Kia Sonet HTE

Choosing a new car in India is a big decision. It is not just about the upfront price. You think about safety for your family, how much it will cost to maintain every month, what features you get for your money, and how good the company service is. In a crowded market, finding a vehicle that ticks all these boxes can be tricky, especially if you are looking for a reliable, feature-packed, and budget-friendly SUV.

Today, we are putting one such contender under our spotlight: the new Kia Sonet HTE. As Kia's entry-level compact SUV, the Sonet HTE aims to offer the core Sonet experience without breaking the bank. Let us dive deep and see if this popular compact SUV variant stands up to the hype and your expectations.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Kia Sonet HTE is primarily offered with a refined petrol engine option, perfect for city drives and occasional highway trips.

• Engine Type: 1.2L Smartstream naturally aspirated petrol
• Maximum Power: 83 PS at 6300 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 115 Nm at 4200 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual

Design Overview

Even in its base HTE trim, the Sonet carries the signature bold and modern design language that makes it a head-turner on Indian roads.

Exterior:

• Aggressive tiger-nose grille
• Halogen projector headlamps for clear visibility
• Body-coloured bumpers and door handles
• Stylish steel wheels with covers
• Integrated roof rails (may vary by specific market features but typically present)

Interior

• Functional and driver-focused cabin layout
• Premium fabric upholstery
• Tilt-adjustable steering wheel
• Front and rear power windows
• Manual AC for comfortable climate control

Key Features

While the HTE is the entry-level variant, it still offers a good set of essential features for everyday convenience and comfort.

• Infotainment: 2-DIN music system with Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and 4 speakers. (Premium features like a large touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are reserved for higher variants)
• Connectivity: Basic Bluetooth for phone calls and music streaming
• Climate Control: Manual AC
• Convenience: Front armrest, front & rear power windows, central locking
• (Please note: Advanced features like an electric sunroof, 360-degree camera, ventilated seats, or wireless charging are not available in the HTE variant)

What is the Ground Clearance of Kia Sonet?

The Kia Sonet boasts an impressive ground clearance, making it suitable for tackling diverse Indian road conditions.

• Ground Clearance: 205 mm

What is the Boot Space of Kia Sonet?

The Sonet offers a practical boot space for your luggage needs, whether for daily errands or weekend getaways.

• Boot Space: 385 litres

What are the Dimensions of Kia Sonet?

The Sonet is a compact SUV designed to be nimble in urban traffic while offering a commanding presence.

• Length: 3995 mm
• Width: 1790 mm
• Height: 1642 mm (with roof rails)

Powertrain Options

For the Sonet HTE specifically, the powertrain option is focused on efficiency and ease of driving.

• 1.2L Smartstream Petrol engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Safety Features

Kia has significantly upgraded the Sonet's safety package across all variants, including the HTE, making it a safer choice.

• 6 Airbags (standard)
• Anti-lock Braking System ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution EBD
• Brake Assist BA
• Electronic Stability Control ESC
• Vehicle Stability Management VSM
• Hill-start Assist Control HAC
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System TPMS (Highline)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors

NCAP Rating Table

Understanding a car's safety performance from independent crash tests is crucial. Here is how the Kia Sonet performed:

Rating Agency	Test Year	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection	Overall Star Rating
Global NCAP	2023 (Pre-facelift)	25.02 out of 34	28.93 out of 49	3 Stars
Bharat NCAP	2024 (Facelift)	22.07 out of 32	32.86 out of 49	3 Stars

Rivals of Kia Sonet HTE

The compact SUV segment is fiercely competitive. The Kia Sonet HTE competes with popular models like:

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

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Here is a balanced look at the Kia Sonet HTE, helping you weigh your options.

Pros:

• Striking Design: Even the base model carries the Sonet's attractive and modern SUV styling.
• Standard Safety: The inclusion of 6 airbags across all variants is a significant advantage, enhancing occupant safety.
• Practical Ground Clearance: 205 mm makes it capable of handling rough patches and speed breakers with ease.
• Reliable Engine: The 1.2L petrol engine is smooth and efficient for daily city commutes.
• Kia Service Network: Benefits from Kia's growing and reputable service network in India.
• Value for Money: Offers essential SUV attributes at an accessible price point.

Cons:

• Limited Features: As a base variant, it misses out on premium features like a touchscreen infotainment system, reverse camera, alloy wheels, sunroof, or automatic climate control which are available in higher trims or rivals' base models.
• Engine Performance: The 1.2L petrol engine, while adequate for city driving, might feel underpowered on highways for some users, especially when fully loaded.
• No Automatic Option: The HTE is only available with a manual transmission.
• NCAP Rating: While 3 stars is decent, some rivals offer higher safety ratings.
• Basic Interior: The cabin feel is more utilitarian compared to feature-rich higher variants.

Conclusion

The Kia Sonet HTE is designed for the practical Indian car buyer who wants the essence of an SUV without stretching their budget too far. It brings Kia's renowned design, a crucial 6-airbag safety package, and a dependable engine into an accessible price bracket. While it does skimp on some of the fancy features found in its higher variants, it provides all the core functionalities and safety essentials you need for comfortable and secure daily commuting.

If you are looking for a stylish, safe, and robust compact SUV that delivers on its fundamental promises and comes with the backing of a strong brand like Kia, the Sonet HTE is definitely worth a test drive. It is a smart choice for first-time SUV buyers or those looking for an affordable, urban-friendly car with SUV credentials. Make sure to compare it with its rivals and check out the higher variants if advanced features are a priority for you. Happy car buying!