Kia Sonet

Positives: This 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine produces 118bhp and 172Nm torque. It comes mated to either a six-speed iMT or a seven-speed DCT. It gets three driving modes: Normal, Eco, and Sport mode. Regardless of the mode, the engine remains silent and smooth, delivering predictable power and sufficient torque for everyday driving. Once past 2,500rpm, there's ample mid-range response, making overtaking effortless and ensuring quick progress at highway speeds. The DCT offers smooth gearshifts, allowing quick responses from the engine, while paddle shifters make manual gear shifts more engaging. Kia claims an ARAI mileage of 19.2kmpl for the DCT variant of Sonet, which is impressive for a compact SUV. At highway speeds, the Sonet drives relatively flat over small bumps or undulations and does not lean much around bends. The well-weighted steering provides precise feedback, inspiring confidence while driving. The braking feels reassuring as the Sonet is equipped with disc brakes on all wheels. Negatives: There's a slight delay in the dual-clutch gearbox while reversing, requiring extra throttle input for quicker motion. The Sonet’s ride quality feels slightly hard at slow speeds, which may be uncomfortable for passengers. Kia Sonet Key Specifications: Fuel Type Petrol Engine 998 cc Turbocharged Transmission Clutchless Manual (IMT) & Automatic (DCT) Power 118 bhp Torque 172 Nm Read more

Positives: The Kia Sonet's dashboard gets large vertical air-con vents, 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen and digital cluster. The USPs include an electric driver’s seat, front ventilated seats, and a sunroof. The Sonet offers a nice driving position, good all-round visibility, and sufficient room overall. There’s decent legroom and adequate thigh support for individuals with average height. There’s a seven-speaker Bose sound system, LED ambient lighting and an air purifier with virus and bacteria protection. It also offers a 360-degree camera, Alexa commands from home including tyre pressure and remote climate control. Its connected car suite includes Find My Car via surround view monitoring. It gets a 385-litre boot space, and the second-row backrest’s split-folding capability can improves the capacity. Negatives: The Sonet's second-row space is tight for six-foot-tall individuals. Even the shoulder room is restrictive for three passengers on the rear bench. It misses a steering reach adjustment, illuminated window buttons, auto wipers, and a full-sized spare wheel. Read more

Positives: Kia's new design language can be seen on the Sonet with a signature tiger-nose grille with LED DRLs, star-map LED headlamps, and sleek LED fog lamps. The Sonet features 16-inch crystal-cut alloys, LED-connected taillamps, rear skid plates with dark metallic accents, and a rear spoiler. There are eight monotone colours on offer including Pewter Olive, Intense Red, Imperial Blue, Sparkling Silver, Gravity Grey, Aurora Black Pearl, Clear White, and Glacier White Pearl. There are even two dual-tone colours with either Intense Red or Glacier White Pearl with an Aurora Black Pearl roof. Besides, there are unique colours offered in the X-Line variant, namely, Aurora Black Pearl and the spectacular-looking Xclusive Matte Graphite. In terms of the quality of cabin materials, there's no compromise with the new leatherette upholstery that looks fresh and upmarket. The X-Line has contrasting Sage Green leatherette seats with an all-black interior and Sage Green inserts. On the other hand, the GT-Line gets black leatherette seats with all-black interiors and white inserts. Meanwhile, the Tech-Line gets either black and beige semi-leatherette seats with a black and beige dual-tone interior or semi-leatherette seats with an all-black interior. Negatives: Kia missed the opportunity to introduce soft-touch materials in the Sonet's interior. Read more

Positives: The Sonet's safety suite includes six airbags, hill-start assist, electronic stability control, and vehicle stability management as standard. Moreover, it also gets a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, three-point seatbelts for all seats, disc brakes on all wheels, and a blind-view monitor. The latest iteration is offered with ADAS functionalities including forward collision warning and avoidance (car, pedestrian, cyclist), and lane keep assist. Negatives: The Sonet has not been crash-tested by the NCAP yet and hence doesn't have a safety rating. Read more

This 1.5-litre diesel engine produces 114bhp and 250Nm torque. It comes mated to a six-speed manual, six-speed iMT, or a six-speed automatic gearbox. Key Specifications: Fuel Type Diesel Engine 1493 cc Turbocharged Transmission Manual & Automatic (TC) Power 114 bhp Torque 250 Nm Read more

The 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine makes 82bhp and 115Nm torque. It is available only with a five-speed manual transmission. Key Specifications: Fuel Type Petrol Engine 1197 cc Transmission Manual Mileage (User Reported) 15 to 17.8 kmpl Power 82 bhp Torque 115 Nm Read more