Photos by Shubham Khade
So, what’s new with the 2024 Kia Sonet? Is it a whole new beast or just a stylish facelift? Spoiler alert — it’s the latter. But before you yawn and turn away, let me tell you why this mid-life refresh is more than just a botox job for this compact SUV.
The Sonet struts its stuff in the Tech Line, GT Line, and the swanky X-Line (which by the way, we are driving) variants. These trims are further split into a mind-boggling array of HTE, HTK, HTK+, HTX, HTX+, GTX, and X-Line options. Phew! With 11 exterior colours, including two dual-tone schemes, this SUV is like a chameleon at a rave. The matte paint job? Perfect for those who want to stand out in the mosh pit.
The cosmetic surgery includes a snazzy new tiger-nose grille, star map design LED headlamps, a reworked front bumper with chic LED fog lamps, and star-map tail lamps connected by an LED light bar. It still has that brutish charm, with a compact footprint that’s ready to pounce.
Step inside, and you’ll find the cabin layout and ergonomics are mostly unchanged. That means good visibility, a nice driving position, and enough room to avoid feeling like a sardine. However, for our six-foot-tall friends, the second row remains a bit tight. But wait, there’s good news! Kia has scooped out the front seats by 35 mm (up from the previous 5 mm), and thigh support has increased by 21 mm. These tweaks make the second row comfier, though three adults might still feel like they’re in a game of human Tetris.
Under the hood, the Sonet continues with its tried-and-true powertrain options. The 1.0-litre turbo-petrol comes with either a six-speed iMT or a seven-speed DCT. We’re playing with the latter here. Automatics are reserved for the top spec HTX+, GTX, and X-Line trims, because why not?
The 1.0-litre turbo petrol with the seven-speed DCT offers quite the punch, delivering a stellar performance that masterfully balances power and efficiency. On the open highway, it provided an impressive fuel efficiency of 18 kpl, making long drives feel like a breeze without constant pit stops. In the bustling city, where stop-and-go traffic is the norm, the Sonet still shined with a notable 14 kpl.
Twisty roads and chaotic traffic? Bring it on. The Sonet’s steering is pinpoint and accurate, making every manoeuvre feel effortless. Its snappy handling lets you navigate every corner and dodge every pothole with ease. With a well-balanced chassis and thoughtfully designed characteristics, the overall feel and feedback are balanced, as things should be.
Kia Sonet X-Line feels balanced with good looks, modern amenities, and peppy performance. It’s a compact SUV that feels spacious enough for a family of four, offers a choice of fuel and transmissions, and now also comes with ADAS to stay ahead with its rivals like the Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Mahindra XUV300 (3XO as it’s known now), and the sister from another mother, the Hyundai Venue.
Sure, it lacks a turbo-manual for the thrill-seekers, but it ticks most boxes for urban families and highway warriors alike. It’s the car that can lure top-end small hatchback buyers into the compact SUV realm and tempt those eyeing the mid-size SUV segment, like the Seltos, without burning a hole in their wallets. The Sonet, with all its goodies, is like a mini Seltos that packs a punch in a more compact package.
