Kia’s popular compact SUV, the Sonet, has received a mid-life facelift for 2024, arriving in India with updated styling, enhanced features, and a competitive price tag starting at Rs 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The refreshed Sonet aims to solidify its position in the ever-growing compact SUV segment, facing off against rivals like the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, and Mahindra XUV300.
Sharper Looks and Upgraded Tech
Exterior
The Sonet facelift boasts a sharper design with new LED headlights and DRLs flanking the revised grille. Sleek C-shaped taillights connected by an LED bar grace the rear, while new bumpers and a roof spoiler add a touch of sportiness.
Interior
Inside, the focus is on technology. A large 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, similar to the new Seltos, takes center stage. The familiar 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system remains, accompanied by a convenient control panel for climate, drive modes, and traction control.
ADAS Debut
 The biggest headline is the Sonet’s introduction of ADAS technology, making it a leader in its segment. This suite of safety features, familiar from the Hyundai Venue, includes autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot detection.
Familiar Powertrains with a Choice
While the facelift brings cosmetic and tech upgrades, the engine options remain largely unchanged. Kia offers the Sonet with:
- A 1.2-liter, 83hp petrol engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox.
- A 1.0-liter, 120hp turbo-petrol engine paired with a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.
- A 1.5-liter, 116hp diesel engine available with a 6-speed manual, 6-speed iMT, or a 6-speed torque converter automatic.
Variants and Pricing
The Sonet facelift comes in seven trim levels: HTE, HTK, HTK+, HTX, HTX+, GTX+, and X-Line. Prices start at Rs 7.99 lakh for the base 1.2L petrol MT variant and extend to Rs 15.69 lakh for the top-of-the-line 1.5L diesel AT X-Line trim.
With its sharper styling, tech-laden interior, and the addition of ADAS, the Kia Sonet facelift is a compelling proposition in the Indian compact SUV market. Whether it can retain its competitive edge against its rivals remains to be seen, but the refreshed Sonet is certainly ready to make its mark.
Kia Sonet Safety
No Official NCAP Rating
The Sonet hasn’t received a safety rating from either Global NCAP or the new Bharat NCAP program yet.
Limited Information
There are reports indicating the Sonet might be under testing for Bharat NCAP, but official results are unavailable.
Promising Features
The Sonet comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including:
- Six airbags (standard across variants)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Brake Assist System (BAS)
- Speed Sensing Door Lock
- Impact Sensing Door Unlock
- ADAS features (top variants): Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), etc.
What to Consider
No rating = unknown safety performanceÂ
While the features list sounds impressive, the absence of an official NCAP rating means the Sonet’s actual crashworthiness remains unverified.
Bharat NCAP results awaited
Keep an eye out for the Sonet’s official Bharat NCAP rating, which will provide a clearer picture of its safety performance.
Compare with alternatives
Research the NCAP ratings of competing SUVs like the Tata Nexon (4 stars), Maruti Suzuki Brezza (4 stars), and Mahindra XUV300 (3 stars) for comparison.
Remember
- Safety is a crucial factor when choosing a car. Prioritize vehicles with strong NCAP ratings and comprehensive safety features.
- Don’t solely rely on marketing claims or feature lists. Look for independent safety assessments for a more objective evaluation.
- Stay informed about upcoming NCAP results, like the potential Sonet rating, to make informed decisions.
By considering these points, you can make a well-rounded decision about the Kia Sonet and its suitability for your safety needs.
Top 10 reasons to choose Kia Sonet
1. Mood-Boosting Ambient Lighting: Tired of the same old cabin ambience? The Sonet facelift offers segment-first multi-color ambient lighting with 64 themes. Choose from calming blues to energetic reds to match your mood and enhance your driving experience.
2. Wireless Phone Charger with Ventilation: Say goodbye to overheating phones! The Sonet boasts an industry-first ventilated wireless phone charger, ensuring your device stays cool and charges optimally.
3. 360-Degree Camera with Blind-Spot View: Parking tight spaces is a breeze with the 360-degree camera, now featuring a unique blind-spot view for extra peace of mind.
4. Segment-Leading Air Purifier: Breathe easy on the road with the Sonet’s powerful air purifier with virus and bacteria protection, ensuring a healthier cabin environment.
5. Personalized Driving Modes: Take control of your drive with three driving modes (Normal, Eco, and Sport) that adjust throttle response, steering feel, and instrument cluster animations for a more dynamic experience.
6. Remote Engine Start with Climate Control: Beat the heat or chill the cabin before you even get in with the remote engine start function with climate control activation. Perfect for those sweltering Indian summers or chilly mornings.
7. Rear Sunshades: Keep the sun at bay for your rear passengers with convenient retractable sunshades, enhancing comfort and privacy on longer journeys.
8. X-Line Trim for the Adventure Seeker: For those who crave a bolder look, the X-Line trim offers a rugged aesthetic with unique grille design, skid plates, and contrast-colored accents.
9. Connected Car Technology with UVO Connect: Stay connected and in control with the UVO Connect telematics system, featuring remote lock/unlock, stolen vehicle tracking, and live traffic updates.
10. Industry-Leading Warranty: Kia stands behind the Sonet with an impressive 3 years/unlimited kilometers warranty, providing peace of mind and highlighting its commitment to quality.
These unique features, combined with the refreshed design, enhanced tech, and competitive price tag, make the 2024 Kia Sonet facelift a compelling choice in the compact SUV segment, offering not only a stylish ride but also a feature-packed experience.
