The Kia
Sonet finds itself in the ever changing B-segment alongside some stiff competition. The
Sonet however, since its introduction has been a favourite within the segment. It offers much in terms of features and value. Now though
Kia has added a turbocharged motor to the line-up and we gave it a go.
Design
The
Kia Sonet incorporates
Kia’s DNA of emotive styling along with a premium and youthful appeal to create a strong presence on the roads. The
Sonet showcases a range of styling attributes that sets it apart from its competitors, including a fresh interpretation of
Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose grille’, with a stylish front skid plate underneath.
Its sporty silhouette is enhanced by the unique design and structure of its
C-pillars, matched with a wrap-around rear windscreen. The profile, meanwhile, has a strong, sporty character thanks to the shape of the bonnet and bumpers, with the strongly raked
A-pillars and rounded roofline imparting greater road presence.
It’s actually spacious
Contributing to the
Sonet’s unmistakable
SUV stance is its size. At 4,120 mm long, sitting on a wheelbase measuring 2,500 mm, it’s one of the largest and most spacious vehicles in the
B-SUV segment, ensuring that there is more than enough space for all passengers – and everything that’s needed on the journey.
Interior
Inside, the
Sonet offers a sophisticated cabin with a smooth, flowing dashboard to appeal to young-at-heart and always-connected consumers. Keeping the comfort of the driver and passengers in mind, intelligent packaging has liberated plenty of leg room, head room and shoulder room, and created a large luggage area measuring 392 litres.
All the tech you expect
Taking centre stage on the dashboard is an 8,0-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system that incorporates a reverse camera with dynamic guidelines, a standard fitment throughout the range. The setup offers
Kia’s intuitive and friendly voice-control technology and sports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Additionally, the digital instrument cluster presents important information to the driver in vivid clarity.
About that engine
Supplementing the critically acclaimed
Sonet range, powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine in entry-level LX and mid-tier EX specification, the new Kia Sonet 1.0 T-GDi options build on the current range and offer a new flagship in EX+ specification.
The 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. You can expect 88kW and 172Nm of torque. The combination of engine and transmission also allow for an impressive fuel consumption figure.
Safety
Safety-wise, the
Kia Sonet is equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill-start assist, and rear parking sensors. It also gets a driver fatigue alert system, and a rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines.
Overall
In conclusion, the
Kia Sonet offers a great combination of style, performance, and convenience, and it is a great option for those looking for an affordable
SUV. It is well-equipped with a host of tech and convenience features, and it comes with a generous list of safety features.
So, if you’re looking for an affordable and feature-packed
SUV, the
Kia Sonet is definitely worth considering. It’s a popular car which we think will become even more popular thanks to the addition of this 1.0-litre turbocharged variant.
Credit: Justin Jacobs
