The Kia Sonet is a sub-4-meter SUV that has emerged as a game-changer in India’s competitive compact SUV segment since its debut in September 2020. Launched by Kia India, the Sonet blends bold design, advanced technology, and a range of powertrain options, catering to young buyers, first-time car owners, and families alike. With its Signature Tiger Nose Grille, sleek LED lighting, and a feature-packed cabin, the Sonet stands out as a stylish yet practical choice in a segment dominated by heavyweights like the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon, and Hyundai Venue. The 2024 facelift further elevated its appeal with updated styling, enhanced safety features like ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System), and a refined driving experience.
The Sonet’s success is evident from its sales figures—it crossed the 1 lakh sales milestone in 2024, a testament to its popularity. Priced competitively between ₹8 lakh and ₹15.77 lakh (ex-showroom), it offers exceptional value with segment-first features such as ventilated seats, a Bose sound system, and a plethora of engine-transmission combinations. Available in multiple trims like HTE, HTK, HTX, GTX+, and X-Line, the Sonet caters to diverse preferences, from budget-conscious buyers to those seeking a premium SUV experience. This product detail explores the Sonet’s technical prowess, variant lineup, pricing in metro cities, and how it stacks up against its rivals.
Technical Specifications
The Kia Sonet offers three engine options—a naturally aspirated petrol, a turbo-petrol, and a diesel—paired with a variety of transmissions. Below is a detailed table summarizing its technical specifications, compiled from CarDekho, ZigWheels, and CarWale as of March 2025.
| Parameter | 1.2L Petrol (NA) | 1.0L Turbo-Petrol | 1.5L Diesel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | Smartstream G1.2 | Smartstream G1.0 T-GDi | U2 1.5L CRDi VGT |
| Displacement (cc) | 1197 | 998 | 1493 |
| Cylinders | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Max Power | 81.8 bhp @ 6000 rpm | 118 bhp @ 6000 rpm | 114 bhp @ 4000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 115 Nm @ 4200 rpm | 172 Nm @ 1500-4000 rpm | 250 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm |
| Transmission Options | 5-speed Manual | 6-speed iMT, 7-speed DCT | 6-speed MT, 6-speed AT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Petrol | Petrol | Diesel |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 18.83 kmpl | 18.4 kmpl (iMT), 19.2 kmpl (DCT) | 24.1 kmpl (MT), 18.6 kmpl (AT) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 liters | 45 liters | 45 liters |
| Emission Standard | BS6 Phase 2 | BS6 Phase 2 | BS6 Phase 2 |
| Suspension (Front) | McPherson Strut with Coil Spring | McPherson Strut with Coil Spring | McPherson Strut with Coil Spring |
| Suspension (Rear) | Coupled Torsion Beam Axle | Coupled Torsion Beam Axle | Coupled Torsion Beam Axle |
| Brakes (Front/Rear) | Disc/Disc (Higher Variants) | Disc/Disc (Higher Variants) | Disc/Disc (Higher Variants) |
| Tyre Size | 195/65 R15 or 215/60 R16 | 215/60 R16 | 215/60 R16 |
| Ground Clearance | 211 mm (unladen) | 211 mm (unladen) | 211 mm (unladen) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 3995 mm x 1790 mm x 1642 mm | 3995 mm x 1790 mm x 1642 mm | 3995 mm x 1790 mm x 1642 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2500 mm | 2500 mm | 2500 mm |
| Boot Space | 392 liters | 392 liters | 392 liters |
Note: Mileage figures are ARAI-certified and may vary based on real-world conditions. Higher variants feature all-wheel disc brakes, while base models may have drum brakes at the rear.
Variants
The Kia Sonet is available in a wide range of variants, grouped under three broad trim lines: HT-Line (HTE, HTK, HTX), GT-Line (GTX+), and X-Line. Below is a table listing key variants with their fuel types and transmission options.
| Variant | Fuel Type | Transmission | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTE | Petrol/Diesel | 5MT (Petrol), 6MT (Diesel) | 6 airbags, ABS, LED DRLs |
| HTK | Petrol/Diesel | 5MT (Petrol), 6MT (Diesel) | Touchscreen, Auto AC, Rear Sensors |
| HTK+ | Petrol/Diesel | 5MT, iMT, DCT, AT | Sunroof, Push-Button Start, Cruise Control |
| HTX | Petrol/Diesel | 5MT, iMT, DCT, AT | LED Headlamps, Ventilated Seats, 10.25″ Screen |
| GTX+ | Petrol/Diesel | DCT (Petrol), AT (Diesel) | ADAS, 360° Camera, Bose Audio |
| X-Line | Petrol/Diesel | DCT (Petrol), AT (Diesel) | Matte Finish, Exclusive Interiors, ADAS |
Note: The Sonet offers 20 variants in total, with sub-variants like HTE(O) and HTK(O) adding features like a sunroof to base trims.
Price in Metro Cities
The Kia Sonet’s on-road price varies across metro cities due to differences in RTO charges, insurance, and local taxes. Below is a table of approximate on-road prices for select variants in major cities as of March 2025, sourced from CarDekho and CarWale.
| Variant | Delhi | Mumbai | Bangalore | Chennai | Kolkata |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HTE (Petrol) | ₹9.07 lakh | ₹9.25 lakh | ₹9.35 lakh | ₹9.20 lakh | ₹9.15 lakh |
| HTK+ (Petrol) | ₹11.73 lakh | ₹11.90 lakh | ₹12.00 lakh | ₹11.85 lakh | ₹11.80 lakh |
| HTX (Diesel) | ₹13.50 lakh | ₹13.70 lakh | ₹13.85 lakh | ₹13.65 lakh | ₹13.60 lakh |
| GTX+ (Turbo) | ₹17.38 lakh | ₹17.60 lakh | ₹17.75 lakh | ₹17.55 lakh | ₹17.50 lakh |
| X-Line (Diesel) | ₹18.52 lakh | ₹18.75 lakh | ₹18.90 lakh | ₹18.70 lakh | ₹18.65 lakh |
Note: Prices are indicative and subject to change based on dealer offers, additional accessories, and tax revisions.
About the Kia Sonet
Design and Styling
The Kia Sonet boasts a bold and modern design that aligns with Kia’s global design philosophy. Its Signature Tiger Nose Grille—a hallmark of Kia vehicles—is flanked by sleek LED headlamps and Crown Jewel LED DRLs, giving it a distinctive road presence. The 2024 facelift introduced sharper lines, a redesigned front fascia, and connected LED tail lamps, enhancing its contemporary appeal. Available in 11 color options, including exclusive Matte Graphite for the X-Line, the Sonet appeals to buyers seeking a standout aesthetic. The 16-inch Crystal Cut Alloy Wheels add a sporty flair, while the 211 mm ground clearance ensures it handles rough roads with ease.
Interior and Features
Step inside the Kia Sonet, and you’re greeted by a premium cabin that punches above its segment. The dashboard features a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, paired with a matching 10.25-inch digital driver’s display in higher variants. Soft-touch materials, ventilated front seats, and LED ambient lighting elevate the experience, making it feel closer to a luxury SUV. The Sonet pioneered features like a Bose 7-speaker sound system, electric sunroof, and smart air purifier in its class, setting a benchmark for competitors.
Safety is a strong suit, with 6 airbags standard across all variants, alongside ABS with EBD, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), and Hill Assist. The top-spec GTX+ and X-Line trims add Level 1 ADAS—including lane keep assist and forward collision warning—making it one of the safest sub-compact SUVs. However, rear-seat space is a compromise; while adequate for two adults or children, three tall passengers may find it cramped due to the 2500 mm wheelbase.
Performance and Driving Experience
The Kia Sonet offers a versatile driving experience with its three engine options. The 1.2L petrol (81.8 bhp) is ideal for city commuting, delivering smooth performance and decent fuel efficiency (18.83 kmpl). The 1.0L turbo-petrol (118 bhp) brings a punchy feel, especially with the 7-speed DCT, making it fun for enthusiasts while returning up to 19.2 kmpl. The 1.5L diesel (114 bhp) is the star for long-distance travelers, offering robust torque (250 Nm) and an impressive 24.1 kmpl with the manual transmission.
The ride quality is well-balanced—stiffer suspension absorbs potholes effectively, though sharp bumps can transmit some noise into the cabin. On highways, the Sonet feels planted, with responsive steering and smooth gearshifts (especially in the DCT and 6-speed AT variants). However, the turbo-petrol in Sport mode can feel jerky in traffic, and the base petrol lacks the outright power of its rivals.
Maintenance and Ownership
Kia claims the Sonet offers the lowest maintenance cost in its segment—16% lower for petrol and 14% lower for diesel compared to averages (Frost & Sullivan study). Service costs are comparable to mass-market brands like Maruti Suzuki, averaging around ₹4000-₹6000 per visit. The highest residual value in its class (3% above average) adds to its appeal as a long-term investment. Kia’s extensive network ensures good service availability in metro cities, with positive feedback on customer support.
Target Audience and Practicality
The Kia Sonet targets young professionals, small families, and urban buyers seeking a stylish yet affordable SUV. Its 392-liter boot space is sufficient for weekend trips, and features like rear AC vents and sunshades enhance passenger comfort. However, those prioritizing rear-seat space or a softer ride might need to look elsewhere. The Sonet excels as a city companion, with easy maneuverability and a compact footprint (3995 mm length), though its mileage drops in heavy traffic (e.g., 12-14 kmpl for turbo-petrol).
Close Competitors
The Kia Sonet competes in a crowded sub-compact SUV segment. Here’s how it compares to its key rivals:
- Hyundai Venue
- Price: ₹7.94 lakh – ₹13.53 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Engines: 1.2L Petrol (83 bhp), 1.0L Turbo (120 bhp), 1.5L Diesel (100 bhp)
- Pros: Similar powertrains, competitive pricing, Hyundai’s service network
- Cons: Fewer features (no ADAS, ventilated seats), less premium interior
- Verdict: The Venue is a close cousin but lags in tech and safety compared to the Sonet.
- Maruti Suzuki Brezza
- Price: ₹8.34 lakh – ₹14.14 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Engine: 1.5L Petrol (103 bhp), CNG option
- Pros: Excellent fuel efficiency (19.89 kmpl), Maruti’s reliability, CNG availability
- Cons: No diesel, fewer premium features, dated design
- Verdict: Brezza wins on mileage and running costs but lacks the Sonet’s flair.
- Tata Nexon
- Price: ₹8.00 lakh – ₹15.80 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Engines: 1.2L Turbo-Petrol (118 bhp), 1.5L Diesel (113 bhp)
- Pros: 5-star GNCAP rating, rugged build, competitive pricing
- Cons: Inconsistent cabin quality, less refined ride
- Verdict: Nexon excels in safety but falls short on features and finesse.
- Mahindra XUV300 (Now XUV3XO)
- Price: ₹7.99 lakh – ₹14.76 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Engines: 1.2L Turbo-Petrol (109 bhp), 1.5L Diesel (115 bhp)
- Pros: Spacious cabin, powerful diesel, value pricing
- Cons: Smaller boot (257 liters), limited service reach
- Verdict: A strong contender, but Sonet’s tech edge gives it an advantage.
Final Thoughts!
The Kia Sonet is a compelling package in the sub-compact SUV segment, blending style, technology, and versatility. Its wide range of variants, competitive pricing (starting at ₹8 lakh), and segment-leading features like ADAS and ventilated seats make it a standout choice. While it excels in urban environments and offers a premium feel, limitations like rear-seat space and city mileage (for turbo variants) are worth noting. Against competitors like the Hyundai Venue, Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon, and Mahindra XUV3XO, the Sonet holds its own with a balanced mix of performance, safety, and value.
For buyers seeking a modern, feature-rich SUV under ₹15 lakh, the Kia Sonet—especially in mid-spec trims like HTX or top-end X-Line—is hard to overlook. Its success in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore reflects its appeal, backed by Kia’s growing reputation in India. Whether you prioritize aesthetics, tech, or drivability, the Sonet delivers a well-rounded experience that’s tough to beat.
