Kia Sonet HTK

Hey car enthusiasts and future car owners! Are you on the hunt for a new set of wheels that ticks all the boxes – budget-friendly, packed with safety, easy on the wallet for monthly maintenance, loaded with the latest features, and backed by excellent company service? If your answer is a resounding yes, then you're in the right place! Today, we're taking a deep dive into a car that has been making waves in the Indian automotive scene: the new Kia Sonet HTK. This sub-compact SUV promises a lot, and we're here to tell you if it delivers. Let's explore what makes the Kia Sonet HTK a strong contender for your garage.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Kia Sonet HTK offers a choice of reliable engines designed for Indian driving conditions. You get a good balance of power and efficiency.

• 1.2-litre Smartstream Petrol Engine:
  • Max Power: 83 PS
  • Peak Torque: 115 Nm
  • Transmission: 5-speed Manual
  • This engine is great for city commutes and offers smooth, refined performance.
• 1.5-litre CRDi WGT Diesel Engine:
  • Max Power: 116 PS
  • Peak Torque: 250 Nm
  • Transmission: 6-speed Manual
  • For those who love highway cruising and better fuel economy, the diesel engine is a powerful and efficient choice.

Design Overview

Exterior

The Kia Sonet HTK doesn't shy away from making a statement. It carries the signature Sonet design language with a few key elements that make it stand out.

• Bold and Muscular Stance: It looks like a proper SUV, not just a raised hatchback.
• Tiger-nose Grille: A defining Kia design element, giving it a premium and aggressive front fascia.
• Projector Headlamps: Provide good illumination and enhance the modern look.
• Roof Rails: Add to the SUV appeal and practicality.
• Stylish Wheel Covers: Though not alloys, they are well-designed and complement the car's overall aesthetics.

Interior

Step inside the Sonet HTK, and you're greeted by a cabin that feels premium and well-appointed for its segment.

• Clean and Ergonomic Layout: Everything is within easy reach, making for a comfortable driving experience.
• Quality Materials: Kia has used good quality plastics and finishes, elevating the feel of the cabin.
• Spacious Cabin: Offers decent space for front and rear passengers, making long journeys comfortable.
• Dual-tone Interior: Adds to the airy and premium feel.

Key Features (HTK Trim)

Even as a mid-level trim, the Sonet HTK comes equipped with a good set of features that enhance convenience and comfort.

• 8-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System: A crisp display that's easy to use.
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Seamless smartphone integration for navigation, music, and calls.
• Arkamys Sound System: Delivers a surprisingly good audio experience for its segment.
• Steering-Mounted Audio Controls: For easy access to media and calls without taking your hands off the wheel.
• Rear AC Vents: A must-have for Indian summers, ensuring comfort for rear passengers.
• All Power Windows: Standard convenience feature.
• Remote Central Locking: For added security and ease of access.
• Rear Defogger: Improves visibility in foggy or rainy conditions.

Ground Clearance of Kia Sonet HTK

The Kia Sonet HTK boasts a ground clearance of 205 mm. This is excellent for tackling rough Indian roads, speed breakers, and light off-roading with confidence.

Boot Space of Kia Sonet HTK

The Sonet HTK offers a generous boot space of 385 litres. This is ample room for your weekend luggage, groceries, or even a couple of suitcases for a longer trip.

Dimensions of Kia Sonet HTK

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

Powertrain Options

As mentioned earlier, the HTK trim focuses on practicality and offers two strong powertrain options:

• 1.2L Petrol with 5-speed Manual Transmission: Ideal for city driving, offering good refinement and fuel efficiency.
• 1.5L Diesel with 6-speed Manual Transmission: Perfect for those who seek strong torque, better highway mileage, and a more engaging driving experience.

Safety Features

Safety is a paramount concern for Kia, and the Sonet HTK comes with a robust set of safety features as standard.

• 6 Airbags: Driver, passenger, side, and curtain airbags offer comprehensive protection.
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD): For controlled and effective braking.
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Helps maintain vehicle stability during sudden manoeuvres.
• Hill-start Assist Control (HAC): Prevents the car from rolling back on inclines.
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Alerts you to incorrect tire pressure, enhancing safety and fuel efficiency.
• Rear Parking Sensors: Makes parking in tight spots much easier and safer.
• Rear Camera with Guidelines: Offers a clear view of what's behind you.

NCAP Rating Table

Understanding a car's safety rating is crucial. Here's what you need to know about the Kia Sonet's crash test performance.

Rating Agency	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection	Notes
Global NCAP	3 Stars	4 Stars	Rating for the pre-facelift Sonet model (tested under older protocols). The new Sonet with 6 airbags standard across variants is expected to perform even better.
Bharat NCAP	Awaited	Awaited	The updated 2024 Kia Sonet has not yet been tested by Bharat NCAP. However, with 6 airbags as standard, it is anticipated to achieve a strong rating.

Rivals of Kia Sonet HTK

The sub-compact SUV segment is highly competitive in India. Here are some of the key rivals to the Kia Sonet HTK:

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

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros

• Stunning Design: Eye-catching exterior and a premium-looking interior.
• Feature-Rich for its Trim: Offers an 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, rear AC vents, and good audio even in HTK.
• Strong Safety Package: 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, ESC, HAC, TPMS as standard across variants is a big plus.
• Refined Engine Options: Both petrol and diesel engines are smooth and offer good performance and efficiency.
• High Ground Clearance: Handles varied road conditions with ease.
• Spacious Cabin and Boot: Practical for families and long trips.
• Kia's Service Network: Growing and generally well-regarded service experience.

Cons

• Missing Some Premium Features: While HTK is well-equipped, features like sunroof, ventilated seats, wireless charging, and 360-degree camera are reserved for higher trims.
• No Automatic Option for HTK: The HTK trim only comes with manual transmission for both engine choices. Buyers looking for an automatic might need to consider higher trims or rivals.
• Rear Seat Width: While comfortable for four adults, fitting three abreast in the rear can be a bit snug for longer journeys.
• Diesel Engine Only with Manual: For diesel enthusiasts wanting an automatic, the HTK does not offer this combination.

Conclusion

The Kia Sonet HTK emerges as a highly compelling package in the bustling sub-compact SUV segment. It beautifully blends sharp looks, a comfortable and feature-packed interior, robust safety features, and strong powertrain options. While it misses out on some of the 'wow' features of its higher variants, what it offers at its price point is incredibly value-for-money.

If you're a prospective car buyer in India looking for a stylish, safe, and practical SUV that offers a premium experience without breaking the bank, the Kia Sonet HTK should definitely be on your shortlist. It's a car that promises and largely delivers on the crucial aspects of budget, safety, features, and overall ownership experience. Take a test drive and experience the Sonet HTK for yourself – you might just find your perfect ride!