Kia Sonet: Kia Sonet is a compact SUV that has quickly become a favourite in the Indian market for its bold design, feature‑rich cabin and wide choice of engines and gearboxes.
It targets buyers who want an urban‑friendly SUV that still feels premium, without stretching the budget into larger segments.
Bold compact SUV styling
Kia has given the Sonet a striking front end with the signature tiger‑nose grille, detailed chrome or dark inserts and sharp headlamps with LED DRLs on higher variants.
The sculpted bonnet, muscular bumper and faux skid plate together create a tough and sporty look that stands out in city traffic.
From the side, the compact 4‑metre footprint is masked by strong shoulder lines, flared wheel arches and stylish alloy wheels.
At the rear, connected‑style LED tail‑lamps, a chunky bumper and contrast elements give the Sonet a modern, youthful character that appeals strongly to first‑time SUV buyers.
Engine options, mileage and performance
One of the biggest strengths of the Kia Sonet is its multiple powertrain choices. Buyers can choose between a 1.2‑litre naturally aspirated petrol, a 1.0‑litre turbo‑petrol and a 1.5‑litre diesel engine, covering everything from relaxed city running to punchy highway performance.
Power outputs range roughly from about 82 bhp in the 1.2‑litre petrol to around 118 bhp in the 1.0‑litre turbo‑petrol, while the 1.5‑litre diesel makes about 114 bhp and a strong 250 Nm of torque.
Depending on variant, certified mileage figures span from around 18.4 kmpl for petrol to over 24 kmpl for diesel, giving the Sonet one of the best efficiency‑to‑performance balances in its class.
Ride, handling and everyday comfort
The Sonet is tuned to be easy to drive in crowded cities yet stable enough for intercity highway runs. Light steering and compact dimensions make it simple to slot into gaps and parking spots, which is especially useful for new drivers.
Suspension is set slightly on the firmer side to control body roll, so the car feels confident during quick lane changes and on winding roads, while still absorbing most potholes and speed breakers without harshness.
With seating for five, supportive front seats and a 385‑litre boot, the Sonet works well for both daily commuting and weekend family trips.
Interior quality, features and tech
Inside, the Kia Sonet’s cabin is one of the most feature‑loaded in the segment. A large touchscreen infotainment system, digital or semi‑digital instrument cluster and connected‑car technology with app‑based controls are available on higher trims.
Depending on variant, you can get automatic climate control, rear AC vents, wireless phone charger, electric sunroof, cruise control, air purifier, front ventilated seats and premium audio.
Higher variants also offer a 360‑degree camera, powered driver seat and Level‑1 ADAS functions such as forward collision warning, front collision avoidance and lane‑keeping assist, features rare in this size and price bracket.
Safety, variants and pricing
On the safety front, the Sonet offers dual airbags as standard with higher variants getting up to six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill‑assist control and tyre‑pressure monitoring. These features help make the compact SUV feel more secure on highways and during emergency manoeuvres.
The Sonet is sold in a wide spread of variants and powertrain combinations, including manual, iMT (clutchless manual) and automatic gearboxes for both petrol and diesel engines.
Ex‑showroom prices typically start around ₹7.3 lakh for the base HTE petrol and go up to about ₹14 lakh for the top GTX Plus Diesel AT, allowing buyers to pick a trim that suits both needs and budget.
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Kia Sonet Conclusion
Kia Sonet has carved out a strong space in the compact‑SUV segment by blending eye‑catching design, multiple engine and gearbox options, rich equipment and competitive pricing.
For urban and semi‑urban buyers who want a small SUV that feels premium, efficient and tech‑loaded without costing as much as bigger SUVs, the Sonet remains one of the most compelling choices on sale in India.