Kia Sonet Expert Review

The Kia Sonet facelift refreshes the compact SUV’s look without changing its bones. The front gains a larger grille, new L-shaped LED headlamps and DRLs and redesigned bumpers that lend a bolder, more premium presence than before. At the rear, vertically oriented LED tail-lamps connected by a light bar align the Sonet with Kia’s latest family design language. X Line variants carry exclusive matte grey and black accents and distinct bumpers.

Underneath, the Sonet retains its existing chassis and powertrain options. There are no major mechanical revisions, though Kia has reintroduced the 6-speed manual with the diesel engine — a nod to enthusiasts and traditionalists in the compact SUV class.

Inside, the cabin remains familiar but gains a few important updates. A new 10.25-inch digital driver’s display sits alongside the central touchscreen, giving the Sonet a more contemporary and upscale dash. The layout and materials are well built for the segment, and switchgear feels neatly arranged.

Rear seat space has been marginally improved with scooped-out front seatbacks and a slightly longer, lower squab, but it remains relatively tight compared with some rivals. That said, the 385-litre boot is commendable for this class.

Powertrain options are carried over. The Sonet is offered with a 1.2-litre NA petrol, a 1.0-litre turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel, each paired with various manuals or automatics. Kia’s 1.0-litre turbo still delivers lively performance for its size, though the 7-speed DCT can be erratic at low revs, especially in city traffic. The diesel automatic remains the sweet spot for the Sonet, blending smooth shifts with strong mid-range torque and quiet refinement.

Both powertrains refine well at cruising speeds, with noise kept in check unless the engine is pushed hard. The diesel in particular is among the quieter units in the class.

While no instrumented fuel economy figures were published, mixed driving suggested the turbo petrol can achieve over 10 kmpl regularly in varied conditions, and the diesel creeps up to around 15 kmpl in similar use. These figures reflect typical real-world returns for a modern compact SUV with petrol and diesel engines.

Ride comfort remains a weak spot. Combined with a relatively short wheelbase and firm suspension tuning, the Sonet’s ride can feel lumpy over uneven surfaces and sharper potholes. At the same time, body motions are controlled and the SUV feels tidy in corners for its size, though the steering isn’t especially communicative.

The firm ride quality comes from the suspension tuning that prioritises stability, but it emphasises road imperfections — especially at low speeds or on broken surfaces.

Features are the Sonet’s standout trait and the facelift only strengthens this advantage. Top trims offer twin 10.25-inch screens, a 360-degree camera, ventilated seats, a 4-way powered driver’s seat, wireless phone charger with ventilation, ambient lighting and connected car tech with extensive connectivity. Kia’s camera-based ADAS adds Level-1 safety functions including forward collision warning and braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, driver attention alert and more.

Safety kit also includes six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill assist and all-around disc brakes. Standard USB-C ports and segment-unique rear window blinds add to everyday convenience.

Priced from around ₹7.99 lakh to ₹15.69 lakh (ex-showroom), the Sonet facelift still spans a wide range of options and remains competitive against rivals such as the Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Hyundai Venue. Its features list and powertrain breadth are compelling, especially in top trims where ADAS, digital screens and connected tech outshine many competitors.

While rear seat space and ride comfort lag some rivals, the Sonet’s modern tech, strong refinement and comprehensive safety suite make it an appealing all-round compact SUV for buyers who prioritise equipment and versatility.