Competition within the ever-growing and popular compact SUV segment is heating up with yet another player entering the market, the all-new KIA Sonet. Underlining KIA’s powerful design DNA for adventurous and young-at-heart customers, here are five reasons we think this newcomer will make its mark in the burgeoning B-SUV segment.
An all-new engine: The Sonet is offered with KIA’s popular and fuel-efficient 1.5 MPI petrol engine developing 85 kW at 6 300 r/min and 144 Nm peak torque at 4 500 r/min. Customers have a choice between a six-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) transmission.
Head-turning looks: The Sonet showcases a range of styling attributes that set it apart from its competitors, including a fresh interpretation of KIA’s signature ‘tiger-nose grille’, with a stylish front skid plate underneath. Its sporty silhouette is enhanced by the unique design and structure of its C-pillars, matched with a wrap-around rear windscreen. The profile, meanwhile, has a robust and sporty character thanks to the shape of the bonnet and bumpers, with the strongly raked A-pillars and rounded roofline imparting a more significant road presence.
Size matters: Contributing to the Sonet’s unmistakable SUV stance is its size. At 4 120 mm long, sitting on a wheelbase measuring 2 500 mm, it’s one of the largest and most spacious vehicles in the B-SUV segment, ensuring that there is more than enough space for all passengers – and everything needed on the journey. Ramping up its utility factor is a ground clearance of 190 mm and a 500 kg unbraked towing capacity for both MT and CVT derivatives and 1 100 kg braked on MT and 800 kg on the CVT derivative.
Keeping you safe & connected: More than two-thirds of the Sonet’s body is made of high-strength steel, creating a lightweight yet robust design. This strong structure is complemented with class-leading safety features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS with EBD, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Dual front airbags, to name a few. Additionally, an 8-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system incorporates a reverse camera with dynamic guidelines as a standard fitment throughout the range. The setup offers the brand’s intuitive and friendly voice-control technology and sports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, providing customers with the crucial safety advantage of hands-free connectivity.
Features galore: Two trim levels will be available with both transmission options. Feature highlights on the entry-level LX derivatives, to name but a few, include remote central locking, air-conditioning, front and rear electric windows, electric mirrors, 15-inch steel wheels, height-adjustable driver’s seat, automatic headlamp activation and combination artificial leather and cloth seat trim. The mid-spec EX Model add rear park distance control, leather steering wheel and gear knob, silver skid plates, 16-inch alloy wheels and roof rails.
