Kia Sonet Wild by Design compact SUV unveiled

The Kia Sonet will be available, like the Kia Seltos in both a Tech Line as well as GT Line, each having its own set of variants. The Sonet will be available in both petrol and diesel variants with manual and automatic transmission choices. There is a diesel automatic variant too.

Two petrol engine options:

Smartstream G1.2 petrol engine

Performance oriented 1 litre G1.0 T-GDI petrol engine

D 1.5 litre CRDI diesel engine

GEARBOX OPTIONS

5-speed manual

6-speed manual

6-speed Automatic (iMT)

7-speed DCT

The Sonet gets a 6-speed iMT Technology. The Intelligent Manual Transmission or iMT gearbox will enable a clutch-less shifting with the control of a manual shift lever, offering the best of both worlds! This path-breaking innovation will not only enhance the driving experience, but also prove to be instrumental in improving clutch life since it is handled electronically.

The Kia Sonet has a Wild by Design theme and looks contemporary and youthful. There are several first in segment as well as unique features in the Sonet It is loaded with 30+ segment-first features across design, performance and connectivity. 

Exteriors

The Kia Sonet definitely has a very youthful and vibrant styling about it. It looks like the younger sibling of the Seltos with its Tiger Nose grille. But the Sonet gets a distinctive three-dimensional ‘stepwell’ geometric grille mesh. The overall design of the vehicle is definitely new and inspiring.

Like the Seltos, this vehicle will also get the sporty GT Line trim. There you go, talking of first in segment features and offerings, the Sonet is the first SUV in the segment to be offered in the GT Line trim. Unlike the non-GT line, the GT Line trim gets a black high glossy Grille with GT Line logo and red accents on the front. The rear of the GT line encompasses the Piano Black Diffuser Fin Skid Plates with red accents.

The Kia Sonet carries the Wild by Design theme and this theme is quite evident when you get to see the vehicle from all angles. In front you have the Crown Jewel LED headlamps, ‘Heartbeat’ LED DRLs with integrated side turn indicators. The vehicle gets auto headlamps and projector fog lamps. As you move to the rear you get to see the ‘Heartbeat’ LED tail lamps. The tail lamps are connected with a unique reflector garnish, giving the impression that this compact suv is a lot wider than it actually is.

Again in front you have the ‘Turbo’ shaped skid plates, while the rear includes a sporty dual muffler design and diffuser fin rear skid plate. The sun roof, roof rails, shark fin antenna, 16 inches alloy wheels, the quarter glass on the C pillar, the use of chrome and other embellishments make the overall design and styling of the Sonet stand out.

Interiors

The Kia Sonet cabin is sophisticated and purposeful and when it comes to practicality, it scores big. The dashboard has a two-layer tray to store mobile devices and other items while driving. Steering wheel-mounted controls, Air vents in the dashboard featuring a metallic, diamond-knurled pattern, enhance the vehicle’s practical as well as design elements.

Segment unique features are plenty within the cabin The Sonet gets a 10.25 inch HD touchscreen with Infotainment and Navigation system. Additionally, the 4.2-inch instrument cluster panel is of a sporty design and presents useful information to the driver in vivid colours, which includes navigation turn-by-turn, High Line Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Multi Drive Modes and Grip Control.

The vehicle has features like a  Smart Pure Air Purifier with Virus Protection which I feel makes a lot of sense in today’s world, BOSE Premium 7-speaker System with Sub-woofer, ventilated seats for driver and co passenger, LED sound mood lamps, remote engine start for automatic and manual transmission through UVO & smart key, smartphone wireless charger with cooling function, etc. The GT Line trim comes with red stitching on the steering wheel, seats and door armrest. The Sonet also sports a D-cut steering wheel adding to its sporty appeal. The Sonet also comes loaded with Kia’s native suite of UVO connected technology with 57 features including the seamless UVO - Voice Assist.

The Sonet features an extensive list of active and passive safety equipment. It will come equipped with up to six airbags. – offering a class-leading combination of front, side and curtain protection for occupants. Sonet’s body structure constitutes more than 2/3 high strength and advance high strength steel . Features like ABS with EBD,• ESC, HAC, VSM and Brake assist,  Front & Rear parking sensors, Highline tyre pressure monitor and Isofix child anchor add to the vehicle’s safety armour.