Kia Sonet is one of the most anticipated compact SUVs in the Indian market and its launch is slated for September 18, 2020. It gets three engine options but it surpasses the other rivals in terms of features. Yes, Kia claims that the upcoming Sonet gets 24 first in segment features. So what are those features - is it useful or just overhyped? We will share all their details now
Front Ventilated Seats
This feature works well in areas where the temperature reaches up to 50 degrees. The automatic climate control cools down the cabin while the front ventilated seats help in bringing down your sweat level. This is really a useful feature in new cars.
Diesel AT
It is the first compact SUV to come with fully automatic diesel gearbox. It uses a 6-speed AT unit which is paired to a 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine. This engine makes 113 bhp with a peak torque of 250 Nm. The certified ARAI mileage sticks to 19 km/l.
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Largest touchscreen system
Yes, the 10.25-inch head unit with touch is the largest in its segment and it comes with modern technology features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The bigger touchscreen keeps the level of premiumness of the SUV at top.
Bose sound system
No other car in this segment offers Bose sound system and that too in this price bracket. It gets a BOSE 7-speaker system which is good in clarity and base. Now you do not have to worry about good sound quality when you are on road trips.
4.2 colour cluster
This colour cluster is present on the instrument cluster which gives you several information like turn by turn navigation, front and rear parking sensor display and mode select display.
LED Sound mood light
Kia Sonet gets equipped with ambient lighting which changes according to the beat and mood set from the infotainment screen. You get to choose from several colours and also opt for the multi-colour mood lighting. This is just a gimmick which we have seen in premium luxury cars.
OTA Updates
Basically, over the air updates allows you to update the map at any location. This not only saves your time but also your money when you go to the dealership for any upgradation. With good WiFi strength, the maps can be updated automatically.
UVO Controlled Air Purifier
Like the Seltos, the Sonet too gets connected car technology. That means you can control the air purifier present in the car with your mobile or via touchscreen unit.
Driver window up/down through voice recognition
Another cool feature and which is quite useful in today's time is the driver side window can be opened or closed with just voice recognition. This way if you are travelling on highways and you have to collect toll receipt then you need not touch your car but just give a voice command.
Traction modes
Traction modes like snow, sand and mud in the Kia Sonet really helps in pulling the car on these surfaces. The car adjusts itself to whichever surface it is going when the command is set right.
Wake up Command
'Hello Kia' is how you activate this command and then you can almost do anything with it. Be it changing the song, opening of a sunroof or setting the AC temperature. This command will do it right.
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Bluetooth multi-connection
Yes, the advance system of the Kia Sonet allows the pairing of two devices at once. The primary device can be accessed for calls and music while the secondary phone is reserved for music only. So this is a new technology which is a first in this segment.
Wireless phone projection
Whenever you have to connect to the Apple Car Play or the Android Auto then you connect it with your USB and plug into the head unit. Well, Kia Sonet allows to pair up with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly as soon as you step inside the vehicle.
Smart key remote engine start
With your smart key, you can automatically start the engine by holding the middle button. The condition is you have to be in some proximity of your car and then only this function works properly. This is one of the cool features of the Kia Sonet.
Front parking sensors
This adds to the safety aid of the Sonet as both front and corner parking sensors are available with the SUV. So this feature really helps the driver park the car in tight spaces quite easily.
Cooling function with wireless charger
If your device is capable of wireless charging, then it is again a handy feature in case you forget the charging cable at home. In addition to the wireless charger, it also gets equipped with a cooling function which automatically cools down the battery in case it gets heated up.
Chrome diamond knurling on the front grille and AC vents
This is basically just a cosmetic enhancement to the front grille and AC vents by providing a chrome diamond knurling. It really makes the car stand out from the crowd.
Upper seatback pocket
Apart from the bottle holders, Kia has really freed up some of the space to keep your mobile and umbrellas. Yes, like the ventilated seat features comes handy in northern regions, this umbrella holder really works where there is tropical season.
Perfume dispenser with 3 fragrances
You get a total of three options - ocean, lavender and forest. The perfume dispenser is integrated into the air filter only and sets up the mood right according to the mood of the passengers sitting inside.
Dual muffler design
Again, like the chrome knurling, this is also just a gimmick by providing a dual muffler design. This adds to a sporty looking rear profile and that's just it. So it really depends upon your choice and what you're looking for.
Tailgate centre garnish
There is a reflector at the rear which connects the taillights. Now, at night it glows and really gives a sleeker look to the Kia Sonet. Kia says its a first-in-segment feature and well, we believe it.
Integrated panel cluster and infotainment
Often you must have seen that the rivals in this segment have a separate unit for touchscreen and infotainment system. Kia provides an integrated panel for both infotainment and instrumental cluster. This sets it apart from its rivals.
Red accented wheel caps
If you are to buy the GT line then apart from the red and black colour tone, you will also get red-accented wheel caps which really gives the compact SUV a sporty character.
Boot space
It gets a huge 392 litres of boot space which is highest in this segment. So that adds to one of the another features of the Kia Sonet.