Bayon, Venue, or Sonet: Buy?
Last Updated on: 09 Nov 2026
Kia Sonet variants
The Kia Sonet range covers 23 variants across trim levels that run HTE, HTK, HTX, GTX+ and X Line, with several intermediate versions in between. Engine and gearbox availability changes through the range, so it pays to fix your powertrain first.
The base model Petrol 1.2 HTE carries six airbags, so the core safety count does not depend on the variant.
The top model Diesel 1.5 GTX+ AT carries the full equipment list, and our review rates this range as the best equipped in its class.
Which variant gets which features:
The two 10.25-inch screens sit above the base model Petrol 1.2 HTE.
The 7-speaker Bose system, the sunroof and the ventilated front seats appear on the upper variants.
The 360-degree camera and the wireless charger are higher-variant items.
Driver assistance features including forward collision warning are reserved for the upper part of the range.
The 1.0-litre turbo with the dual-clutch is limited to selected variants, and the diesel automatic is offered separately again.
Kia Sonet variants
Kia Sonet Official Brochure
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Questions you may find useful
I have finalised Sonet HTK plus and Hyundai Venue HX5. Please suggest me which one is better for city comfort, riding and overall is a better choice.
Between the two, the Venue has the more absorbent ride in the city. The Sonet's suspension is a bit firmer, which helps it feel more planted on the highway, but around town, it can feel harsh over sharp bumps. The Venue also has a longer wheelbase, which gives it a roomier rear seat than the Sonet.Overall, the Venue is the better choice since your priority is ride comfort in the city.
Dear Autocar India team, I am planning to purchase my first family car with a budget of Rs 11 lakh and have already booked the Kia Sonet HTK+ variant. However, concerns raised on social media about the performance of its 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine have made me reconsider my decision. Since our monthly usage is relatively low and the car will primarily be used for occasional trips, would the Sonet HTK+ be a suitable choice for our requirements, or should I consider another model or an alternative powertrain within the Sonet range? I would appreciate your professional guidance in making the right decision. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
If your usage is primarily in the city, the 1.2-litre Kia Sonet will serve you just fine. It has a smooth, refined engine paired with a light clutch and gearbox, which makes it easy to drive in city traffic. Where it falls short is on the highway, where it may need a downshift to make an overtake.If you frequently travel on the highway with three or more passengers, you would be better off looking at a turbo-petrol version of the Sonet. Alternatively, consider something like the Maruti Suzuki Brezza or Hyundai Venue with a turbo-petrol engine. However, the trade-off for better performance from a turbo-petrol engine is lower fuel efficiency in the city.If you only plan on using the Sonet around town, stick with the naturally aspirated engine. But if highway performance is important, the turbo-petrol is a worthwhile upgrade.
Hi team, I am planning to buy my first car and I want to know which one to choose between the Kia Sonet HTK+(O) and the Hyundai Venue HX5+, both of which come with a 1.2L petrol MT. I am seriously confused about choosing between the two, so please help me out.
With a price difference of over Rs 1 lakh, we would suggest going for the Kia Sonet HTK+(O). Both cars use the same 1.2 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, so there is little to separate them in terms of performance. This Kia car offers better value for money, with a good feature list at a lower price. However, if rear seat space is a priority, the Hyundai Venue makes a lot of sense, as it offers a more spacious cabin and better rear seat comfort.Do keep in mind that the Sonet is due for a generational replacement, so buying the current model now may mean missing out on a newer product soon.
I am planning to buy the Kia Sonet HTK (O) with the DCT automatic transmission, which costs around Rs 11.5 lakh on-road. Should I wait for the next-generation model, which is expected to arrive in January 2027? Will the new generation be priced in a similar range, as we have seen some manufacturers maintain similar prices across generations, as with the recent Honda Elevate?
If you are not in a hurry, it makes sense to wait, although there is no official confirmation that the next generation Kia Sonet will launch in January 2027 or even within the first half of the year. The current Sonet is already priced at the premium end of the compact SUV segment, so we do not expect a significant jump in its starting price, although higher variants could become more expensive.The next generation is expected to move to the newer platform used by the Hyundai Venue, which could address one of the current Sonet's weaknesses: rear seat space. If you regularly travel with family, that improvement could be worth waiting for. However, if you are happy with the current car's cabin space and features, the Sonet HTK (O) DCT remains a competent option at around Rs 11.5 lakh on-road.
Hi, I recently asked you guys between Kia Sonet HTK Plus (O) Turbo DCT & Hyundai Venue HX 5 Turbo DCT for a 2-member family with 70% city and 30% highway running. You suggested Sonet HTK Plus (O) since it is cheaper and has more good to have features. I am also considering Skoda Kylaq Signature AT with their DHC infotainment upgrade. Do you still suggest the Sonet or will you prefer Kylaq over this? I am a new driver and will be driving in Bangalore traffic occasionally.
For your usage, the Skoda Kylaq Signature AT is actually the better recommendation. The 6-speed torque converter automatic is smoother and more predictable in stop-start Bangalore traffic than the DCTs in the Sonet and Venue, which can feel a bit hesitant at low speeds. The Kylaq also has a more engaging driving experience and a well-sorted chassis, which you will appreciate as you gain confidence behind the wheel. The only real drawback is that the boot is on the smaller side, but for a two-member family that should not be a deal-breaker. The Sonet HTK Plus (O) is still a good value package, but the Kylaq is the more enjoyable car to live with in your driving conditions.
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