Kia Sonet : Since its launch in India, the Kia Sonet has quickly made a strong name for itself in the compact SUV category. Today, it stands as one of the best-selling compact SUVs in the country — a clear sign of how popular it has become.
With its sharp design, eye-catching looks, and a well-finished interior, the Sonet easily grabs attention. It also offers multiple engine choices and a fun driving experience, making it a great fit for those who want a small SUV that doesn’t cut corners on style, performance, or personality.
Even though it faces tough competition from cars like the Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, and Maruti Brezza, the Sonet stands out with its bold Korean styling and confident road presence.
Whether you’re buying your first SUV or planning to move up from a hatchback, the Kia Sonet is a smart and exciting option — combining good looks, everyday practicality, and a strong sense of character.
Bold and Stylish Appearance
The Kia Sonet grabs attention the moment it hits the road. Its youthful and modern design, sharp lines, and updated tiger-nose grille give it a fresh and energetic presence.
Sleek LED headlamps, heartbeat-shaped DRLs, and eye-catching dual-tone paint make the SUV stand out even more. The strong-looking hood and sporty skid plates add to its bold character.
At the back, the sleek tail-lamp design and sharply designed bumper give the car a wider and more planted stance.
Although it’s a compact SUV, the Sonet often looks and feels like something more premium.
Premium Cabin Packed with Features
Step inside the Sonet, and you’re welcomed into a cabin that feels more expensive than you’d expect for the price. The clean dashboard layout, good quality materials, and modern features make it one of the best in its class.
In the higher variants, you get:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- BOSE 8-speaker sound system
- Ventilated front seats
- Digital instrument cluster
- Wireless phone charger
- LED cabin lights and built-in air purifier
There’s plenty of space in the front seats, while the rear bench is good for two adults. Although it’s a five-seater on paper, four people can travel more comfortably.
Engine Choices and Driving Feel
Kia offers multiple engine and gearbox options in the Sonet to match different needs.
- 1.2L Petrol (83 PS, 5-speed manual): Ideal for daily city driving and short trips
- 1.0L Turbo Petrol (120 PS, iMT or DCT): Offers quick acceleration and fun driving
- 1.5L Diesel (100–115 PS, 6-speed manual or automatic): Delivers strong performance and excellent fuel economy
Whether you want fuel savings, smooth city cruising, or confident highway performance, the Sonet offers something for every driver. The turbo petrol with DCT is especially smooth and responsive, while the diesel-automatic option is great for power and mileage.
Safety and Ride Quality
The Sonet comes with plenty of safety features to give peace of mind:
- Six airbags (in top variants)
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill-start assist
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
- Reverse camera and parking sensors
Although its Global NCAP safety rating isn’t the highest in its class, the Sonet still feels safe and composed on real-world roads. The suspension handles city bumps and highways with confidence, though large potholes can be felt slightly due to the low-profile tyres.
Highlights of the Kia Sonet
- Eye-catching and bold design
- Rich set of features even in lower trims
- Multiple engine and gearbox combinations
- Smooth-shifting automatic options
- Compact size makes it great for city driving
- Strong resale value and good brand reputation
Things That Could Be Better
- Rear seat isn’t ideal for three adults
- Ride can feel a bit firm on broken roads
- Some top features only available in higher variants
- Base petrol engine feels underpowered on highways
- Safety rating could be improved
Final Thoughts: A Well-Rounded Compact SUV
The Kia Sonet is a strong option for anyone looking to buy a stylish and feature-loaded compact SUV. It looks good, offers plenty of technology, and comes with engine options that suit both city and highway driving.
For buyers who value smart design, useful features, and driving flexibility, the Sonet is hard to ignore. It may be small in size, but it delivers big on personality and practicality.