The Kia Sonet compact SUV is soon to be launched in India, while production and supply has already begun. This here is a quick walkthrough on the highlights of this new Compact SUV in town.

Exterior: 

The new Kia Sonet, though being based on the Hyundai Venue, doesnt look anything like it. The Sonet has its own unique design with the Tiger Noise grille at the front with knurled Chrome finish and an aggressive bumper design. The new Sonet features full LED Headlamps with Heartbeat LED DRLs. The Tail lamps too receive this Heartbeat LED elements. The top trim levels will receive

funky looking 16” Crystal cut alloy wheels whereas the entry level variants receive 15 inch Steel rims. The Sonet is claimed to provide segment best ground clearance of 211mm.

Interior:

The new Kia Sonet interior features a funky design layout with improved quality. The GT line features an all black cabin while the Tech line variants get a dual tone theme. Space is expected to be similar to the Hyundai Venue while also providing ample number of features.

The top trim levels will receive an Electric sunroof, Auto headlamps, Auto wipers, Cruise control, Auto climate control, a digital instrument cluster and leather upholstery. Theres also an 10.4” touchscreen infotainment system with Android auto, Apple Car-play & Navigation on the top spec variants. This touchscreen is available with 7 Bose speakers including subwoofer and Sound mood lighting. Connected car features & telematics control unit is available through Kia’s UVO connect app featuring Remote engine Start/Stop.

Practicality:

The Kia Sonet offers segment best 392L boot space complementing all the storage options in the cabin. All variants get flat folding rear seats despite not offering split folding option.

Safety:

The new Kia Sonet will be providing Dual airbags with ABS and EBD as standard across all variants. The top variants will also receive Side & curtain airbags, Vehicle stability management, Electronic Stability control, Hill hold control, Tyre pressure monitor and smart key access system.

Powertrains:

The new Kia Sonet will carry forward the same BS6 compliant engines from the Hyundai Venue. The entry level HTE, HTK and HTK+ variants will receive the 1.2l 4 cyl petrol engine producing 83PS power through a 5 speed Manual gearbox while the higher HTK+, HTX, HTX+ and GTX+ variants get the 1L 3 cyl turbo petrol engine producing 120PS power through either a 6 speed iMT gearbox or 7 speed DCT gearbox. The 1.5L 4 cyl turbo diesel engine will be available in two state of tunes. The 6 speed manual gearbox equipped variants will get 100PS Max Power whereas the 6 speed torque converter Automatic equipped HTK+ & GTX+ variants will get higher 115PS Max Power.

Launch & price:

This Kia Sonet will go on sale in the coming weeks and compete against the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, Ford Ecosport and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. Prices are expected to start from Rs 8L on road for the base petrol variant and go upto Rs 14.5L for the top spec automatic variants. Stay tuned for further updates on the Kia Sonet compact SUV.

Kia Sonet Key Features :

HTE - Smartstream G1.2 5MT, D1.5 6MT :

• Dual Airbags, ABS with EBD, Rear Parking Sensors, Front Disc Brakes, Emergency Stop Signal
• Kia Signature Tiger Nose Grille, Heartbeat Tail Lamps, Halogen Headlamps
• Muscular Front and Rear Skid Plates, R15-38.1 cm (15") Steel Wheels, Wheel Cover,
• Rear Center Garnish - Reflector Connected Type, Pole Type Antenna
• Black Interior, Premium Fabric Seat, Premium Roof Lining, Silver Finish AC Vents Garnish
• Electric Power Steering, Manual Air Conditioner, Tilt Steering, Front Door Power Windows
• Front and Rear USB Charging Port, Electric Adjust Outside Mirror, Center Locking, Rear AC Vents, Front Adjustable
• Headrest, Eco Coating
• 8.89 cm (3.5") Mono Color Instrument Cluster

HTK (In addition to HTE) - Smartstream G1.2 5MT, D1.5 6MT :

• R16-40.62 cm (16") Metallic Silver Styled Wheels
• Black Interior, Semi Leatherette Seats with White Stitching
• Driver Seat Height Adjust, Keyless Entry, Rear Door Power Windows, Follow me Home Headlamps
• Sunglass Holder, Passenger Seat Back Small Size Upper & Full Size Lower Pocket
• 9.65 cm (3.8") 2 DIN Audio, 4 Speakers, Steering Mounted Audio Controls, Bluetooth, UVO Lite 

HTK+ (In addition to HTK) - Smartstream G1.2 5MT, G1.0 Turbo GDi 6iMT/7DCT, D1.5 6MT/6AT :

• Projector Fog Lamps, Auto Headlamps, Muscular Front and Rear Silver Skid Plates, Floating Type Roof Rails, Shark Fin Antenna, Outside Mirror LED Turn Signal, Radiator Grille Chrome with Diamond Knurling Pattern, Leatherette Wrapped Gear Knob (AT & DCT Only)
• Fully Automatic Air Conditioner, Electric Folding Outside Mirrors, Driver One Touch Auto Up/ Down Window with Anti Pinch Function, Rear Defogger,Rear Parcel Shelf
• 20.32 cm (8.0") Touchscreen with ARKAMYS Tuning, Android Auto and Apple Carplay, Wireless Phone Projection (Only with 20.32 cm Touchscreen),2 Tweeters, Rear View Camera with Guidelines,Driving Rear View Monitor
• ESC, HAC, VSM, Brake Assist, Multi-drive Modes & Traction Control (Only in 7DCT)

HTX (In addition to HTK) - Smartstream G1.0 Turbo GDi 6iMT, D1.5 6MT :

• Projector Fog Lamps, Auto Headlamps, ISO Fix Child Anchor
• Crown Jewel LED Headlamps, Heartbeat LED DRL with Integrated Indicators, Heartbeat LED Tail Lamps
• Electric Sunroof, Muscular Front Silver Skid Plates, Rear Bumper with Dual Muffler Design, Diffuser Fin Rear Skid Plates, Floating Type Roof Rails, Shark Fin Antenna, Outside Mirror LED Turn Signal, Radiator Grille Chrome with Diamond Knurling Pattern, Chrome Outside Door Handles, Side Door Silver Garnish
• Beige & Black Interior, Semi Leatherette Seats with Silver Stitching, Leatherette Wrapped D-cut Steering Wheel with Sonet Logo, Leatherette Wrapped Gear Knob, Smart Key with Push Button Start, Fully Automatic Air Conditioner, Cruise Control
• Remote Engine Start on Smart Key, Electric Folding Outside Mirrors, Driver One Touch Auto Up/ Down with Anti Pinch Function, Rear Defogger, Rear Parcel Shelf, Rear Seat Center Armrest, Rear Passengers Adjustable Headrest
• 20.32 cm (8.0") Touchscreen with ARKAMYS Tuning, Android Auto and Apple Carplay, Wireless Phone Projection (Only with 20.32 cm Touchscreen)
• 2 Tweeters, Rear View Camera

HTX + (In addition to HTK) - Smartstream G1.0 Turbo GDi 6iMT, D1.5 6MT :

• Highline Tyre Pressure Monitor
• R16-40.62 cm (16") Crystal Cut Alloys with Silver Wheel Caps
• Beige & Black Interior, Leatherette Seats with Silver Stitching, LED Sound Mood Lights, Leatherette Wrapped Door Trims
• Rear Wiper and Washer, Full Size Driver Seat Back Pocket
• 26.03 cm (10.25") HD Touchscreen Navigation, UVO Connected Car with OTA Map Updates
• BOSE Premium 7-speaker System, Ventilated Driver & Passenger Seats
• Smart Pure Air Purifier with Virus Protection, Advanced 10.67 cm (4.2") Color Instrument Cluster
• AI Voice Recognition with "Hello Kia" Wake-up Command, Smartwatch Connectivity, Auto Antiglare (ECM) Inside Rear View Mirror with UVO Controls
• Two Tone Roof Color (Optional)

GTX+ - Smartstream G1.0 Turbo GDi 6iMT / 7DCT, D1.5 6MT / 6AT :

• Six Airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, HAC, VSM, Brake Assist, Front & Rear Parking Sensors, Projector Fog Lamps
• Highline Tyre Pressure Monitor, Auto Headlamps, ISO Fix Child Anchor, Front Disc Brakes, Emergency Stop Signal
• Crown Jewel LED Headlamps, Heartbeat LED DRL with Integrated Indicators, Heartbeat LED Tail Lamps
• Electric Sunroof, R16-40.62 cm (16") Crystal Cut Alloys with Sporty Red Wheel Cap, Red Brake Caliper (Front)
• Kia Signature Tiger Nose Grille - Black High Glossy with GT Line Logo and Red Accents, Front Bumper with Sporty Red Accent, Rear Bumper with Dual Muffler Design and Red Accent
• Turbo Shaped Masculine Front Skid Plates, Diffuser Fin Rear Skid Plates, Belt Line Chrome, Floating Type Roof Rails, Shark Fin Antenna, Outside Mirror LED Turn Signal
• Radiator Grille Chrome with Diamond Knurling Pattern, Chrome Outside Door Handle, Side Door Red Garnish, Rear Center Garnish - Reflector Connected Type
• Black Interior, Leatherette Sports Seats with Red Stitching, LED Sound Mood Lights, Leatherette Wrapped D-cut Steering Wheel with GT Line Logo, Sporty Alloy Pedals
• Leatherette Wrapped Door Trims, Leatherette Wrapped Gear Knob, Premium Roof Lining, High Gloss Black Finish AC Vents Garnish
• Smart Key with Push Button Start, Fully Automatic Air Conditioner, Cruise Control, Remote Engine Start with Smart Key, Electric Folding and Adjust Outside Mirrors
• Electric Power Steering, Driver Seat Height Adjust, Tilt Steering, All Door Power Windows, Driver Window One Touch Auto up/ down with Anti Pinch Function, Front and Rear USB Charging Port
• Center Locking, Rear AC Vents, Follow Me Home Headlamps, Sunglass Holder, Rear Wiper and Washer, Rear Defogger
• Rear Parcel Shelf, Front & Rear Adjustable Headrest, Rear Seat Center Armrest, Upper Small Size and Lower Full Size Passenger Seat Back Pocket, Full Size Driver Seat Back Pocket, Eco Coating
• 26.03 cm (10.25") HD Touchscreen Navigation, UVO Connected Car with OTA Map Updates, BOSE Premium 7-speaker System, Driving Rear View Monitor, Smartwatch Connectivity, Auto Antiglare (ECM) Rear View Mirror with UVO Controls
• Ventilated Driver and Passenger Seat (Front), Smart Pure Air Purifier with Virus Protection, Advanced 10.67 cm (4.2") Color Instrument Cluster,Smartphone Wireless Charger, Multi-drive Modes & Traction Control (Automatic Only), AI Voice Recognition with "Hello Kia? Wake-up Command , Rear View Camera with Guidelines
• Steering Mounted Audio Controls, Bluetooth, UVO Lite
• Two Tone Roof Color (Optional)

Kia Sonet Petrol, Price (ex-showroom) :

Kia Sonet 1.2L Petrol HTE (5MT) - Rs 6.71 Lakh
Kia Sonet 1.2L Petrol HTK (5MT) - Rs 7.59 Lakh
Kia Sonet 1.2L Petrol HTK+ (5MT) - Rs 8.45 Lakh
Kia Sonet 1.0L Turbo Petrol HTK+ (6iMT) - Rs 9.49 Lakh
Kia Sonet 1.0LTurbo Petrol HTK+ (7DCT) - Rs 10.49 Lakh
Kia Sonet 1.0L Turbo Petrol HTX (6iMT) - Rs 9.99 Lakh
Kia Sonet 1.0L Turbo Petrol HTX+ (6iMT) - Rs 11.65 Lakh
Kia Sonet 1.0L Turbo Petrol GTX+ (6iMT) - Rs 11.99 Lakh

Kia Sonet Diesel, Price (ex-showroom) :

Kia Sonet 1.5L Diesel WGT HTE (6MT) - Rs 8.05 Lakh
Kia Sonet 1.5L Diesel WGT HTK (6MT) - Rs 8.99 Lakh
Kia Sonet 1.5L Diesel WGT HTK+ (6MT) - Rs 9.49 Lakh
Kia Sonet 1.5L Diesel WGT HTX (6MT) - Rs 9.99 Lakh
Kia Sonet 1.5L Diesel WGT HTX+ (6MT) - Rs 11.65 Lakh
Kia Sonet 1.5L Diesel WGT GTX+ (6MT) - Rs 11.99 Lakh
Kia Sonet 1.5L Diesel VGT HTK+ (6AT) - Rs 10.39 Lakh.

The New Kia Sonet SUV will rival likes the Ford Ecosport, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300 , Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue , Honda WR-V and Upcoming Toyota Urban Cruiser.

Based on the best selling XM variant, this new XM(S) variant offers the following additional features:

• Electric sunroof with anti pinch

• Automatic headlamps

• Automatic wipers

• Steering mounted audio controls

Other than these features, the XM(S) will carry forward the same specifications as on the XM variant. Standard features will include:

• Projector headlamps with LED DRLs

• Auto folding ORVMs

• Roof rails

• 16” Steel wheels with wheel covers

• Manual AC

• Harman audio system with 4 speakers

• Digital instrument cluster

• Power windows

• Remote central locking

• Follow me headlamps

Safety:

       Standard safety features on the Nexon BS6 include:

• ABS with EBD

• Corner stability control

• Dual airbags

• Electronic stability program

• Traction control

• Hill hold control

• Roll over mitigation

• Electronic brake prefill

• Hydraulic brake assist

• Brake disc wiping

Powertrains:

       The XM(S) variant will be available

with both, petrol and diesel engine options in manual and automatic versions. The 1.2L Revotron turbo petrol produces 120PS Power while the 1.5L Revotorq turbo diesel produces 110PS Power. Both engines are available with three drive modes; Eco, City and Sport modes. A 6 speed manual transmission will be standard whereas the XMA(S) variants will receive a 6 speed Automated Manual Transmission.

Launch & price:

        The new XM(S) variants are priced at Rs8.36L & Rs9.70L ex-showroom for the petrol and diesel versions respectively whereas the AMT equipped XMA(S) variants are available at Rs8.96L for the petrol and Rs10.30L for the diesel versions. Priced at around Rs60,000 more than the standard XM/XMA variants, these new variants could attract the feature focused buyers. This pricing also makes the Nexon XM (S) the most affordable Sunroof equipped car in the Indian market.

A smaller engine it is for sure when compared to the big 1.6 unit. However, the 1.0L engine is not really a tortoise. Generating 110 PS and 175 NM of torque, power figures aren’t that bad for such a small engine. After all, the engine is of a Turbocharged Stratified Injection (TSI) type that offers all the power when you need it but otherwise remains fuel efficient as fuel efficiency claimed by Skoda is 18.24 KMPL.

Prices of the Skoda Rapid TSI start at 9.06 Lakhs and go all the way upto 14.72 Lakhs. Prices are Ex- showroom. Available in 5

manual transmission variants, the petrol only sedan comes with a choice of six colour options- Flash Red, Candy White, Lapiz Blue, Brilliant Silver, Carbon Steel and Toffee Brown. Some colours however maybe restricted to a few variants only.

For the kind of kit it offers for the price, the Rapid TSI competes with the Volkswagen Vento, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, and Hyundai Verna. Though some cars like the Tata Nexon, Maruti Vitarra Brezza and Ford Ecosport are from a different segment, they could compete if buyers are not restricted to one segment since they are priced in a similar way.