Kia Sonet continues to rule India’s sub-compact SUV space by blending bold design, advanced tech, and efficient engines—delivering a premium SUV feel without stretching your budget.
Kia Sonet has steadily emerged as one of India’s most loved sub-compact SUVs, and for good reason. Starting at ₹7.30 lakh (ex-showroom) and stretching up to ₹14 lakh for the fully loaded GTX+ diesel automatic, the Sonet proves that luxury, safety, and performance no longer demand a Fortuner-sized spend. Moreover, with 21 variants on offer, Kia ensures there’s a Sonet for every kind of buyer—from first-time car owners to upgrade-hungry families.
Kia Sonet Design and Road Presence
At first glance, the Kia Sonet looks every bit like a scaled-down luxury SUV. Moreover, its compact 3995mm length makes city driving effortless, while the muscular stance ensures it never looks small. With a width of 1790mm, height of 1647mm, and a commanding 205mm ground clearance, the Sonet handles speed breakers, broken village roads, and monsoon slush with confidence.
Additionally, the signature tiger-nose grille paired with sleek LED headlamps gives the Sonet a sharp, modern face. Meanwhile, the connected LED taillamps and sculpted bumpers enhance its premium appeal. Colors like Intense Red and Aurora Black further amplify its street presence, especially under city lights.
However, practicality remains intact. The 2500mm wheelbase offers comfortable rear legroom, while the 385-litre boot easily swallows weekend luggage. Furthermore, the 60:40 split rear seats allow you to haul golf bags or shopping sprees without compromise.
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Kia Sonet Interior and Comfort Features
Step inside, and the Sonet immediately feels a segment above. Moreover, the dual-tone cabin, soft-touch dashboard, and leatherette upholstery create a genuinely upscale environment. The twin 10.25-inch screens—one for infotainment and one for the digital instrument cluster—dominate the dashboard and feel intuitive from the driver’s seat.
Additionally, ventilated front seats prove to be a blessing during scorching Indian summers. Meanwhile, the panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with natural light without excessive glare. Wireless charging, ambient lighting, and a flat rear floor further improve day-to-day usability.
Families, therefore, appreciate thoughtful additions like rear AC vents, ample storage spaces, and a comfortable middle seat. Consequently, long Jaipur weekend drives feel relaxed rather than tiring.
Kia Sonet Engine Options and Performance
Kia offers a versatile engine lineup that suits both city commuters and highway cruisers. The 1.0-litre turbo-petrol produces 118bhp and 172Nm of torque, delivering punchy acceleration and effortless overtakes. Moreover, buyers can choose between a 6-speed iMT or a lightning-quick 7-speed DCT automatic.
Meanwhile, the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol focuses on smoothness and efficiency, especially with the CVT gearbox. On the other hand, the 1.5-litre CRDi diesel remains a favourite thanks to its 250Nm torque output and impressive 24kmpl efficiency.
Additionally, the Sonet feels refined at highway speeds. NVH levels remain well controlled even at 120kmph, while the suspension setup absorbs rough patches without unsettling passengers. Consequently, long-distance drives feel confident and composed.
Kia Sonet Mileage and Driving Experience
Fuel efficiency remains one of the Sonet’s strongest selling points. The diesel variant easily delivers real-world highway mileage close to 19–20kmpl, while petrol versions stay economical in city traffic. Moreover, the 45-litre fuel tank allows extended highway runs with fewer fuel stops.
Meanwhile, the electric steering feels light in the city yet stable on highways. The front MacPherson struts and rear torsion beam strike a fine balance between comfort and control. Therefore, whether navigating traffic or cruising at triple-digit speeds, the Sonet feels reassuring.
Kia Sonet Safety and ADAS Features
Safety is where the Kia Sonet truly shines. All variants come equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, and hill assist as standard. Moreover, higher trims introduce Level 2 ADAS features such as forward collision warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-view monitoring.
Additionally, features like a 360-degree camera, TPMS, ISOFIX mounts, and driver attention warning enhance overall confidence. Consequently, both city commutes and highway journeys feel significantly safer.
Kia Sonet Pricing and Variant Value
The Kia Sonet starts at ₹7.30 lakh (ex-showroom) for the HTE petrol manual, while the GTX+ diesel automatic tops out near ₹14 lakh. On-road prices typically range between ₹8.3 lakh and ₹16 lakh, depending on the city.
Moreover, Kia’s wide variant spread allows buyers to choose exactly the features they need. Compared to rivals like the Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, and Mahindra XUV 3XO, the Sonet offers superior tech, ADAS availability, and a premium cabin feel.
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Why Kia Sonet Remains a Segment Favourite
In an era of rising congestion and fuel costs, the Kia Sonet strikes a near-perfect balance. It looks stylish, drives confidently, and packs features once reserved for luxury cars. Although it lacks AWD or a third row, those compromises fade when weighed against its value proposition.
Ultimately, the Kia Sonet doesn’t just compete—it dominates. For buyers seeking a feature-rich, safe, and efficient urban SUV, the Sonet continues to set the benchmark.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.0L Turbo Petrol, 1.5L Petrol, 1.5L Diesel |
| Mileage | Up to 24 kmpl (Diesel) |
| Ground Clearance | 205 mm |
| Safety | 6 Airbags, Level 2 ADAS |
FAQs
| FAQ | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Kia Sonet good for city driving? | Yes, its compact size and light steering make it ideal for cities. |
| Which Kia Sonet variant is most fuel efficient? | The 1.5L diesel variant offers the best mileage. |