Kia Sonet: Which variant to buy?

Out of the total 17 variants of the Kia Sonet, which is the variant that you should buy?

Published On Nov 08, 2020 06:00:00 AM

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The Kia Sonet has clever packaging and a wide variety of engine-transmission configurations spread over a broad price band from Rs 6.71-12.89 lakh (ex-showroom, India). This Hyundai Venue-rivaling compact SUV garnered over 50,000 bookings in just two months since its launch. And if you’re confused about the variant that you should pick from the 17 different options, we simplify it for you. To get an understanding of which variants are on offer and at what price, do take a look at this story.

Kia Sonet diesel or petrol?

There are two petrol engines on offer - an 83hp 4-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol and a 120hp 3-cylinder 1.0-litre turbo-petrol. The former is available only with a 5-speed manual gearbox, while the latter gets the option of either a 6-speed iMT (manual gearbox without a clutch pedal) or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. The price difference between a similarly specified 1.2-litre petrol-manual and 1.0-litre turbo-petrol-iMT is Rs 1.05 lakh, and the DCT is a lakh dearer than the iMT. The diesel engine is a 1.5-litre unit available in a 100hp state of tune with the 6-speed manual gearbox, and in a 115hp tune with the 6-speed automatic. The diesel and the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol, be it in manual/iMT or in automatic-guise, are similarly priced, thus making the diesel’s case even stronger, which is smooth, quick, refined and much more fuel efficient than the turbo-petrol. For a truly effortless experience, it is worth stretching for the diesel automatic.

Value for money Kia Sonet variant

The HTK+ variant is the only variant which is available in all engine-gearbox combinations, and is the one that spells the most value for money. This variant gets features like automatic headlamps, projector fog lamps, automatic climate control, electric folding outside mirrors, an 8-inch touchscreen with Arkamys tuning and 6-speakers, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and a rear-view camera. It also carries over features from the lower variants like rear AC vents, driver’s seat height adjust, remote key entry, steering controls, and 16-inch steel wheels to name a few. The HTK+ 1.0-litre turbo-petrol automatic also gets ESP, drive modes, traction control and hill-start assist. With a sub-10 lakh price tag for the manuals/iMT, the Sonet will also attract lower taxes in some states, further enhancing its value proposition.

Is the Kia Sonet top variant worth buying?

Although the HTK+ has several features to keep most buyers satisfied, if you want your Sonet brimming with all the bells and whistles like LED headlamps, sunroof, connected-car features, ventilated seats, a Bose audio system, tyre pressure monitor, air purifier, keyless entry and go and alloy wheels among others, then you might find value in stretching for the HTX+ variant priced Rs 2.16 lakh higher than the HTK+. But for merely RS 34,000 more than the HTX+, you get some sporty cosmetic enhancements as well as added safety features like ESP, hill-start assist (AT only), side and curtain airbags and front parking sensors, so the GTX+ is worth considering over the HTX+. Those who seek a fully-loaded automatic variant will have to opt for the sole top-spec GTX+, priced at Rs 12.89 lakh, for either the diesel or the petrol automatic. So although pricey, the GTX+ offers a lot in terms of equipment, for your money.

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