Kia Sonet: Looking for a compact SUV that’s stylish, loaded with features, and perfect for city life? The Kia Sonet is one of India’s hottest sub-4-metre SUVs, and it’s easy to see why. With a bold design, multiple engine choices, and a feature list that rivals luxury cars, the Sonet is built for urban explorers and families alike. Let’s take a deep dive into what makes the Kia Sonet stand out in 2025.
A Design That Turns Heads
Modern, Muscular, and Made for India
The Kia Sonet’s exterior grabs attention from every angle. Up front, you get the signature Kia “Tiger Nose” grille with knurled matte chrome, flanked by Star Map LED DRLs and connected LED tail lamps that give the Sonet a futuristic vibe. The sculpted bumpers, silver roof rails, and 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels add to its SUV stance, while the shark fin antenna and sporty skid plates bring a touch of ruggedness.
With dimensions of 3995 mm length, 1790 mm width, and 1642 mm height, the Sonet manages to look substantial without being bulky. Its 2500 mm wheelbase means there’s plenty of space inside, despite the compact footprint-perfect for crowded city streets and tight parking spots.
A Palette of Personality
The Sonet comes in a rainbow of colors-10 to be exact-including Glacier White Pearl, Sparkling Silver, Gravity Grey, and Intense Red, so you can choose a shade that matches your personality.
Engines, Performance & Mileage: Power Meets Efficiency
Multiple Engine Options for Every Driver
One of the Sonet’s biggest strengths is its wide range of engines and transmissions. Whether you want peppy petrol, torquey diesel, or the thrill of a turbo, there’s a Sonet for you.
| Engine Type | Displacement | Max Power | Max Torque | Transmission Options | ARAI Mileage (kmpl) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smartstream G1.2 Petrol | 1197 cc | 81.8 bhp @ 6000 rpm | 115 Nm @ 4200 rpm | 5-speed Manual | 18.4 |
| Smartstream G1.0 Turbo Petrol | 998 cc | 118 bhp @ 6000 rpm | 172 Nm @ 1500-4000 rpm | 6-speed iMT / 7-speed DCT | 18.4 |
| 1.5L CRDi Diesel | 1493 cc | 114 bhp @ 4000 rpm | 250 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm | 6-speed Manual / 6-speed AT | 24.1 (MT) / 19 (AT) |
With these choices, you can go for smooth city driving, spirited highway runs, or long-distance efficiency.
Ride and Handling
The Sonet uses a MacPherson strut front suspension and a rear twist beam, tuned for Indian roads. The electric power steering is light at low speeds and stable on the highway. With a ground clearance of 205 mm and a 385-litre boot, it’s ready for family trips, shopping sprees, and weekend getaways.
Features & Tech: Packed to the Brim
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Sonet is a tech lover’s dream. Even the base variant gets an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth multi-connection, and steering-mounted audio controls. Higher variants add a 10.25-inch HD touchscreen, Bose 7-speaker premium sound, and next-gen Kia Connect with 70+ connected car features-including Amazon Alexa home-to-car integration
Comfort and Convenience
From the basics to the best-in-class, the Sonet doesn’t disappoint:
- Electric sunroof (from HTK(O) variant upwards)
- Fully automatic air conditioner with rear AC vents
- Ventilated front seats (top trims)
- Wireless phone projection and charging
- 4-way powered driver seat
- Keyless entry and push-button start
- Rear sunshade curtain, ambient lighting, and leatherette seats (select variants)
- 385-litre boot space and plenty of storage cubbies
Safety and ADAS
Kia has loaded the Sonet with safety features, including:
- Up to 6 airbags
- ABS with EBD, brake assist, and hill assist
- Electronic stability management and vehicle stability control
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- Emergency stop signal and all-seat 3-point seatbelts with reminders
- Rear parking sensors and camera, front parking sensors (higher trims)
- ADAS Level 1 (top trims): Forward collision warning, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, driver attention warning, and more
Variants, Pricing & Value
A Variant for Every Budget
The Sonet comes in a whopping 18 variants, so there’s something for everyone. Here’s a quick look at the price range and some key options:
| Variant | Engine | Transmission | Ex-Showroom Price (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTE (Base) | 1.2L Petrol | Manual | 8.00 lakh |
| HTK (O) | 1.2L Petrol | Manual | 9.60 lakh |
| HTK Plus (O) | 1.2L Petrol | Manual | 10.54 lakh |
| HTK Plus (O) Diesel | 1.5L Diesel | Manual | 12.00 lakh |
| HTX Turbo DCT | 1.0L Turbo | DCT | 12.70 lakh |
| HTX Diesel AT | 1.5L Diesel | Automatic | 13.39 lakh |
| GTX Plus Turbo DCT | 1.0L Turbo | DCT | 14.80 lakh |
| X-Line Turbo DCT | 1.0L Turbo | DCT | 15.00 lakh |
| GTX Plus Diesel AT (Top) | 1.5L Diesel | Automatic | 15.60 lakh |
Prices as of May 2025. On-road prices may vary by city.
How Does the Sonet Compare?
Here’s how the Sonet stacks up against its main rivals:
| Model | Price (₹ lakh) | Engine Options | Power (PS) | Mileage (kmpl) | Boot Space (L) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Sonet | 8.00-15.60 | Petrol, Turbo, Diesel | 81-118 | 18.4-24.1 | 385 |
| Hyundai Venue | 7.94-13.62 | Petrol, Turbo, Diesel | 83-120 | 17.27-23.4 | 350 |
| Tata Nexon | 8.00-15.60 | Petrol, Diesel | 120 | 17.44-24 | 382 |
| Maruti Brezza | 8.69-14.14 | Petrol | 103 | 17.38 | 328 |
| Nissan Magnite | 6.14-11.76 | Petrol, Turbo | 72-100 | 19.4 | 336 |
Ownership Experience: What It’s Like to Drive and Live With
Space and Comfort
The Sonet’s cabin is spacious for a compact SUV, with supportive seats and quality materials. The rear seat comfortably fits two adults and a child, and the boot is generous for luggage. Features like rear AC vents, sunshade curtains, and multiple charging ports make every journey pleasant.
Performance in the Real World
Owners love the Sonet’s punchy engines, especially the diesel and turbo-petrol variants. The ride is comfortable, the steering is light, and the car feels stable at highway speeds. Fuel efficiency is a highlight, especially with the diesel manual delivering over 20 kmpl in mixed driving.
Tech and Safety in Daily Life
The digital driver’s display, wireless connectivity, and advanced safety features make daily drives convenient and secure. The ADAS features, available in top trims, add an extra layer of confidence in busy traffic and on highways.
Conclusion
The Kia Sonet is more than just a compact SUV-it’s a lifestyle upgrade. With its bold looks, wide range of engines, best-in-class features, and top-notch safety, it’s a car that fits urban life like a glove. Whether you’re a tech lover, a family person, or someone who just wants a stylish and reliable ride, the Sonet delivers on all fronts. If you want to stand out in the city without compromising on practicality or value, the Sonet is ready to take you there.
FAQs
1. What is the mileage of the Kia Sonet?
Depending on the engine and transmission, the Sonet offers ARAI-certified mileage between 18.4 kmpl (petrol) and 24.1 kmpl (diesel manual).
2. Is the Kia Sonet a 7-seater?
No, the Kia Sonet is a 5-seater compact SUV. It’s designed for families and urban users who want space and comfort in a compact footprint.
3. What are the standout features of the Kia Sonet?
Key features include wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, electric sunroof, ventilated seats, digital driver’s display, 6 airbags, ADAS Level 1, Bose audio, and next-gen Kia Connect.
4. How does the Sonet compare to rivals like the Hyundai Venue and Tata Nexon?
The Sonet matches or exceeds its rivals in features, engine choices, and safety tech, while offering a stylish design and competitive pricing.
5. What is the price range of the Kia Sonet in 2025?
As of May 2025, the Sonet ranges from ₹8 lakh for the base HTE variant to ₹15.60 lakh for the top GTX Plus Diesel AT variant (ex-showroom).