Sonet, Syros, or Venue?
Last Updated on: 12 Oct 2026
Kia Sonet specifications
The Kia Sonet offers three engines, and the pulling power figures explain what each is for. The 1.2-litre petrol makes 88hp and 115Nm. The 1.0-litre turbo-petrol makes 120hp and 172Nm. The 1.5-litre diesel makes 116hp and 250Nm, which is the highest figure here and the reason it feels the most relaxed.
Key facts for the Sonet:
Petrol gearboxes are a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed clutchless manual and a 7-speed dual-clutch, while the diesel gets a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic.
The car measures 3,995mm long, 1,790mm wide and 1,642mm tall on a 2,500mm wheelbase.
Boot space is 385 litres, which is generous for a car under 4m long.
Six airbags are fitted.
Driver assistance covers forward collision warning with braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist and a driver attentiveness alert.
Two 10.25-inch screens are fitted along with a 7-speaker Bose system and ventilated front seats.
Our review found the ride firm, because the short wheelbase and tall suspension emphasise road imperfections at low speed.
Kia Sonet highlights
The Sonet comes with multiple engine and gearbox optoins and is a competitive package that takes on the likes of many other compact SUVs in the segment.
Kia Sonet key specifications
The Kia Sonet is a five-seater compact SUV offered with petrol and diesel engine options. Petrol variants come with either a 1,197cc naturally aspirated engine or a 998cc turbo-petrol unit. The diesel version is powered by a 1,493cc engine. Depending on the engine, gearbox choices include manual, iMT, DCT, and torque converter automatic.
Mileage 18.6 kmpl - 24.1 kmpl | Engine 998 cc - 1493 cc |
Fuel Type Diesel, Petrol | Transmission AT, Manual, IMT, DCT |
Body Style SUV | Seats 5 |
Kia Sonet specifications
The Kia Sonet dimensions measure 3995mm in length, 1790mm in width, and 1642mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2500mm. The Kia Sonet ground clearance stands at 205mm. Boot capacity is rated at 385 litres. These specifications remain consistent across variants.
Engine & Transmission
Engine Type | |
Engine Displacement | 1493 cc |
Number of Cylinders | 4 |
Engine Installation | Front |
Fuel Type/ Propulsion | Diesel |
Gearbox Type | AT |
Number of Gears | 6 |
Manual Shifts via Gear Lever on Automatic Gearbox | Yes |
Paddle Shifters for Automatic Gearbox | Yes |
Sport Mode for Automatic Gearbox | Yes |
Drive Layout | Front Wheel Drive |
Lockable Differential/s | No |
Max Engine Power | 115.6 hp at 4000 rpm |
Max Engine Torque | 250 Nm at 1500 - 2750 rpm |
Fuel & Performance
Fuel Supply System | Common Rail |
E20 Compatibility | Yes |
Emission Standard | Bharat Stage VI |
Drive Mode Types | Multiple |
Terrain Modes | Yes |
Auto Start/Stop | Yes |
Official Fuel Economy | 18.6 kmpl |
Autocar Tested City Mileage | 13.8 kmpl |
Autocar Tested Highway Mileage | 18.8 kmpl |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 litres |
Autocar Tested Mileage | 16.3 kmpl |
0-100kph | 12.1 s |
20-80kph (in third gear/ kickdown) | 7.42 s |
40-100kph (in fourth gear/ kickdown) | 8.7 s |
Suspension & Steering
Front Suspension Type | McPherson Strut |
Front Springs | Coil Springs |
Rear Suspension Type | Coupled Torsion Beam Axle |
Rear Springs | Coil Springs |
Damper Control | No |
Ride Height Adjust | No |
Type of Power Assist | Electric |
Steering Adjust type | Manual |
Steering Adjust | Tilt |
4 Wheel Steer | No |
Front Brakes | Disc |
Rear Brakes | Disc |
Wheel Size | 16 inches |
Front Tyre Size | 215/60 R16 |
Rear Tyre Size | 215/60 R16 |
Wheels | Alloys |
Spare Wheel | Space Saver |
Dimensions
Length | 3995 mm |
Width | 1790 mm |
Height | 1642 mm |
Wheelbase | 2500 mm |
Ground Clearance | None mm |
Kerb Weight | None kg |
Chassis Type | Monocoque |
Boot Capacity | 385 litres |
Doors | 5 |
Kia Sonet features
Comfort
| Power Windows | Front and Rear |
| Door Pockets | |
| Steering Mounted Controls | Audio and Phone |
| Bottle Holder in Doors | |
| Cabin Boot Access | |
| Comfort Headrest |
Safety
| Airbags | 6 |
| Door Ajar Warning | |
| Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist | |
| Speed Assist System | |
| Traffic Sign Recognition | |
| Curtain Airbag |
Exterior
| Body Coloured Bumpers | |
| Integrated Washer Jets with Wiper | |
| LED DRLs | |
| LED taillights | |
| LED fog lamps | |
| Headlight Height Adjuster |
Interior
| Speedometer | Digital |
| Tachometer | Digital |
| Trip Meter | |
| Average Fuel Consumption | |
| Average Speed | |
| Distance to Empty |
Entertainment
| Audio System | |
| Second Row USB port | 2 Type C |
| Front USB port | Type A and Type C |
| Front Passenger Screen | |
| Inbuilt Music App | |
| Branded Music System | Bose |
Connected Car Features
| Location Based Services | |
| Emergency Call Button | |
| Google/Alexa connectivity | |
| Find My Car | |
| Vehicle Tracking Via App | |
| Driving Analytics |
Kia Sonet variants comparison
Specifications of Kia Sonet alternatives


Questions you may find useful
I currently drive a Hyundai i10 CNG, with daily running of around 6 km in Gurgaon city traffic and a monthly highway drive of around 200 km. I am now planning to upgrade my car, with an on-road budget of Rs. 12 lakh for a petrol sub-4-metre SUV, up to Rs. 14 lakh for a petrol midsize SUV, and Rs. 15 lakh for an EV. I live in a rented apartment on the second floor, so I am apprehensive about getting an EV. I prefer an EV, but installing a charger could be complicated due to the sanctioned load. My running could increase to nearly 800 km per month in the future. My key priorities are: - Good suspension and ride comfort, as I have a back problem - Decent fuel efficiency in heavy city traffic - Low to medium maintenance costs - Auto hold and ventilated seats would be good to have I sometimes consider buying a manual, but I mostly prefer an automatic. I am currently considering the Maruti Brezza, Baleno AMT, Fronx AMT/AT, Sonet iMT, Exter AMT, and even the upcoming Inster, VF3, and Bayon. I am open to other suggestions as well. Note: I had a bad driving experience with the Punch AMT, as it caused back fatigue.
Given your priorities of ride comfort, fuel efficiency and low maintenance, the Maruti Brezza automatic is the most sensible upgrade. It offers a comfortable ride, a proven naturally aspirated petrol engine and Maruti's strong service network, which keeps long-term ownership costs in check. The torque converter automatic is smooth in city traffic, and the Brezza's higher seating position will help with your back issues. The Sonet iMT is not the right choice here. While it is a good car, the iMT is not a true automatic and will not offer the same ease of use in Gurgaon traffic. The Baleno AMT and Exter AMT are also not ideal given your back issues and the fact that AMT gearboxes are not as smooth as torque converter automatics in stop-start conditions.On the EV front, your apprehension about charging is valid. Without a straightforward home charging solution, an EV will add unnecessary complexity to your ownership experience. The upcoming Bayon is interesting and if you can wait a few weeks you would have a better picture before making a decision. For now, the Brezza automatic strikes the best balance between comfort, efficiency and hassle-free ownership.
I have been using a Grand i10 manual for the last eight years and am now planning to get a new vehicle for my wife, who will be a new driver. Her monthly commute will be around 700km, with 500km on the highway and the remaining distance in stop-and-go traffic. The vehicle will also be used for long trips, mostly on the plains. My priorities are comfort and space for a family of five, a peppy engine, reliability for 10-12 years, and pocket-friendly maintenance costs; last is mileage. I don't like Tata or Mahindra cars. My budget is Rs 15-17 lakh. I am considering the Honda Elevate and Sonet diesel. Please feel free to suggest any other cars.
Go for the Honda Elevate petrol CVT. It is the best fit for your requirements. The Elevate’s CVT automatic is smooth and convenient, making driving in city traffic far less stressful. It is also a reliable, fuss-free car that will comfortably last 10-12 years with Honda’s strong service network and low maintenance costs. The cabin is spacious enough for a family of five, and the ride is comfortable on long highway trips. The petrol engine is refined and peppy enough for your usage, and you avoid the long-term concerns around diesel ownership as emission norms tighten.The Kia Sonet diesel is a good car, but it is smaller than the Elevate, and the diesel automatic doesn't make sense given your usage. The Honda car mentioned above is the more sensible, long-term choice.
I currently drive a Grand i10 Manual petrol and am now planning to buy a new compact SUV that is comfortable, fuel efficient and has low maintenance. My usage is 35km of daily office commute in Delhi-NCR traffic. Please advice which option is best fit amongst Hyundai Venue HX 6T, SONET HTK+O and XUV 3XO.
Go for the Hyundai Venue. With your daily 35km commute in Delhi NCR traffic, comfort and low maintenance are key, and the Venue delivers on both. The 1.2 NA petrol is smooth, refined and easy to drive in stop-start conditions, while Hyundai’s service network and ownership experience are among the best in the segment. The HX6T variant also gives you a good balance of features without pushing the budget too far.The Sonet HTK+O is mechanically very similar, but the Venue is a newer model and offers a more spacious cabin. The XUV 3XO is also a good option, but its turbo petrol engine won't be as efficient as the Hyundai’s.Overall, the Venue is the most sensible upgrade from your Grand i10 for daily city use.
I'm a first-time car buyer planning to purchase an automatic petrol car in Q3 2026, mainly for city use and occasional long trips. I want modern features such as a 360° camera, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, etc. My budget is around Rs. 10-12 lakh, but I can extend it to Rs. 14 lakh if the car is feature-rich and offers good safety, ADAS, etc. Initially, I shortlisted the Hyundai i20 Asta variant, but I have heard that it will receive a facelift soon. I have also heard that Hyundai will be launching the Bayon soon. So, I am a little confused about whether it is a good decision to buy a car that is due for a facelift, wait for the Hyundai Bayon launch, or consider other alternatives such as the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, or Mahindra XUV 3XO. I am avoiding Maruti Suzuki because I have read that the features and safety offered in this price range are not as good as those of the competition. Please advise me. Thanks.
The Mahindra XUV 3XO petrol automatic is a strong fit for your usage. Its smooth 6 speed automatic, light steering and compact footprint make it very easy to live with in the city, especially in traffic and tight parking conditions. Importantly, it already ticks your feature requirements, including a 360° camera, wireless Android Auto and CarPlay, and even ADAS, within your stretched budget of around Rs 14 lakh. It also feels reassuringly solid. The XUV range has built a good safety reputation, and the turbo petrol engine offers strong low end performance, making it well suited to both city driving and occasional highway runs.On the i20, while it remains a well rounded premium hatchback, the current version does miss out on features like a 360° camera and ADAS. There is talk of a facelift, but timelines are not confirmed, and it is unclear whether Hyundai will add these features, so waiting specifically for that may not guarantee what you are looking for.As for the upcoming Bayon, Hyundai is expected to bring it around September, but it will likely be a larger, around 4.3 metre crossover as a Maruti Suzuki Victoris rival and positioned below the Creta. That means it may not be as feature rich in the variants that fall within your budget. It could also end up competing more with mid size SUVs rather than sub 4 metre options.The Venue and Sonet are polished and easy to recommend, but the variants that offer both ADAS and a 360 degree camera tend to stretch well beyond Rs.14 lakh on road.
Hi Autocar, I am 29 years old, married, and currently working from home. My regular travel mainly includes weekly trips to town of around 50–60 km, along with occasional long drives twice a month of over 100 km. My total monthly driving averages around 500 km. I currently own a 2013 Maruti Suzuki Dzire and am now looking to upgrade to a more suitable family car for both my family and parents. I specifically want a diesel vehicle, as I prefer diesel engines and am also slightly concerned about increasing ethanol blending in petrol. The cars I am currently considering are: Kia Sonet HTX Diesel Automatic Tata Nexon Creative Plus Diesel AMT Hyundai Alcazar Executive Diesel Manual My budget is around ₹15 lakh, with slight flexibility if required. The basic features I am looking for are: Height-adjustable driver’s seat Cruise control Alloy wheels Reverse parking camera Good seating comfort Optional but desirable features include: Ventilated seats Paddle shifters Rear window sunshades Basic sunroof Could you please suggest which option would best suit my requirements and usage pattern?
The Kia Sonet HTX diesel automatic is the smoothest and most refined option from the cars listed. With a Rs 15 lakh budget, it packs all the features that you want, both basic and good-to-have ones. Its backseat isn't as spacious as the Tata Nexon, but unless you have six-footers regularly travelling at the back, the Sonet should be fine.The entry-level Hyundai Alcazar belongs to a higher segment, and not only is it the most spacious, but it also gets you the flexibility of a third row. However, it will not fall within your Rs 15 lakh budget, and even after extending your budget by a few lakhs, you'll only be able to get a manual - the diesel-automatic is much more expensive.You could also consider the Kia Syros, which is compact yet more comfortable and more spacious than the Sonet.
Hear from the
Autocar Community
Join the Discussions
Kia Sonet FAQs
The Kia Sonet’s 1.2-litre, 83 hp petrol engine is generally not the most compelling choice in the lineup. It is only available with a 5-speed manual and is limited to lower variants, which means buyers also miss out on several key features offered in higher trims. While it is adequate for relaxed, city-focused driving, performance feels modest, especially when the car is fully loaded or driven on highways. For a relatively small price jump, the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol with 120 hp delivers a far more responsive and enjoyable driving experience, making it the more balanced and recommended option for most buyers.
Yes, the Kia Sonet 1.5-litre diesel engine is worth the premium over petrol for buyers with high annual mileage or frequent highway use. It delivers strong low-end torque, smooth long-distance cruising, and excellent fuel efficiency, making it more economical to run over time. The diesel variant also feels more relaxed and effortless at highway speeds compared to petrol engines.
Kia Sonet On Road Price in India
Upcoming Cars





Kia Cars



Trending Cars



Latest Cars






