Kia sonet: In the domain of mayhem that is the compact SUV segment, the Kia Sonet has managed to stand out, thanks to a striking design, smart features and a variety on offer at the powertrain end.

Introduced as one of the most affordable Kia products available in India, the Sonet caters to a vast range of customers who want to enter into the territory of a premium sub-4-meter offering.

Its interesting layout and smart design make it a serious player in the busy compact SUV market.

Bold and Sporty Design

From the word go, the Kia Sonet strikes an impression. Its bold front fascia -nose grille with Kia trademark- shaped bumpers and LED DRL’s, sporty and youthful.

It features the SUV’s high ground clearance, roof rails, strong shoulder lines, and linked LED tail lamps for its rugged yet tastefully sporty design.

Kia has also presented a number of dual tone colour schemes and attractive looking alloy wheels to lure in the younger crowd.

For a relatively compact car, it has a commanding road presence and looks and feels far more upmarket than many of its rivals.

High-Quality Interiors and Technology

Step inside and the Kia Sonet does not disappoint. The dashboard is contemporary styled with a clever layout that makes the most of available space.

Slightly premium feel with good quality plastics, leatherrate seat options and soft touch elements in higher models.

The focal point is the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system in top models, which includes Android Auto, Apple CarPlay as well as Kia’s various connected car technology.

The Sonet also provides ventilated seats up front, a wireless phone charger, ambient lighting, an air purifier, and digital instrument cluster.

Rear seat space is roomy enough for two adults but can be snug for three passengers.

Decent rear boot space means daily use and a few days away on the road are feasible.

Various Engines and Transmissions

The Sonet gets something for everyone in a plethora of engines! The naturally aspirated petrol engine with 1.2L of displacement is meant for basic, daily city users and the 1.0L turbo petrol throws in some peppiness for good measure.

The 1.5-litre diesel (with manual and automatic) is a real revelation – efficient and effortlessly relaxed on cruises.

It will be powered by the same 1.2-litre petrol engine and available in manual and DCT automatic options, offering customers options based on their driving preferences.

Diesel automatic pairing, in particular, is lauded for both smooth drive and frugality.

Safety and Driving Dynamics

The Sonet will come packed with a decent list of safety features too, like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill-start assist and tyre pressure monitoring will also be offered by Kia.

Some upper trim levels also include safety equipment such as front collision warning and lane keep assist.

The Sonet feels safe on the road. It’s well-behaved in city conditions and gives a good high-speed stability.

The suspension is calibrated for a compromise between comfort and handling, but it can seem a little firm over rough pavement.

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Pros

Eye-catching and youthful designnoinspection

Loads of kit in the cabin with segment-fem-seat ventilation optional first offerings

Many engine and transmission options with induction including turbo and diesel

Good build quality and luxury interiors

Decent fuel efficiency, particularly in the diesel incarnations

Cons

Rear room for three adults is tight

Ride can be firm on poor roads

The DCT variant could feel a bit slow in stop-and-go traffic

A premium is charged for more expensive models

Rear sight lines may be tight thanks to chunky pillars.

Kia sonet: Final Verdict

The all-round package that is the Kia Sonet falls into the sub-compact SUV segment.

It offers a smashing exterior design, high-end components, dependable engine selections and sturdy construction.

It’s not the roomiest in the back seat, and its ride can be a little rough, but its balance of design, performance and technology make it a worthy purchase for urban buyers.

Kia Sonet is worth considering if you are in the search for a feature-laden, glamorous-looking and modern compact SUV with a wide range of engine choices.