New Kia Sonet: In a market segment where compromises are often the norm, the refreshed Kia Sonet stands as a compelling exception.
This sub-four-meter SUV has managed to carve out a distinctive identity in India’s most competitive automotive category through a combination of striking design, premium features, and driving dynamics that belie its compact dimensions.
The recent update has further solidified its position as a benchmark for what small SUVs can and should offer.
New Kia Sonet: Evolution Rather Than Revolution
When Kia launched the original Sonet in 2020, it arrived as a fully-formed product that instantly resonated with Indian buyers seeking a vehicle that could navigate crowded urban environments without sacrificing comfort, technology, or road presence.
The latest iteration builds upon this strong foundation with thoughtful enhancements rather than radical changes—a wise approach given the original’s market success.
The updated styling maintains the Sonet’s distinctive character while incorporating Kia’s evolving design language. The most noticeable changes appear at the front, where a revised “Tiger Nose” grille features a more intricate pattern that creates greater visual depth.
The LED headlamps have been reshaped with a sharper, more technical appearance, while the “Star Map” LED daytime running lights now extend farther into the front fascia, creating a more sophisticated light signature.
Along the sides, new alloy wheel designs (ranging from 15 inches on lower variants to 16 inches on higher trims) feature more complex patterns that enhance the vehicle’s premium positioning.
The rear receives similar attention with redesigned LED taillights connected by a light bar that spans the width of the tailgate—a design element that makes the Sonet appear broader and more planted when viewed from behind.
Color options now include unique choices like “Pewter Olive” and “Intense Red,” allowing buyers to select hues that truly stand out in traffic.
The X-Line variant deserves special mention for its distinctive matte graphite finish paired with orange accents, creating a genuinely head-turning appearance that appeals to younger buyers seeking to make a statement.
Cabin: Premium Aspirations
Step inside the Sonet, and the immediate impression is one that defies traditional small car expectations. The interior design prioritizes a driver-focused layout with a dashboard that wraps around the front occupants, creating separate zones while maintaining a cohesive appearance.
Material quality stands out as a particular strength, with soft-touch surfaces at key touchpoints and convincing textured plastics even in areas less frequently contacted.
The refreshed model introduces new interior color schemes, including a sophisticated sage green option that creates a distinctly premium ambiance without seeming ostentatious.
Artificial leather upholstery with contrast stitching further enhances the upmarket feel, while the seats themselves offer surprising comfort with good thigh support and side bolstering that keeps occupants secure during more spirited driving.
Ergonomics have received careful attention, with all controls positioned logically within the driver’s sight line or reach. The slightly elevated seating position provides excellent visibility in all directions, making the Sonet easy to place in tight urban environments despite its SUV styling.
The flat-bottomed steering wheel, adorned with well-damped multifunction controls, feels substantial in hand—another touch that reinforces the vehicle’s quality aspirations.
While rear legroom remains constrained by the sub-four-meter footprint, Kia has maximized available space through thoughtful seat design and contouring.
The bench itself offers good support with a well-judged backrest angle and adequate under-thigh cushioning.
The rear air conditioning vents, USB ports, and adjustable headrests ensure that back-seat passengers aren’t treated as afterthoughts.
Storage solutions abound throughout the cabin, from the generously sized glovebox and door pockets to the multiple cup holders and dedicated smartphone tray ahead of the gear selector.
The 392-liter boot capacity impressively exceeds some vehicles from the next segment up, while the 60:40 split-folding rear seats provide configuration flexibility when larger items need transportation.
Technology: Feature-Rich Without Overwhelming
The Sonet’s technology suite represents one of its strongest selling propositions, offering features previously found only in substantially more expensive vehicles.
The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system serves as the interface hub, featuring crisp graphics, responsive touch inputs, and an intuitive layout that minimizes distraction. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensure seamless smartphone integration without cable clutter.
This display pairs with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that offers multiple theme options and can be configured to prioritize different information based on driver preference.
The integration between these screens is seamless, creating a cohesive digital environment that enhances the overall driving experience.
Kia’s UVO connected car platform provides over 60 features accessible via smartphone application, including remote engine start, climate control preconditioning, vehicle tracking, and geofencing capabilities.
The system now offers over-the-air update functionality, allowing for continuous improvement without dealer visits.
The Bose premium sound system with seven speakers delivers impressive audio quality with well-defined bass, clear midrange, and crisp highs—a listening experience typically associated with vehicles costing significantly more.
Active sound enhancement, which subtly amplifies engine notes through the audio system during spirited driving, adds a touch of sportiness without becoming artificial or overwhelming.
Other noteworthy technology features include a sunroof with one-touch operation, ventilated front seats, automatic climate control with air purification system, wireless smartphone charging pad, and cruise control.
The comprehensive LED lighting package extends beyond the headlamps and taillights to include front fog lamps and even ambient interior lighting with selectable color options.
Safety technology has received particular attention in the update, with higher variants now featuring six airbags, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, hill-start assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
The Sonet also offers front and rear parking sensors complemented by a high-resolution reversing camera with dynamic guidelines—features that prove invaluable in navigating tight urban parking spaces.
Powertrain Options: Choices for Every Preference
The Sonet continues to offer a diverse powertrain lineup that stands as one of the most comprehensive in its segment.
The entry-level 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine produces 83 horsepower and 115 Nm of torque—modest figures on paper but well-matched to urban commuting with its linear power delivery and excellent fuel efficiency.
This engine comes paired exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission that offers precise shifts and a light clutch action.
The 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine represents the enthusiast’s choice, generating 120 horsepower and 172 Nm of torque despite its diminutive displacement.
This responsive powerplant delivers eager acceleration particularly in the mid-range, making highway overtaking maneuvers both safe and satisfying.
Transmission options include a 6-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT) that eliminates clutch pedal operation while maintaining manual gear selection, and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic that provides quick shifts when pushed but smooth operation in relaxed driving.
The 1.5-liter diesel engine, producing 116 horsepower and a substantial 250 Nm of torque, caters to those who regularly undertake longer journeys or prioritize fuel efficiency.
The abundant low-end torque makes light work of city driving despite the diesel’s turbo-lag characteristics, while highway cruising remains relaxed with the engine turning at lower revs. This engine can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
Drive modes (Eco, Normal, and Sport) and traction modes (Snow, Mud, and Sand) allow further customization of the driving experience, adjusting throttle response, transmission shift patterns, and stability control intervention to suit various conditions and preferences.
Driving Dynamics: Balancing Act
The Sonet’s driving character successfully balances the occasionally competing demands of comfort, engagement, and capability.
The suspension setup—MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear—delivers impressive compliance over poor surfaces without excessive body movement. This is particularly noteworthy given India’s varied and often challenging road conditions.
Steering feel, often a weakness in this segment, proves surprisingly communicative in the Sonet. The electrically assisted system offers appropriate weighting at different speeds with reasonably quick responses to inputs.
While not sports-car precise, it provides sufficient feedback for confident placement on narrow roads or during lane changes.
NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) control deserves special mention, with the cabin remaining well-isolated from road and wind noise even at highway speeds.
The extensive sound insulation and acoustic engineering create a refinement level more commonly associated with larger, more expensive vehicles—a significant factor in the Sonet’s premium positioning within its segment.
Braking performance comes from disc/drum setups on lower variants and disc/disc configurations on higher trims, delivering consistent stopping power with good pedal feel.
The electronic stability control system intervenes smoothly when needed without feeling intrusive during normal driving.
Ground clearance of 211mm provides confidence when navigating rough roads or substantial speed breakers, while the relatively compact external dimensions (under four meters in length) ensure the Sonet remains manageable in congested urban environments—truly offering the best of both worlds for Indian driving conditions.
Ownership Experience: Beyond the Product
The Sonet’s appeal extends beyond its physical attributes to encompass the broader ownership journey. Kia’s dealer network has expanded strategically across India, ensuring service availability even in smaller cities and towns.
The showrooms themselves follow global standards with contemporary design and digital integration that creates a premium customer experience.
The standard warranty package of 3 years/unlimited kilometers demonstrates confidence in product reliability, while additional extended warranty options provide peace of mind for those planning longer ownership periods.
Maintenance costs remain competitive despite the Sonet’s premium positioning, with service intervals of 10,000 kilometers helping to reduce routine maintenance frequency.
Kia’s digital service platforms allow owners to schedule appointments, track maintenance history, and receive service reminders through smartphone applications.
This integration enhances convenience while strengthening the connection between owner, vehicle, and manufacturer.
The robust residual values that Kia products have established in the Indian market benefit Sonet owners when the time comes to upgrade, with pre-owned examples commanding strong prices that enhance the total cost of ownership calculation.
Market Position: Premium Without Excess
The Sonet occupies an interesting position within the Indian automotive landscape. While technically competing in the sub-four-meter SUV segment alongside vehicles like the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon, and Mahindra XUV300, its premium features and refinement create overlap with larger, more expensive offerings.
This positioning reflects Kia’s understanding of the evolving Indian market, where increasing numbers of buyers are willing to invest in smaller, well-equipped vehicles rather than larger models with fewer features.
The Sonet effectively serves as a gateway to premium ownership without the associated size or maintenance costs of traditional luxury vehicles.
The diverse variant structure allows Kia to cater to different buyer profiles, from the value-conscious first-time SUV purchaser to the technology enthusiast seeking a feature-loaded ownership experience.
Special editions like the X-Line further expand the appeal to those seeking distinctive visual identity alongside practical functionality.
New Kia Sonet: Small Size, Large Impact
The refreshed Kia Sonet represents a compelling proposition in a segment often defined by compromise.
By focusing on design, features, refinement, and driving experience rather than merely meeting basic transportation needs, it elevates expectations for what compact SUVs can deliver.
The thoughtful updates to an already successful formula demonstrate Kia’s commitment to continuous improvement and customer feedback integration.
Rather than resting on the original’s achievements, the company has addressed specific areas for enhancement while preserving the core attributes that initially attracted buyers.
For urban dwellers seeking a vehicle that combines practicality with personality, efficiency with enjoyment, and compactness with capability, the Sonet delivers a package that feels complete rather than compromised.
Its continued market success speaks to both Kia’s product development acumen and Indian consumers’ growing sophistication and willingness to invest in quality experiences.
In a automotive landscape increasingly dominated by homogenized designs and specifications, the Sonet stands as a reminder that character and craftsmanship still matter—that vehicles can and should deliver more than mere transportation.
This philosophy, perhaps more than any specific feature or specification, represents the Sonet’s most significant contribution to India’s evolving automotive narrative.