The Kia Sonet, a prominent player in the Indian subcompact SUV market, made its debut in 2021 and quickly gained favor among consumers due to its stylish design, extensive features, and competitive pricing. The 2024 first-generation facelift continues to build on this success, introducing several updates that enhance its appeal even further.
The Kia Sonet is offered with both petrol and diesel engines, with prices starting at an ex-showroom cost of ₹8 lakh and reaching up to ₹15.69 lakh for the top model. The variant under review is the top model X-Line petrol, showcasing the best features this facelift has to offer.
The Kia Sonet is assembled in India, Ecuador, and Vietnam, utilizing the Hyundai-Kia K2 platform. This platform is shared with other models such as the Seltos, Carens, Rio, Hyundai i20, Verna, Venue, Creta, and Alcazar, emphasizing the Sonet’s robust and versatile design. The Sonet shares many similarities with the Hyundai Venue, further highlighting its reliable foundation.
The 2024 Kia Sonet sports a refreshed look with several design enhancements. Notable features include ADAS Level 1, which incorporates 10 autonomous functions such as forward collision warning and avoidance assist, lane-keeping and following assist, driver attention warning, and more. The Sonet comes with a 3-year unlimited kilometers warranty that can be extended to 5 years, along with 3-year 24×7 roadside assistance. Additionally, Kia offers a Scratch Care program, providing one-time free repair for the first scratch within a year of purchase.
In terms of exterior design, the Sonet features LED fog lamps, high gloss skid plates at both the front and rear, and parking sensors for enhanced safety. The Kia signature tiger nose grille comes with a knurled black high gloss surround finish. The vehicle is equipped with automatic crown jewel LED headlamps, high beam assist, and star map LED DRLs. Electrically adjustable and folding mirrors with LED turn indicators add to the convenience and safety.
The Sonet measures 4 meters in length and 1.6 meters in height, offering a choice of 16-inch crystal cut alloy wheels or 15- and 16-inch steel wheels. Higher variants come with disc brakes on both ends, while lower variants feature drum brakes at the rear. The vehicle is equipped with 215/60 R16 95H MRF Wanderer Ecotread street radial tubeless tires.
The reviewed model is in matte graphite color, with additional options including olive, white, silver, grey, black, red, and blue. A dual-tone option with a black roof is also available. The rear of the Sonet features star map LED connected tail lamps with emergency stop signals, a rear wiper with washer, and a defogger.
The Sonet’s ADAS Level 1 includes features such as forward collision warning and avoidance assist, lane-keeping and following assist, lane departure warning, driver attention warning, and leading vehicle departure alert. Additionally, the Sonet offers three traction modes (sand, mud, and wet) and three drive modes (normal, eco, and sport), although these are limited to the automatic transmission variants. The car also supports remote engine start via the key.
In terms of suspension and build quality, the front suspension consists of a McPherson strut with coil springs, while the rear uses a coupled torsion beam axle. The Sonet’s body incorporates high-strength steel for enhanced durability and safety.
The Kia Sonet excels in safety with features like six airbags, ABS with EBD, brake force assist, electronic stability control, a 360-degree camera, ISOFIX child seat mounting, keyless entry, seatbelt reminder, driver rear view monitor, burglar alarm, central locking, vehicle stability management, hill start assist, parking sensors, highline tire pressure monitor, blind view monitor, speed sensing auto door lock, impact sensing auto door unlock, and 3-point seatbelts.
The interior of the Sonet offers a spacious 385-litre boot, a 15-inch steel spare wheel, and a premium Bose sound system with seven speakers. Other interior features include one-touch up/down power windows with jam protection, leatherette wrapped door armrests, sunshade curtains, and sage green leatherette upholstery. Options in black, brown, and beige, with fabric upholstery, are also available. The seats feature a tubular pattern with 60/40 split folding rear seats. The cabin includes a black headliner, LED ambient sound lighting, tilt steering, an air purifier with virus and bacterial protection, a 4-way power adjustable driver seat, ventilated front seats, electric power steering, dual horn, and sporty alloy pedals.
The Sonet is available with multiple transmission options. The petrol engines include a 998 cc, inline 3-cylinder Hyundai Smartstream G1.0T-GDi engine producing 118 horsepower and 172 Nm torque, and a 1197 cc, inline 4-cylinder Hyundai Smartstream G1.2 engine producing 81 horsepower and 115 Nm torque. The diesel engine is a 1493 cc, inline 4-cylinder Hyundai Smartstream D1.5 CRDi VGT engine producing 114 horsepower and 250 Nm torque. Transmission options include a 7-speed DCT automatic, 6-speed iMT, and 5-speed manual for petrol, and a 6-speed manual, 6-speed iMT, and 6-speed automatic for diesel variants. The gear knob is wrapped in leatherette for added comfort.
The Sonet’s infotainment system is top-notch, featuring a 10.25-inch HD touchscreen supporting navigation, wired Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, OTA updates, Kia Connect, AI voice recognition, Bluetooth, USB, and Hinglish voice commands. Lower variants come with an 8-inch infotainment system from the HTK variants onwards. Additional features include an auto anti-glare rear view mirror with Kia Connect controls, an electric sunroof, a leatherette wrapped D-Cut steering wheel with Sonet logo, cruise control with speed limit assist, and a 10.25-inch fully digital LCD instrument cluster. Lower variants feature a 4.2-inch color instrument cluster. Manual transmission models include a gear shift indicator.
The Sonet’s petrol engines offer a balance of power and efficiency, with the 998 cc engine delivering 118 horsepower and 172 Nm torque, and the 1197 cc engine producing 81 horsepower and 115 Nm torque. The diesel engine is particularly powerful, with 114 horsepower and 250 Nm torque, making it a robust choice for longer drives and rougher terrains.
In conclusion, the 2024 Kia Sonet facelift combines stylish design, advanced features, and robust performance, making it a compelling choice in the subcompact SUV segment. Its extensive list of safety features, multiple transmission options, and advanced infotainment system ensure a comfortable and secure driving experience. Whether for city commuting or longer road trips, the Kia Sonet stands out as a versatile and reliable vehicle.
