KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- KIA Sonet comes with a starting price tag of Rs 8 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Available in 3 engine options
- Offer features like an electric sunroof, 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment, level 1 ADAS, and more
The KIA Sonet started its inning in the Indian market in 2020 and KIA India launched the first proper facelift of the SUV in 2024. The 2024 Sonet received a plethora of features, new design elements, and updated variants. However, it does have some drawbacks, as nothing is perfect these days. In this article, we'll have a look at the pros and cons of the KIA Sonet. Moreover, you can join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Group to stay updated on the latest automotive news.
Also Read: Hyundai Venue Key Features Explained: Compact SUV That's Big On Tech
Pros
Multiple-Engine & Powertrain Options
The KIA Sonet comes with 3 different engine options mated with multiple powertrain options. The Sonet offers a 1.2-litre NA petrol engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission only. For power lovers, the SUV comes with a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine with a 6-speed iMT gearbox and a 7-speed DCT gearbox. At last, the Sonet offers a 1.5-litre diesel engine with a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed AT gearbox. These three engine options cater to different customer preferences.
Competition Check: Rivals like the Hyundai Venue which is on the same platform as the Sonet also offers 3 engine options. However, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza comes with a petrol and a CNG engine only.
Loaded With Features
KIA cars are known to be feature-rich and the Sonet is no exception. The 2024 KIA Sonet comes with a plethora of convenience and safety features. The convenience features include automatic climate control, 1025-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, an electric sunroof, wireless charging, front and rear armrest, BOSE sound system among others. These features enhance the overall driving and commuting experience inside the cabin.
Competition Check: The rivals like the Tata Nexon, and Maruti Suzuki Brezza also offer an electric sunroof, automatic climate control, and wireless charging, among other features.
Fairly Equipped Base & Mid Variants
I think KIA has done a good job with feature segregation. The brand has equipped the base and mid-spec variants with a decent number of features. The base variant comes with 6-airbags, semi-leatherette seats, rear AC vents, TPMS, ESC, VSM, and more. Moreover, the optional base variant the HTE(O) gets an electric sunroof. Similarly, the mid-spec variants are also well equipped with touchscreen infotainment, hyper-style wheels, sunroof, and other features.
Competition Check: In the rivals like the Maruti Brezza the sunroof is available in the top-spec variant only, whereas the Tata Nexon offers sunroof and touchscreen in mid variants as well.
Good Safety Features On Offer
Nowadays safety plays an important role when making a purchase decision. KIA has taken care of this aspect and offered a good number of safety features in the Sonet lineup. Starting from the base variant, 6-airbags, VSM, ESC, ABS with EBD, brake assist, hill-start, all-5 seat belt reminder, and other features are standard. In the higher spec variants, the brand offers all disc brakes, level 1 ADAS with 10 features, and some more safety features.
Competition Check: The rivals like the Tata Nexon and Hyundai Venue offer 6-airbags as standard fitment and other safety features. However, the Maruti Brezza comes with dual airbags in lower variants and does not offer all disc brakes in any variant. Also, it misses on ADAS.
Also Read: 2024 Citroen Basalt Petrol Pros & Cons Explained
Cons
No Automatic Transmission With 1.2-Litre NA Petrol Engine
This is a major turn-off for customers who don't want to buy the turbo petrol engine option. The Sonet does not offer an automatic transmission with the 1.2-litre NA petrol engine. This engine comes with a manual transmission only. This makes the Sonet a turn-off for some potential buyers. The brand should've offered an automatic unit with the NA petrol engine.
Competition Check: Rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Brezza which comes with a bigger 1.5-litre NA petrol engine offer an automatic transmission option.
ADAS Available With Automatic Transmission
The Sonet comes with level 1 ADAS but it is available in the top-spec 1.5-litre diesel automatic and 1.0-litre turbo petrol with 7-speed DCT transmission versions only. The customers who are opting for the manual or an iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission) will not get ADAS features. The safety features should be available in every transmission option.
Competition Check: Rivals like the Mahindra XUV 3XO offer level 2 ADAS which is more intuitive than the level 1 ADAS in the Sonet. Also, the ADAS in the Mahindra 3XO is available with the diesel and TGdi petrol engines.
Limited Space
The Sonet's compact dimensions have some space constraints. The rear seat does not offer space for 3 adults to sit on the seat, also, the legroom is limited which may create problems for tall passengers. Moreover, the headroom is something which might create some problems for the tall passengers in the rear row.
Competition Check: The Maruti Suzuki Brezza offers a good space in the rear row and is decently spacious for 3 adults for short distances.
Also Read: Hyundai Venue Variants Explained: Which Offers The Most Value?
Verdict
KIA Sonet is one of the top-selling KIA car in the Indian market. The South-Korean manufacturer has understood the Indian market well and they know what Indians want. The Sonet offers good number of features and a good appeal on the road which is helping the car in earning good sales number. However, I think it falls short on some aspect which makes it a turn off for some potential customers.
