Kia Sonet GTX Plus Diesel AT

Hey car enthusiasts and future car owners! Are you on the hunt for your next ride? We know the journey can be exciting yet daunting. You're probably thinking about a lot of things: how much it will cost, what about safety for your family, will monthly maintenance burn a hole in your pocket, does it have all the latest tech features, and how good is the company's service network? These are all super important questions, and today, we're diving deep into a car that aims to tick many of these boxes for Indian buyers: the new Kia Sonet GTX Plus Diesel AT. Let's find out if this compact SUV is the perfect match for you.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Kia Sonet GTX Plus Diesel AT comes with a very capable and refined engine perfect for Indian driving conditions.

• Engine Type: 1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel
• Maximum Power: 116 PS at 4,000 rpm
• Peak Torque: 250 Nm at 1,500-2,750 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed Automatic (Torque Converter)

Design Overview

Exterior

The Sonet GTX Plus Diesel AT stands out with its bold and athletic design. It has a distinctive SUV presence that catches the eye. The front features Kia's signature Tiger Nose grille, flanked by sharp LED DRLs and headlamps. The muscular bonnet, silver skid plates, and roof rails add to its rugged appeal. The alloy wheel design is sporty, and the connected LED tail lamps at the rear give it a premium look, especially at night. It looks modern, aggressive, and ready for adventure.

Interior

Step inside, and you are greeted by a premium and tech-laden cabin. The all-black interior with red stitching, typical of GTX variants, gives it a sporty feel. The dashboard layout is driver-focused and modern. Quality materials are used throughout, giving a sense of refinement. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making long drives more enjoyable. It feels spacious and well put together.

Key Features

The GTX Plus variant is loaded with features designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and connectivity. Here are some notable ones:

• Infotainment Screen: Large 10.25-inch HD Touchscreen with navigation
• Connectivity: Kia Connect (connected car tech), Android Auto, Apple CarPlay
• Sunroof: Electric Sunroof (single pane)
• Camera: 360-degree camera with blind view monitor
• Charging: Wireless Phone Charger
• Climate Control: Automatic Climate Control
• Seats: Ventilated Front Seats (a boon for Indian summers)
• Sound System: Premium Bose 7-speaker system
• Other: Cruise Control, Rear AC vents, Smart Key with Push Button Start/Stop

What is the Ground Clearance of Kia Sonet?

The Kia Sonet offers a healthy ground clearance of 205 mm, which is excellent for tackling varied Indian road conditions, including potholes and unpaved roads, without much worry.

What is the Boot Space of Kia Sonet?

The Sonet provides a practical boot space of 385 litres. This is sufficient for your weekend getaways or daily shopping runs, offering ample room for luggage.

What are the Dimensions of Kia Sonet?

• Length: 3995 mm
• Width: 1790 mm
• Height: 1642 mm
• Wheelbase: 2500 mm

Powertrain Options

While we are focusing on the Diesel AT, the Kia Sonet also offers other powertrain choices to cater to diverse needs:

• 1.2L Smartstream Petrol Engine: Paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
• 1.0L Turbo GDi Petrol Engine: Available with a 6-speed iMT (intelligent manual transmission) or a 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch transmission).
• 1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel Engine: Available with a 6-speed manual or the 6-speed automatic (torque converter), as discussed.

Safety Features

Safety is a priority for Kia, and the Sonet comes packed with features to keep you and your loved ones safe.

• Up to 6 Airbags (Front, Side, Curtain)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
• Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
• Brake Assist System (BAS)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Highline
• Rear Parking Sensors and Camera
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts

NCAP Rating Table

Understanding a car's safety performance through crash test ratings is crucial.

Test Agency	Rating for Kia Sonet	Year
Global NCAP	3 Stars (Adult Occupant Protection)	2020
Bharat NCAP	Not yet rated (as of latest information)	N/A

Note: The Global NCAP rating is for the pre-facelift model tested in 2020. Kia has made improvements, but a new test specifically for the current model is pending.

Rivals of Kia Sonet GTX Plus Diesel AT

The compact SUV segment in India is highly competitive. The Kia Sonet GTX Plus Diesel AT faces stiff competition from:

• Hyundai Venue
• Tata Nexon
• Maruti Suzuki Brezza
• Mahindra XUV300
• Nissan Magnite
• Renault Kiger

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Pros (Advantages)

• Refined Diesel Engine: The 1.5L diesel with automatic transmission offers excellent power delivery and smooth shifts, making it great for both city and highway drives.
• Feature-Packed Cabin: Loaded with premium features like ventilated seats, Bose sound, 360-degree camera, and connected car tech.
• Bold Exterior Design: Stands out from the crowd with its aggressive and modern styling.
• High Ground Clearance: 205mm ground clearance is ideal for Indian road conditions.
• Premium Interior Feel: The cabin offers a good blend of quality, design, and ergonomics.
• Kia's Service Network: Growing presence and generally good customer service feedback.

Cons (Disadvantages)

• Rear Seat Space: While adequate, it can feel a bit snug for three adults on longer journeys compared to some rivals.
• Ride Quality: The suspension can feel a bit firm at lower speeds over rough patches, though it improves at higher speeds.
• Global NCAP Rating: The 3-star rating (for the pre-facelift model) might be a concern for some buyers looking for the highest safety scores.
• Price: The top-end GTX Plus Diesel AT is on the pricier side in its segment.
• Fuel Economy: While diesel is generally efficient, the automatic transmission might offer slightly lower real-world mileage compared to its manual counterpart.

Conclusion

The Kia Sonet GTX Plus Diesel AT is a compelling package for anyone looking for a stylish, feature-rich, and capable compact SUV in India. It brings a lot to the table, from its powerful and refined diesel automatic powertrain to its long list of creature comforts and cutting-edge technology. While it has a few minor drawbacks like rear-seat space and the previous NCAP score, its overall appeal, strong road presence, and premium experience make it a strong contender in a highly competitive segment.

If you value a powerful diesel automatic, a tech-loaded cabin, and a head-turning design, the Sonet GTX Plus Diesel AT could very well be your next car. We recommend taking it for a thorough test drive to experience its capabilities firsthand and see if it aligns perfectly with your driving needs and lifestyle. Happy car hunting!