Kia Sonet HTK Plus (O) Turbo iMT

Budget, safety, monthly maintenance, latest features, and reliable company service – these are the big questions every Indian car buyer asks. And rightly so. In a market flooded with choices, finding that perfect blend can be tricky. But what if we told you there's a compact SUV that aims to tick all these boxes, and then some? Today, we're putting the spotlight on a variant that's been generating quite a buzz: the new Kia Sonet HTK Plus (O) Turbo iMT. This Sonet model promises a lot, from its stylish looks to its peppy performance and feature-rich cabin. Let's dive deep and see if it truly lives up to the hype and is the right car for your garage.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The heart of the Kia Sonet HTK Plus (O) Turbo iMT is its lively 1.0-liter Turbo GDi petrol engine, offering a spirited drive.

• Engine Type: 1.0L Turbo GDi Petrol
• Power: 120 PS (approx. 118 bhp)
• Torque: 172 Nm
• Transmission: 6-speed intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT)

Design Overview

The Sonet has always been a head-turner, and the latest iteration takes that a step further with its bold and modern aesthetics.

Exterior

• Bold and assertive design with Kia's signature 'Tiger Nose' grille.
• Stylish Crown Jewel LED headlamps and Star Map LED DRLs for a distinctive look.
• Sporty 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels that enhance its premium appeal.
• Muscular stance and impressive road presence, making it stand out in its segment.

Interior

• Premium and modern cabin design, with a driver-focused layout for ease of access.
• Dual-tone interior theme (depending on variant) with high-quality materials and finishes.
• Well-bolstered seats offer good comfort for both city commutes and longer highway journeys.
• Clean dashboard layout with easy-to-reach controls.

Key Features

The HTK Plus (O) variant strikes an excellent balance between features and value, offering a compelling package.

• Infotainment System: 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
• Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Kia Connect (connected car technology) for smart features.
• Sunroof: Electric sunroof, a highly sought-after feature in this segment.
• Comfort & Convenience: Automatic climate control, rear AC vents, cruise control, and push-button start/stop.
• Other Notable Features: Rear view camera, LED sound mood lighting, front and rear power windows, electrically adjustable ORVMs.

What is the Ground Clearance of Kia Sonet HTK Plus (O) Turbo iMT?

The Kia Sonet offers a healthy ground clearance of 205 mm, making it perfectly suited for tackling diverse Indian road conditions and occasional rough patches without worry.

What is the Boot Space of Kia Sonet HTK Plus (O) Turbo iMT?

The Sonet provides a generous boot space of 385 litres, which is ample for your weekend luggage, shopping, or daily errands.

What are the Dimensions of Kia Sonet HTK Plus (O) Turbo iMT?

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

Powertrain Options

While our focus is the lively Turbo iMT, the Kia Sonet offers a versatile range of engines to suit different driving needs:

• 1.2L Smartstream Petrol: Naturally Aspirated, 83 PS, 115 Nm, 5-speed Manual.
• 1.0L Turbo GDi Petrol: 120 PS, 172 Nm, 6-speed iMT (our focus) or 7-speed DCT.
• 1.5L CRDi Diesel: 116 PS, 250 Nm, 6-speed Manual or 6-speed Automatic.

Safety Features

Kia has significantly enhanced its safety offerings, and the Sonet now provides a comprehensive protection package.

• Airbags: 6 airbags (driver, passenger, side, curtain) as standard from HTK Plus variants onwards.
• Braking: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) for effective stopping power.
• Stability Control: Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) for enhanced road holding.
• Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) for confident uphill starts.
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) to keep an eye on tyre health.
• Rear Parking Sensors and Rear View Camera for easier maneuvering.
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts for secure child seat installation.

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is paramount, and the Kia Sonet has recently undergone rigorous testing.

Note: The Bharat NCAP rating applies to the latest Sonet model, while the Global NCAP rating is for the pre-facelift model. Kia has made continuous efforts to enhance safety across its range.

Rivals of Kia Sonet HTK Plus (O) Turbo iMT

The compact SUV segment in India is fiercely competitive. The Kia Sonet HTK Plus (O) Turbo iMT goes head-to-head with some strong contenders:

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

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Here's a balanced perspective on what makes the Kia Sonet HTK Plus (O) Turbo iMT a compelling choice, and areas where it could improve.

Pros

• Striking Design: The Sonet looks sharp, modern, and boasts a strong, commanding road presence.
• Peppy Turbo Engine: The 1.0L Turbo GDi engine delivers lively performance, making city driving engaging and highway overtakes effortless.
• Convenient iMT: The intelligent Manual Transmission offers clutch-free shifting comfort, combining the ease of an automatic with the engagement of a manual.
• Feature-Rich Cabin: For its price point, the HTK Plus (O) variant provides an impressive array of features, including a sunroof, automatic climate control, and connected car technology.
• Good Ground Clearance: Handles broken roads and speed breakers with confidence and ease.
• Kia's Growing Service Network: Benefitting from Kia's expanding service reach and reliable customer support.

Cons

• Rear Seat Space: While adequate for four adults, a fifth passenger might find the rear bench a bit snug on longer journeys.
• Fuel Efficiency: The turbo petrol engine, while fun to drive, can be a bit thirsty if driven aggressively.
• Ride Quality: The suspension is tuned more for sportiness, which might translate to a slightly firm ride over very rough patches or potholes at lower speeds.
• Boot Access: The loading lip for the boot is a bit high, which could make loading heavy luggage slightly inconvenient for some.

Conclusion

So, is the Kia Sonet HTK Plus (O) Turbo iMT the compact SUV for you? If you're looking for a vehicle that seamlessly blends aggressive styling, a spirited turbo-petrol engine with the convenience of an iMT, and a cabin packed with essential modern features – all backed by Kia's expanding service promise – then this variant makes a very compelling case. It's a car that looks good, drives well, and offers a lot for its price point in the highly competitive Indian market. While it has a couple of minor trade-offs like rear seat space and fuel efficiency with aggressive driving, its numerous advantages far outweigh them for most prospective buyers.

We highly recommend heading to your nearest Kia showroom for a test drive. Feel the power, experience the features, and see if the Sonet HTK Plus (O) Turbo iMT truly resonates with your automotive aspirations. Happy driving!