Baby Seltos

Fresh for 2024, the Kia Sonet facelift has spearheaded the subcompact SUV segment in India with muscular styling, an updated features list, and a bunch of powertrain options. The update promises to bring it up to speed with other cars in the segment, but with the Nexon also receiving a drastic update, the Sonet may have its work cut out. The pre-facelift Tata Nexon has been India’s best-selling SUV for multiple years in a row, and the fresh new facelift bears a promise of continuing that streak. Does the Sonet have what it takes to dethrone the Nexon, and also take on the likes of some other capable rivals like the Hyundai Venue and Maruti Suzuki Brezza? Let’s have a look.

Kia Sonet Pros and Cons 

Kia Sonet Exterior Design 

Kia has done as much as it could’ve with the facelift of the Sonet without actually altering the sheet metal of the car. The front end now features a larger grille, new L-shaped DRLs, and updated LED fog lamps, creating a sharper and more distinctive appearance. The headlights, though, have stayed the same but only a keen eye will make that out. The rear end has also adopted Kia’s connected tail-lamp design, making it appear like a baby Seltos. The cut to accommodate the connecting tail-lamp feature is the only alteration done to the Sonet’s bodywork, yet, the subcompact SUV somehow manages to look significantly different than its pre-facelift version. The facelift also includes new bumper designs and a variety of alloy wheel options across different trims. With the sharper modifications, the Sonet now looks more macho and muscular than before, while also retaining its compact charm. 

Kia Sonet Interiors 

The interior of the Sonet has been refined with contemporary touches and better switchgear, alongside a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. The interior design remains largely unchanged, but feels well-built and upmarket, with various upholstery colours available across different trims. Some modifications have been made to the rear door panels to improve shoulder space, and the front seats are also reshaped. Front seat backs have been carved out to offer more legroom for the rear passengers, and thigh support at the back has been enhanced as well. Yet, the space can still feel cramped for large adults, and three abreast at the back wouldn’t be convenient for longer journeys. The boot space on the other hand is practical, with 385 litres of storage capacity on offer.

Kia Sonet Comfort 

Along with the facelift, Kia has made a few efforts to make the seating of the Sonet more comfortable, especially at the back. Front seat backs and rear door panels have been carved out to liberate more room, and the thigh support has also been enhanced. However, despite these changes, the rear seat is best for two adults only, and a third passenger at the back can only be accommodated for short stints. The firm suspension setup and the vehicle's relatively short wheelbase also contribute to a ride that's more on the lumpy side, with a notable transmission of road imperfections into the cabin. Overall, the Sonet offers a more stiff and sporty setup than a comfortable one, making it ideal for enthusiasts.

Kia Sonet Performance and Handling

The 2024 Kia Sonet retains its diverse engine lineup, offering two petrol engines and a diesel engine, each paired with various transmissions. The 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is lively, putting out 118 bhp and 172 Nm torque. But interestingly, it doesn’t get a full manual gearbox on offer. The 6-speed clutchless manual gearbox that it gets is easy to use in various kinds of scenarios, including stop-start traffic, but doesn’t offer the connect that a clutch pedal does. A 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is also on offer with the turbo, but it isn’t very smooth at shifts, especially at slower speeds. 

Conversely, the diesel's 6-speed automatic shines with smooth, leisurely shifts, making it a preferred choice for a balanced mix of performance, refinement, and fuel efficiency. The diesel engine also gets a 6-speed manual as well as a 6-speed clutchless manual on offer, making the engine the pick of the lot for enthusiasts without budget constraints, given its 250 Nm torque output. The 1.2-litre N/A petrol mill on the other hand is the most sedate and affordable one of the lot, and is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, with no iMT or AT gearboxes on offer. The Sonet’s handling remains its strong suit, with well-controlled body movements and decent refinement levels, making the Sonet an engaging drive, despite its ride comfort shortcomings. Throw it into corners, or take trips on highways, and the Sonet shines bright as a driver-centric SUV. 

Kia Sonet Key specifications

Kia Sonet Safety Features

The Sonet's facelift brings notable enhancements to its safety suite, with the inclusion of level 1 ADAS features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and driver attentiveness assist. The comprehensive safety package also includes disc brakes on all wheels, front parking sensors, six airbags as standard, ABS, EBD, TCS, ESC, and hill assist, underlining Kia's commitment to passenger safety. 

Kia Sonet Technology and Infotainment

With the facelift, Kia has updated the Sonet with tech that brings it up to the benchmark set by rivals. The introduction of a 10.25-inch screen for the instrument cluster and an updated 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, alongside a 360-degree camera, powered driver’s seat, ventilated seats, and a ventilated wireless phone charger, elevate the cabin experience by several notches. Despite some connectivity limitations — like a lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto — the Sonet boasts an extensive array of features, including a Bose sound system, an onboard air purifier, and ambient lighting, further solidifying its position as a tech-centric SUV.  

Is the Kia Sonet for You?

While its rivals offer a more practical and well-rounded experience, the Kia Sonet has picked its niche, and it does well to fit into it. With a punchy turbo-petrol and a strong diesel engine on offer with a variety of gearboxes, the Kia Sonet makes for a great driver-centric subcompact SUV. Yes, it could’ve been better with a more plush suspension setup, but the stiff setup gives it great handling characteristics and highway dynamics. The tech features on offer and revised styling also make it handsome and appealing, making it an attractive proposition in the segment. Simply put, if you are looking for a subcompact SUV to drive yourself, the Kia Sonet should be at the top of your shortlist.