Kia Sonet

The Sonet is one of the two small SUVs sold by Kia in India Initially launched in 2020, the Kia Sonet has always been one of the most feature-loaded offerings in its segment. With its striking design, multiple powertrain options and tech features, it always stood out from the rest of the segment, which includes cars like the Tata Nexon, Skoda Kylaq, Mahindra XUV 3XO, and Hyundai Venue. In a bid to keep it competitive against new rivals, Kia has introduced an MY26 update for the Sonet, which brings down prices for the automatic variants of the diesel and turbo-petrol engines significantly. 

But is the Kia Sonet the perfect small SUV for your family, or is there a compromise somewhere in its package? Let’s find out:

The Kia Sonet has always been one of the most handsome looking cars in its segment, and with the latest facelift, it definitely looks even more striking. The sharp nose gets plenty of deep contours on the bonnet, giving it a post-gym-like pump.

The front looks aggressive, but also premium with the sleek LED DRLs, a part of which doubles up as the indicator lights. The LED headlights are very detailed and look great at night. Kia offers different bumper designs depending on the variant, wherein the tech line gets a little sophisticated styling compared to the sportier look of the GT and X Line variants. 

There’s not much happening in profile, save for the snazzy alloy wheel designs, which again vary depending on the variant selected. Top- and mid-spec variants get 16-inch alloys and dual tone styled wheels, while the base variant gets 15-inch steel wheels with covers.

It looks modern at the rear with a connected LED tail light, which looks really nice at night. However, the reverse light is located centrally in the bumper, and can be difficult to spot for some, especially in crowded parking lots or malls.

In terms of colour options, Kia offers plenty of colour choices: Pewter Olive, White Pearl, Sparkling Silver, Gravity Grey, Aurora Black Pearl, Imperial Blue, Matte Graphite, Clear White, and the new Magma Red. The Glacier White Pearl shade is also available with a dual-tone Aurora Black Pearl roof treatment.

Furthermore, the X-line variant of the Kia Sonet features the Xclusive Matte Graphite shade, which adds to the mean look of the car. It might take additional care to maintain, but it undeniably suits the car and looks cool on the Sonet.

Overall, the Kia Sonet is the one of the sportiest looking options in the segment. While some of its rivals look quirky and unconventional, the Sonet offers an attractive and modern styling treatment on a conventional silhouette, which makes it appealing to almost everyone.

Design and Quality

The Kia Sonet’s cabin has a premium feel to it, not just in terms of the quality of materials, but also in the way it has been designed. There are multiple colour themes available depending on the variant. The Tech line itself gets four different themes with a black theme as constant for the dashboard but different seat upholstery in the form of Black and Beige, Indigo Pera with Navy stitching, and Black and Brown shades. The GT Line gets a black theme overall with white inserts on the seats, while the X-line features Sage Green leatherette seats with all black interior. 

All the different permutations and combinations look nice, but the overall black theme for the dashboard is constant, which does give the Sonet’s cabin a rather sporty feel.

Adding to the styling quotient are the vertical air vents, and while the central console might look a little busy to some, I personally like the dedicated toggles and buttons for various functions

The cabin impresses in terms of its quality as well. There’s leatherette padding on the door pads, central armrest and leatherette on the steering wheel, while all the plastics used have a smooth finish to them. The buttons feel solid and tactile to use and there are no fit and finish inconsistencies either. It feels like Kia has put a lot of thought and effort into the cabin and it shows. It is easily among the best in the segment in terms of interior quality, fit and finish. 

Front Seat

Ingress and egress is fairly simple in the Sonet, even for the elderly. Once inside, the front seats feel comfortable with their soft cushioning. They offer good underthigh support and the big contours hold you in place as well. 

The driver seat is 4-way power adjustable for convenience. Height adjustment is manual, but with tilt steering adjustment, finding a comfortable driving position is easy. The driving position is quite commanding too and there is adequate space for users over 6 feet tall in the front seats.

There is a central armrest on offer, but I wish it was adjustable, which would’ve helped improve comfort on long journeys. 

Rear Seat

The rear seats of the Kia Sonet offer enough space for two average sized adults. The seats feel comfortable, with soft cushioning and good amount of headroom, but the underthigh support is less than ideal. The legroom and knee room are just about acceptable, especially if the front seats are occupied by a tall person.

Three people can sit here for a short period of time, but their shoulders will overlap, and the middle passenger won’t be comfortable, due to the fact that the middle seat protrudes outwards. There’s also no headrest for the middle passenger. This might be uncomfortable for longer journeys. 

As a result, it is best used as a four seater, and those two rear passengers will appreciate the amenities on offer, as the Sonet gets rear AC vents, a central armrest with cupholders and even sun blinds to keep prying eyes at bay.

Storage & Practicality

There are no issues with the Sonet’s cabin practicality. All four door pockets can easily accommodate 1-litre bottles along with some knick knacks. You get a large open storage in the centre for the wireless charger, which can be used to store items like keys or wallet when not in use. Behind that are two cup holders and a phone slot. You get space inside the armrest as well but it is a little compromised due to the air purifier. The glove box is also decent sized but you don't get a cooling function here. 

The rear passengers have seat back pockets, cupholders in the centre armrest, and a small storage tray under the rear AC vents for a phone.

Charging Options

The Sonet gets a wireless phone charger with an air vent so that your phone doesn't get too hot. Apart from that it gets a type C port, USB type A port, and a 12V socket in the front, and two type-C ports in the rear.

Boot Space

The Sonet has a 385-litre boot on paper, which is enough for a full suitcase set (small, medium, and large), along with one or two soft bags, depending on their size.

The rear seats have a 60:40 split, so in case you need to carry more luggage, you can do so at the cost of rear passengers. However, the seats don’t fold flat with the floor, so pushing larger items inside will take some additional effort.

The Kia Sonet offers one of the best feature experiences in its segment. Not only does it pack a considerable amount of kit, but the execution of those features is also appreciable. 

The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system has a modern operating system, and an easy to use interface. The resolution is bright, graphics are crisp, and I never faced any lag or delay in the response from the screen. The only issue is that the connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is wired, not wireless. The lower variants packing the 8-inch unit do get wireless smartphone connectivity. 

This screen also acts as the display for the 360° camera. The 3D view is intuitive to use and with dynamic guidelines on offer, it’s quite easy to park the Sonet too. No complaints regarding video quality either. It’s a helpful feature executed beautifully. 

Finally, the touchscreen is paired to a punchy BOSE branded audio system. It features 7 speakers (including a subwoofer) and audio quality is genuinely impressive. I enjoyed blasting music at loud volumes on this system. 

Moving on to the driver’s instrument cluster, which is a beautifully executed 10.25-inch digital display. It is crisp and packs some neat graphics. It even has nice animations when you change between the drive modes. While this screen shows you all the data of your drive, its best feature is a blind view monitor, which gives you the feed from the side cameras as soon as you turn on the indicators.

On hot summer days, ventilated seats helped keep me cool. They function as intended with three different intensity settings as well, but the fan can get a little loud and can be heard when there’s no music playing.

Kia offers 15 safety features as standard with the Sonet, while higher variants add features like rear wiper and washer, rear defogger, dual dashcam, ISOFIX mounts, 360-degree camera and rear disc brakes to the list. The surround view camera has good camera quality with multiple viewing modes. In fact, the Sonet is one of the few cars in the segment to offer both front and rear parking sensors, and this is something that new drivers will definitely find useful while parking in tight spots.

Furthermore, the Sonet also packs a camera based Level-1 ADAS suite in the GTX+ and X Line variant. The top autonomous features include forward collision avoidance, lane keep assist, leading vehicle departure alert and high beam assist. It does not get adaptive cruise control as it is a feature found in cars with Level-2 ADAS systems.

Engine Options And Performance

The Kia Sonet is one of the very few cars in the segment to offer three different engine options, including diesel. However, there is no option for a factory-fitted CNG kit. Save for the naturally aspirated petrol engine, the turbo-petrol and diesel, both get the option of an automatic transmission.

1.2-litre NA petrol

This is the most refined engine in the Sonet’s lineup, and is best suited for people who want a relaxed and smooth drive experience.

City Performance

This engine offers an easy drive experience in the city. It builds up speed in a linear way, there is no sudden burst of energy and newbie drivers will get comfortable with the engine easily. At lower RPMs, it has enough power to keep pace with slow moving traffic, and in case you want to make a quick overtake, the manual transmission is easy to use as well. The clutch’s release point feels progressive and you won’t have to fight or struggle to slot in a gear. 

You can expect a fuel economy of around 10-12kmpl in the city.

Highway Performance

This engine can cruise comfortably at highway speeds, but if you are looking for some quick overtakes at triple digit speeds, that just won’t happen with this engine. For a high-speed overtake, you will have to move down to a lower gear, but even then, the acceleration isn’t strong. So you will have to plan your overtakes with this engine.

In terms of fuel efficiency, you can expect somewhere around 14-16kmpl on the highway.

1-litre turbo-petrol

Despite being a three-cylinder unit, the noise and vibrations levels of this engine are well controlled. It offers the best performance amongst all the engine options available in the Sonet, but isn’t very economical when it comes to fuel efficiency.

City Performance

The turbo-petrol engine of the Sonet feels fun to drive in the city. It feels smooth at low speeds and crawls in bumper to bumper traffic without being too eager. But as soon as you floor the throttle, the acceleration feels strong and all overtakes happen quickly. 

The clutchless manual is a good option if your usage involves heavy traffic, and you don’t want to deal with using the clutch but still want some engagement. But the price premium of the DCT is worth it for its dual nature, where it feels smooth and relaxed when driven normally, but also offers quick shifts when you’re driving enthusiastically.

I would recommend using the Sonet in Normal or Eco mode only, as the car can feel a little jumpy for city traffic in Sports mode. Fuel efficiency isn’t this engine’s strongest point, as you can expect an efficiency of around 9-10kmpl.

Highway Performance

If your drives involve a lot of highway usage, and you usually like to make your way and filter through the slow moving cars on our expressways, then this engine will be a good option. Once the turbo kicks, the acceleration is strong, and the car continues to pull strongly beyond 80kmph too. 

It will happily cruise at speeds of 100-120kmph, and all you need to do is downshift a gear to make an overtake at those speeds. In Sports mode, the gearbox keeps you in the right place (RPM) for you to accelerate quickly, or you can alternatively use the paddle shifters as well. This is where you’ll appreciate the quick and snappy nature of the DCT, as it does not hesitate to downshift quickly. 

Fuel efficiency improves slightly on the highway, and you can expect around 12-13kmpl.

1.5-litre diesel engine

This is the same engine that is found in the bigger Kia Seltos, and there have been no changes made to the output for the Sonet. As a result, this engine offers a balance of both effortless performance and efficiency, although you can feel the noise and vibrations of the engine inside the cabin.

City Performance

Driving the diesel Sonet inside the city at slow speeds is hassle-free. It has enough power at city speeds to take quick overtakes, and you can have a relaxed driving experience even in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

The manual transmission is easy to use here as well, but for a truly jerk-free experience, it is the automatic that is better. This transmission changes gears smoothly, and while the shifts are slightly noticeable at city speeds, you won’t even feel the gears changing at highway speeds. 

You can expect a fuel efficiency of around 13kmpl in the city.  

Highway Performance

This engine packs plenty of torque, which makes it easy to use on the highway too. It isn’t as effortless to make high speed overtakes as it is with the turbo-petrol engine, but it gets the job done and you don’t need to plan your overtakes in advance. You get the required power instantly without any lag, and crossing into triple digit speeds and cruising at those speeds is effortless.

The transmission is quick enough to drop a gear or two when needed, and for more control, Kia also offers paddle shifters, which is a nice addition.

With the diesel, you can expect a fuel efficiency of around 15kmpl on the highway.

Overall, the Kia Sonet offers engine options for everybody and every use case. My personal pick would be the diesel automatic for its all-rounder traits. Only if my fuel bills were sponsored, I would opt for the turbo-petrol engine.

Ride Quality

The suspension of the Kia Sonet is slightly on the stiffer side. As a result, the ride doesn’t feel as plush or cushioned as some of its rivals, but there is no real compromise either. The broken patches and potholes in the city are absorbed well, and while there is some noticeable movement in the cabin, there are no sudden jerks.

However, you do have to tackle sharp bumps or potholes at a slower speed, otherwise the suspension tends to make a loud thud noise, which isn’t a nice feeling.

Highway comfort is good too as the car remains planted over an undulation or expansion joint. But some vertical up-down movement can be felt at the rear if the road isn’t smooth or if there is a concrete patch on the highways such as the Mumbai-Pune expressway.

Handling

You also get a safe and reassuring handling package with the Sonet. The steering is light enough to manoeuvre through traffic and makes parking convenient too. But if you are going to take it to a hill station, you will enjoy driving it there as the car remains predictable with acceptable amounts of body roll. 

Overall, the Sonet offers a good balance of ride and comfort. It is a car that is easy to live with, and whether you are new or a seasoned driver, you will enjoy driving the Sonet.

Kia offers the Sonet in eight variants: HTE, HTE(O), HTK, HTK(O), HTK+(O), HTX, GTX+, and X-line.

Sonet HTE

• Good looking base variant with halogen headlights, 15-inch steel wheels with covers and reflector connected tail lights.

• Takes care of functional adjustments like headrests, tilt steering and electric adjustment for outside mirrors.

• Packs all essentials like front power windows, manual AC, rear AC vents, central locking, and type-C charging ports (1x front and 2x rear).

• Six airbags, electronic stability program, hill-hold assist, vehicle stability management and rear parking sensors are part of standard safety kit.

Sonet HTE(O)

• Extension of base variant.

• Adds LED DRLs to the exterior styling.

• Improved features with electric sunroof, rear power windows and rear sunshades.

Sonet HTK(O)

• Fancier exterior styling with LED DRLs, turn signals on ORVMs, and LED connected tail lights.

• Better feature package with an electric sunroof, electric folding outside mirrors, and automatic climate control.

• Safety kit gets rear defogger, rear wiper and washer.

Sonet HTK(O)+

• Premium exterior with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, LED fog lights and rear spoiler.

• Richer cabin eel with leatherette on steering wheel, gear knob, armrest and Indigo Pera leatherette seats.

• Focuses on functional improvements with rear central armrest, rear adjustable headrests, and 60:40 rear seat split.

• Feature add ons include wireless phone charger, push button start/stop, keyless entry and one touch driver window up/down.

Sonet HTX

• Exterior gets silver side food garnish, but the interior features black and brown leatherette seats. Semi-leatherette seats for the diesel manual and turbo-petrol clutchless manual.

• Top feature additions include ventilated seats, cruise control, air purifier, paddle shifters (AT only), and drive and traction modes.

• Rear disc brakes are the only addition in the safety features.

Sonet GTX+

• Sportier looks with 16-inch sporty alloy wheels, white brake calipers, body coloured spoiler, new front and rear skid plates and Dark Metallic accents all around. Also features sleek LED fog lights and glossy black roof rails.

• Sportier interior features alloy pedals, all black roof lining, D-cut steering wheel with GT Line logo and all black theme with white inserts.

• Top feature additions include 4-way powered driver seat, 7-spaker BOSE sound system, one touch up/down for all windows and connected car technology.

• Top spec infotainment package with dual 10.25-inch displays. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is wired, however.

• Improved safety kit with Level-1 autonomous driving assistance features (ADAS) and auto inside rear view mirror. 

Sonet X-Line

• Features exclusive Matte Black exterior shade and Sage Green leatherette seats and inserts inside the cabin.

• No additions in the features or safety kit.

CarDekho Recommends:

• If you’re on a budget, the HTK variant offers a good balance of comfort and functional features, while also offering a good safety package.

• The HTK+(O) variant feels value-for-money with its premium exterior looks and balance of features.  

• GTX+ and X-Line variant is a discretionary purchase, and offers good features for the price point.

As far as small family SUVs go, the Kia Sonet ticks all the right boxes with its good looks, premium cabin, great features, and good safety features. Its powertrain options offer something for everyone, and it is only the rear seat experience which could have been better for tall occupants. So as long as your usage of the second row is limited, and you plan to drive around yourself, the Sonet won’t give you a reason to complain about.

Other Cars To Consider Instead Of The Kia Sonet

Mahindra XUV 3XO

Reasons to consider

• More powerful turbo-petrol engine

• Features Level-2 ADAS tech

• Better second row space for three 

Reasons to ignore

• Polarising styling might not suit everybody’s taste

Hyundai Venue

Reasons to consider

• Top-spec variant is considerably more affordable

Reasons to ignore

• Misses out on a few features

• Diesel only gets the option of a manual transmission

Tata Nexon

Reasons to consider

• Option of a CNG kit

• Offers a few more features like panoramic sunroof

• 5-star GNCAP safety rating

• More comfortable ride quality

• Better second row comfort

Reasons to ignore

• Tech package can glitch sometimes

• Turbo-petrol engine isn’t as refined 

• Interior storage space is poor

Kia Syros 

Reasons to consider

• More premium and practical cabin

• Better feature package

• 5-star BNCAP safety rating

• Better rear seat space

• Both turbo-petrol and diesel engines are more refined

Reasons to ignore

• Less comfortable ride, especially for rear occupants

• Polarising styling might not suit everybody’s taste

• Top variants are more expensive

• No NA petrol engine option