UPDATE: Kia Sonet vs rivals: Price comparison
The Kia Sonet has been launched in India with introductory prices starting at Rs 6.71 lakh (ex-showroom, India). The compact SUV has garnered much attention since its debut in concept form at the 2020 Auto Expo, and more recently, when Kia unveiled the production-spec Sonet.
- Prices for the petrol-powered Sonet range from Rs 6.71-11.99 lakh
- Prices for the diesel-powered Sonet range from Rs 8.05-11.99 lakh
- The Kia Sonet comes is six trim levels, split between the Tech Line and GT Line
Here are the key points concerning the Kia Sonet
What trims is the Kia Sonet available in?
As we’ve seen with Kia Seltos, the Korean company will offer the Sonet compact SUV in two variant lines – the Tech Line and GT Line. This means that the Sonet line-up is available in six trim levels. The Tech Line comprises of the HTE, HTK, HTK+, HTX and HTX+ trims. While the GT Line has a sole, fully-loaded GTX+ trim. The two lines also differ in appearance as the GT Line gets sporty red accents on the exterior and contrast red stitching on the interior.
While Kia dealerships report greater demand for the higher-spec Sonet variants, waiting periods for the HTX, HTX+ and GTX+ are currently just about 4-5 weeks. Entry-level diesel versions also have a relatively shorter wait time of about 4-5 weeks. However, buyer's will have to wait up to 9 weeks if they book the Sonet HTE petrol; demand for this variant is expected to be lower than average. Do note that the waiting periods may change based on new bookings and cancelations.
So far, Kia Motors India has received over 25,000 bookings for the Sonet compact SUV. The brand has also confirmed that prices for the top-end Sonet GTX+ diesel-automatic and turbo-petrol-DCT variants will be announced in the coming days.
What engines and gearboxes does the Kia Sonet come with?
The Sonet is available with both petrol and diesel engine options. Of the two petrol engines on offer, the first is a 1.2-litre, naturally aspirated unit making 83hp and 115Nm of torque. This engine can only be had with a 5-speed manual gearbox and is limited to the lower trim levels. The other option is a 1.0-litre, turbo-petrol engine that produces 120hp and 175Nm of torque. This engine can be had with either a 6-speed iMT gearbox (a clutch-less manual) or a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox.
Coming to the diesel engine, it is a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged unit that produces 100hp and 240Nm when paired to the 6-speed manual gearbox. However, when fitted with the 6-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox, it makes 115hp and 250Nm (up by 15hp and 10Nm). The Sonet is currently the only offering in the compact SUV segment to come with a diesel-torque converter gearbox combination.
What are the features on offer with the Kia Sonet?
Another thing we have seen Kia do before, is offer its models with loads of equipment, and the Sonet is no different. In HTX+ form, it comes packed with features like a sunroof, leatherette upholstery, ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, cruise control, an air purifier, a Bose audio system, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the brand’s ‘UVO’ connected car tech and much more.
The top-spec GTX+ trim will additionally get six airbags, ESC, front parking sensors, an all-black cabin and a wireless phone charger.
What does the Kia Sonet rival?
Being in the highly competitive compact SUV segment, the Kia Sonet currently rivals the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, Ford EcoSport and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza.
The competition in the segment will only heat up, as new models enter the segment, like the Toyota Urban Cruiser, which will launch soon. The Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger are also expected to enter the segment by next year.
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