autocar-logo
Delhi
RN

Rohit Nair

3w

Kia Sonet HTX Diesel AT vs Skoda Kyalq AT - which one should I go for? We are a family of 4-5 people and often go on outings with luggage. Also, for an enthusiast, which one would be better for long drives when comparing both at the same price point?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
3w

Between the Kia Sonet and the Skoda Kylaq, the Kylaq is the better choice for you, especially if driving enjoyment and long-distance comfort matter. It is the nicer car to drive, has a more comfortable ride on highways and feels excellent value for money. 

The Sonet is still a good all-round compact SUV, but it is not as engaging to drive as the Skoda Kylaq, particularly in terms of handling. Another factor to keep in mind is that the Sonet is expected to be replaced in about a year. It means there is a chance it could start feeling dated sooner than you would like. The rear seat on the Sonet is also on the tighter side.

Since you have mentioned that there will be occasions when five people travel together with luggage. It is important to note that both the Kylaq and the Kia Sonet are relatively narrow cars and are most comfortable as four-seaters on long trips. If proper five-seat comfort is a priority, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is a strong alternative. Its wider body allows it to accommodate five adults in better comfort. It is also a fun car to drive thanks to its punchy 1.2 turbo petrol engine and well-sorted suspension.

Kia Sonet

Kia Sonet

Was this helpful? Ask a follow-up

MA

Moses Alsahri

3w

Plz visit a Citreon showroom nearby and check Aircross x and then make a choice.

Latest questions people are discussing

JI

Jithin

2d

I am looking to buy my first car. I will mainly use it for travel between my hometown Kochi and Bangalore, while the rest of the driving will be frequent city usage. I was initially planning to buy the Kia Sonet diesel GT variant, but I am also very attracted to the Skoda Slavia, mainly for its driving quality. The Sonet would cost around ₹16 lakh, while the Slavia Sportline automatic comes to about ₹17 lakh. Which of these would be the more suitable option for my needs? I previously owned a Ford Figo 1.5 TDCi, which I absolutely loved, so I would prefer something with similar power and performance.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
2h

The Kia Sonet diesel AT is a great car - compact, frugal, smooth and efficient - and feels like a logical compact upgrade to your Figo TDI. However, the fact that you're even considering the drive quality on your long journey to your hometown means you should go for the Skoda Slavia instead. Yes, the fuel efficiency won't be as good as the diesel, and it is a larger vehicle, which you might feel during your use in the city. But other than that, the driving pleasure it offers is on a different level, and will remind you fondly of your Ford, which is also a great handler. Its punchy 1.0 TSI makes a strong 115hp and 178Nm of torque, which are comparable to what you get in the Figo, and comes with a slick 6-speed MT or smooth 6-speed AT. Whichever you choose, you'll get a car that's fun to drive, stable out on the highway and friendly to use around town.

VehicleKia Sonet
VehicleSkoda Slavia
JI

Jithin

2d

I am looking to buy my first car. I am currently looking at the Kia Sonet Diesel Automatic 1.5, which comes at ₹16.25 lakh and the Skoda Slavia Sportline Auto at ₹17 lakh. My main usage would be travelling between Kochi and Bangalore and occasional city drives in and around both cities. I had a Ford Figo 1.5 TDCi earlier, which I loved and would prefer something with a similar driving punch. Which would be an apt choice?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
19h

Since a large part of your driving will be on the Kochi-Bengaluru highway and you enjoyed the performance of your old Ford Figo 1.5 TDCi, choosing a car with strong performance and relaxed cruising ability will make your drives more enjoyable.Between the two, you will likely be happier with the Skoda Slavia 1.5 TSI with the 7-speed DSG. It offers superior performance and refinement compared to the Kia Sonet diesel automatic, especially for highway usage. The Slavia’s turbo-petrol engine delivers effortless acceleration, and the DSG gearbox shifts quickly and smoothly, which makes overtaking and long-distance cruising feel easy.Another advantage is that the 1.5-litre engine features cylinder deactivation, which shuts down two cylinders under light loads such as steady cruising. This helps improve fuel efficiency when driving on the highway. The Slavia also feels more planted and stable at higher speeds, which will be noticeable on your frequent intercity drives.However, we would recommend waiting a little before making the purchase. The Slavia facelift is expected soon, and with it around the corner, it makes sense to see what updates and features the refreshed model brings before committing to the current version.

VehicleSkoda Slavia
VehicleKia Sonet
SS

Sanjay Sharma

5d

Hi sir, I am looking to buy a new car, approximately under ₹11 lakh and am confused between the Kia Sonet HTK Plus and Skoda Kylaq Signature Plus petrol. My running is daily 50 km on the highway. Kindly advise which model and variant I should go for.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
1d

Both cars are good options and would be fine for highway driving; however, between the two, we would recommend you lean towards the Skoda Kylaq, as the Sonet is older and will be updated in about a year or so.On the other hand, the Kylaq is far newer and would thus also get you a much better resale value. At city speeds, the Kylaq's ride is firm; however, stability at speed is very good, as is body control around corners, with good amounts of grip on offer. This is something you would benefit from, given that you drive daily on the highway.

VehicleSkoda Kylaq
VehicleKia Sonet

Posted on: 20 Feb 2026