The Drive Report: 2024 Kia Sonet

When launched in 2020, the Kia Sonet practically set the template for a compact SUV. It did this by blurring the line between a compact SUV and a mid-sized one, both in terms of utility and features. Kia not only stuck to the formula of offering more for less – something that’s always worked with Indian car buyers – it also added a level of boldness and musculature to the existing compact SUV form. In short, a star was born.

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So it doesn't come as a surprise that four years later, the brand hasn’t tinkered with the original formula too much. Instead it has wracked its brain for how to improve on a willing formula and the result is the facelifted 2024 Kia Sonet. It's definitely evolution over revolution with this one, but some choice additions ensure that the Sonet's supremacy isn't likely to be challenged, despite its few flaws. So, what's new?

Design

A much larger grille, new "L" shaped LED headlamps, re-designed LED fog lamps and of course, an all-new bumper design – the Sonet has never looked more aggressive, especially in its matte grey paint scheme (there are a total of 11 colour options, including a dual-tone one). The changes to the rear are less extensive, with a horizontal light bar now connecting the two vertically stacked LED tail lamps. Be it its entry or departure, the Sonet makes a louder statement now than ever before. It’s a feather in Kia’s cap that its most affordable offering is also its most butch in terms of design.

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The rest of the vehicle is more or less identical, with sheet metal work remaining undisturbed. Which is to say that Kia has opted out of the new design trend that steam presses all the character lines for a minimalist look. The new Sonnet, with its bulging bonnet and flared arches, is maximalism on full display.

Interior changes

Perhaps not in terms of design, but the Sonet has dialled-up the feature-richness to max. We're talking about a 360-degree camera, four-way powered driver’s seat, ventilation for the wireless charging dock and Level 1 ADAS which includes forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assist and front-vehicle departure alert. If that wasn't enough to go on, there’s also a new switchgear for AC controls, a new 10.25-inch digital cluster (with customisable dial patterns), window blinds for the rear seat along with type-C USB ports. That’s a staggering amount of tech, for this segment.

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That said, fundamentals remain the same. There's no additional legroom, nor is there any additional width or improved headroom. This update is a gadget-heavy affair for the most part with changes ranging from cutting-edge to gimmicky. Some crucial bits like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto continue to remain missing. However, the presence of a Bose sound system, an onboard air purifier, ambient lighting and six airbags as standard do elevate the interiors a fair bit.

Performance and comfort

The Sonet continues to feature the same powertrain options and trims. Options range from a 1.2-litre NA petrol, a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. Of these the turbocharged petrol unit puts out the most power – precisely 120hp of it – and can be paired to a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT for the more expensive GTX trim (featured here). The 5-speed manual is now found only in the baseline petrol, while a 6-speed manual gearbox has been added to the diesel range, once again.

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Now, 120hp is a significant amount of power for a car of such proportions. But top-trim in this instance does not mean top performance. Despite having a DCT, this isn’t the most responsive unit, with fairly pronounced lag, when moving from a standstill. This isn’t just down to the gearbox alone, because even when you operate the paddle shifters, the turbo takes a while to spool, making quick advances in traffic a tricky proposition. This is a three-cylinder unit, so a bit of noise and some vibrations are inherent. The Sonet 1.0 turbo is in its element a bit higher-up in the rev range. Switching to second, at 2500 rpm there’s a steady burst of power. Stay between 2-4500 rpm and the Sonet gathers pace briskly. There’s just the matter of its suspension which does travel all the way to the nape of your neck, on bumpy roads. It needs to be a lot more softly sprung if it is to tackle India’s monsoon-ridden roads, since there’s not much that can be done about its wheelbase.

Verdict

With its price ranging from Rs 7.99 lakh to Rs 15.69 lakh (ex-showroom) for the top-end model, the Sonet continues to cover all bases. It’s one of the few in the segment to get a diesel powertrain, that too one with a 6-speed torque converter. The petrol DCT is probably the model that shines the brightest, although many will prefer the optimal balance of power and efficiency provided by the diesel. With an even longer list of features, the Sonet has its competition beat.