About Kia Sonet HTE – Your Go-To Guide for India's Compact SUV

Choosing a new car in India involves many important decisions. You think about your budget, how safe the car is, monthly maintenance costs, the latest features you get, and the company's service support. All these aspects are key when searching for your ideal ride. If you're looking for a compact SUV that balances style, practicality, and value, the Kia Sonet has likely caught your attention. Today, we focus on a specific variant that offers a compelling package for budget-conscious buyers: the Kia Sonet HTE. Is this the perfect compact SUV for you? Let's explore!

Main Highlights of the Kia Sonet HTE

Engine Specifications

The Kia Sonet HTE is powered by a reliable 1.2-litre Smartstream naturally aspirated petrol engine, ideal for city driving and smooth performance.

• Engine Type: 1.2-litre Smartstream G1.2 Petrol
• Displacement: 1197 cc
• Max Power: 83 PS @ 6300 rpm
• Max Torque: 115 Nm @ 4200 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual

Design Overview

The Sonet's appealing design carries through to the HTE variant, offering a stylish road presence.

• Exterior:

  • Features Kia's signature 'Tiger Nose' grille for a bold look.
  • Comes with practical halogen headlamps.
  • Maintains the Sonet's muscular stance and compact SUV dimensions.
  • Equipped with steel wheels and smart wheel covers.

• Interior:

  • Offers a straightforward and functional cabin design.
  • Features an all-black interior theme that is easy to maintain.
  • Seats are comfortable for daily commutes, with good quality materials for its segment.

Key Features (What You Get in the HTE Variant)

As the base variant, the Sonet HTE focuses on essentials, providing a practical package.

• Infotainment: 2-DIN audio system with Bluetooth, USB, and AUX connectivity.
• Comfort: Manual air conditioning, all four power windows, tilt-adjustable steering wheel.
• Convenience: Front and rear USB charging ports, power outlet, central locking.
• Instrumentation: Digital instrument cluster providing essential information.
• Storage: Ample storage spaces throughout the cabin.

Note: Advanced features like an electric sunroof, a large touchscreen infotainment system, connected car tech (Kia Connect), 360-degree camera, ventilated seats, or wireless charging are exclusive to higher variants of the Kia Sonet.

Ground Clearance

The Kia Sonet offers excellent ground clearance, suitable for diverse Indian road conditions.

• Ground Clearance: 205 mm

Boot Space

For your luggage and shopping needs, the Sonet HTE provides generous boot capacity.

• Boot Space: 385 litres

Dimensions

The Sonet's compact size ensures easy maneuverability and parking in crowded urban areas.

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

Powertrain Options

The HTE variant exclusively features the 1.2-litre petrol engine with a 5-speed manual gearbox. For those seeking more power or automatic convenience, higher Sonet trims offer:

• 1.0-litre Turbo Petrol with iMT or 7-speed DCT
• 1.5-litre Diesel with 6-speed Manual or 6-speed Automatic

Safety Features

Safety is a priority, and the Kia Sonet HTE includes essential safety features as standard.

• Dual Front Airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Emergency Stop Signal
• Front Seatbelt Reminders
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

NCAP Rating Table

The Kia Sonet's safety performance has been evaluated by both Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP.

Rating Agency	Test Period	Adult Occupant Safety	Child Occupant Safety	Star Rating
Global NCAP	(Older Model)	Adequate	Below Average	3 Stars
Bharat NCAP	(Newer Model)	Adequate	Adequate	3 Stars

Note: NCAP ratings offer a general guide to a car's safety performance under specific crash tests. Always prioritize careful driving.

Rivals of Kia Sonet HTE

The Kia Sonet HTE competes fiercely in the compact SUV segment against strong contenders such as:

• Hyundai Venue E/S
• Tata Nexon Smart/Pure
• Maruti Suzuki Brezza LXi
• Mahindra XUV300 W2/W4
• Nissan Magnite XE/XL
• Renault Kiger RXE/RXL

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons of Kia Sonet HTE)

Pros:

• Striking Design: Even the base HTE variant looks premium and attractive.
• Robust Build Quality: The Sonet feels solid and well-built, inspiring confidence.
• Essential Features: Covers all basic needs for a practical daily driver.
• Good Ground Clearance: 205mm is excellent for varied Indian road conditions.
• Spacious Boot: 385 litres of boot space is highly competitive and useful.
• Reliable Engine: The 1.2-litre petrol engine is refined and fuel-efficient for city use.
• Brand Value: Kia offers a strong brand image and expanding service network in India.

Cons:

• Basic Feature Set: May feel too bare-bones in tech and comfort compared to some rivals' base variants.
• Limited Powertrain: Only the 1.2L petrol engine with a manual gearbox; no turbo petrol or automatic option in HTE.
• Underpowered for Highways: The 1.2L naturally aspirated engine might feel sluggish on highways or when fully loaded.
• No LED Lighting: Standard halogen lamps might not appeal to all buyers looking for modern aesthetics.
• No Touchscreen Infotainment: The absence of a touchscreen could be a deal-breaker for tech-savvy individuals.

Conclusion

The Kia Sonet HTE offers an excellent entry point into the compact SUV segment. If your priorities include a stylish and well-built vehicle, good ground clearance, practical boot space, essential safety features, and a reliable engine for city commutes – all within a strict budget – then the Sonet HTE deserves your serious consideration. It delivers the core Sonet experience without the premium frills. While it might not have every gadget, it presents a trustworthy, appealing, and cost-effective package. We recommend you check out the Kia Sonet HTE at your nearest showroom to see if this stylish, practical compact SUV fits your lifestyle and needs perfectly!