun to drive. At highway speeds, it feels pretty stable as well, allowing you to enjoy its powerful engine. Additionally, the Sonet's turbo petrol model is the most thrilling to drive out of both the petrol and diesel models. Despite having poor steering feel, the Kia Sonet is easy to manoeuvre in urban areas thanks to its light steering. The Sonet even has drive modes, which are somewhat helpful because the Sport mode adds extra weight to the steering wheel. Overall, it is a fun SUV to drive with very little body roll.

  Summary

  The Kia Sonet is a pleasant car to drive and offers a nice balance of ride and handling. Even on twisty roads, it handles nicely, and at triple-digit speeds, it feels pretty stable. Although the light steering is ambiguous, it is useful when driving in cities.

• Sonet Safety

  Speaking of safety features, the base model of the Kia Sonet comes standard with twin front airbags, reverse parking sensors, ABS with EBD, seat belt reminders, a high-speed alert system, etc. The top-spec models, however, come equipped with up to six airbags, all-disc brakes, an ABS system with electronic brakeforce distribution and braking assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a rear parking camera. The Sonet also comes equipped with cruise control, hill-start assist control, vehicle stability management, electronic stability control, and a number of additional amenities. The Global NCAP has not yet tested it in an accident, though. However, the recent Hyundai-Kia products' underwhelming results in GNCAP tests don't give consumers reason for optimism.

  

  Summary

  The top-end variations of the Kia Sonet come with a plethora of safety features, while lower trims just get the most fundamental ones. It hasn't been crash tested yet, though, and the prior Hyundai-Kia products' underwhelming results in GNCAP tests don't exactly encourage confidence.