UPDATE: Kia Sonet vs rivals: Price comparison
The Kia Sonet has been launched at an introductory price of Rs 6.71-11.99 lakh (ex-showroom, India). Similar to its elder brother, the Seltos, the Sonet is available in two trim lines – a Tech Line, with five variants, and a GT Line, with a single, range-topping variant. In the powertrain department, the sub-four-metre SUV comes with three engines and five gearbox options. In all, Kia’s third model for the Indian market offers a lot of choice for compact SUV buyers.
- Sonet gets three engine and five gearbox options
- Tech Line trims include HTE, HTK, HTK+, HTX and HTX+
- GT Line is only offered in fully-loaded GTX+ guise
The Kia Sonet is packed to the hilt with equipment and also comes with some segment-first features. So let’s take a closer look at what each variant has to offer.
What engines are available with the Kia Sonet?
Kia has provided the Sonet with the option of both petrol and diesel powertrains. These include an 83hp, 1.2-litre, naturally aspirated petrol paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox, and a 120hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol available with either a 6-speed iMT (clutch-less manual) or 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox.
There is also a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel that produces 100hp when paired to the 6-speed manual gearbox, and 115hp when paired to the 6-speed torque-converter automatic.
What features are offered with each variant of the Kia Sonet?
The Sonet is available in five trim levels - HTE, HTK, HTK+, HTX and HTX+ - in the standard Tech Line form. The sportier GT Line version, which is offered in only the fully loaded GTX+ trim, not only sports red accents inside-out, but also packs in additional equipment to set it apart.
Here is a run-through of the variant-wise features.
Kia Sonet Tech Line
Kia Sonet HTE (1.2P MT: Rs 6.71 lakh; 1.5D MT: Rs 8.05 lakh)
- ABS with EBD
- Dual airbags
- Rear parking sensors
- 15-inch steel wheels with covers
- Electrically adjustable ORVMs
- Tilt-adjustable steering
- Front power windows
- Manual AC
- Rear AC vents
- Front and rear USB charging ports
- Fabric upholstery
- All-black interiors
Kia Sonet HTK (1.2P MT: Rs 7.59 lakh; 1.5D MT: Rs 8.99 lakh)
In addition to HTE trim
- 16-inch wheels with covers
- Driver seat height adjust
- Remote locking
- Rear power windows
- Steering mounted media controls
- 2-DIN audio system with Bluetooth connectivity
- ‘UVO Lite’ connected features
- 4 speakers
- All-black interior
- Semi-leatherette seats
Kia Sonet HTK+ (1.2P MT: Rs 8.45 lakh; 1.0P iMT: Rs 9.49 lakh; 1.0P AT: Rs 10.49 lakh; 1.5D MT: Rs 9.49 lakh; 1.5D AT: Rs 10.39 lakh)
In addition to HTK trim
- ESC (1.0P AT only)
- Hill start assist (1.0P AT only)
- Traction control (1.0P AT only)
- Projector fog lamps
- Auto headlamps
- ORVMs with integrated turn indicators
- Drive modes (1.0P AT only)
- Power-folding ORVMs
- Rear defogger
- Auto climate control
- 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 4 speakers and 2 tweeters
- Rear view camera with parking guidelines
Kia Sonet HTX (1.0P iMT: Rs 9.99 lakh; 1.5D MT: Rs 9.99 lakh)
In addition to HTK+ trim
- Auto LED headlamps
- Projector fog lamps
- LED front and rear DRLs
- ORVMs with integrated turn indicators
- Sunroof
- Keyless entry and go
- Cruise control
- Remote engine start
- Beige and black interiors
- Leatherette steering wheel and gear knob
- Rear centre armrest
- Rear seat adjustable headrest
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
Kia Sonet HTX+ (1.0P iMT: Rs 11.65 lakh; 1.5D MT: Rs 11.65 lakh)
In addition to HTX trim
- Rear washer and wiper
- Dual-tone roof (optional)
- 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
- Tyre-pressure monitor
- Leatherette upholstery
- Leatherette door trim
- Ventilated front seats
- Air purifier
- 10.25-inch touchscreen
- ‘UVO’ connected car tech
- Voice commands
- 7-speaker Bose Audio system
- LED ‘sound mood lighting’
Kia Sonet GT Line
Kia Sonet GTX+ (1.0P iMT: Rs 11.99 lakh; 1.5D MT: Rs 11.99 lakh)
In addition to HTX+ trim
- 4 more airbags (6 airbags in total)
- ESC
- Hill-start assist
- Traction control (AT only)
- Drive modes (AT only)
- Front parking sensors
- Wireless phone charger
Range-topping GTX+ iterations of the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol DCT auto and 1.5-litre turbo-diesel torque converter auto powertrains are also in the offing, and Kia has confirmed that their pricing will be announced in the coming days.
What does the Kia Sonet compete with?
The Kia Sonet has entered the highly competitive segment of compact SUVs and takes on its sibling – the Hyundai Venue, and other offerings like the Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, Ford EcoSport and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. Soon enough, it will also have to contend with the Toyota Urban Cruiser that is set for a launch on September 23.
All prices, ex-showroom, India
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Saptarshi Mondal
