Kia Sonet review, road test

With its packaging done right, Kia’s new compact SUV has all it takes to rule to roost.

Published on Dec 22, 2020 07:00:00 AM

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It’s a smart-looking compact SUV with several unique design elements.

Quality of materials inside the cabin, design, textures, fit and finish look and feel very premium.

Fairly large boot, but the absence of split rear seats will be felt occasionally.

The Kia Sonet’s suspension has an inherent underlying firmness, which is one of its weak points. While the wide 215mm tyres do a decent job of absorbing road shocks from tinier potholes, the suspension filters through most but the smaller imperfections on the road, leading to a rather busy ride. Sharper bumps lead to more prominent road shocks inside the cabin, and the Kia doesn’t feel as plush as its rivals.

Firm suspension setup makes the ride quite busy on less-than-perfect roads.

Taking this car on a winding section of road is quite rewarding, as that’s where its firm suspension shines. Body control is predictable and it changes directions quite nicely, with its body roll well in control. Its steering, however, lacks feel and feedback, and doesn’t boost driver confidence. On the flipside, the steering feel is fluid and twirls with minimal effort, so manoeuvring this car in traffic or in tight parking spaces is a breeze. What makes this car even more user-friendly is the good visibility all around, light controls (in the manual and iMT), and all the parking aids on offer.