Buying a new car is always exciting, but it also comes with a lot of thought. You are probably thinking about your budget, how safe the car is, monthly maintenance costs, the latest features you want, and of course, the company's service network. Well, if you are looking for a compact SUV that ticks many of these boxes, then the Kia Sonet HTK Plus Diesel might just be on your radar. Let us take a deep dive into what this popular model offers to Indian car buyers.
Main Highlights
Engine Specifications
The Kia Sonet HTK Plus Diesel comes with a capable and fuel-efficient engine, making it a strong contender for those who travel a lot or simply prefer the torque and economy of diesel.
- Engine Type: 1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel engine
- Displacement: 1493 cc
- Max Power: 116 PS (around 114 bhp) @ 4000 rpm
- Max Torque: 250 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm
- Transmission: Available with a 6-speed Manual Transmission (MT) and an iMT (intelligent Manual Transmission) or 6-speed Automatic (torque converter) in higher variants, but for HTK Plus Diesel, generally MT and iMT are common. Always check the specific variant.
- Fuel Efficiency: Known for offering competitive mileage figures, typically around 20-22 kmpl depending on driving conditions and transmission.
Design Overview
The Kia Sonet has always been a head-turner, and the latest version continues this trend with its bold and modern styling.
Exterior Design
The Sonet HTK Plus looks sharp and commanding on the road. It features:
- Signature Tiger Nose Grille
- Stylish LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) and projector headlamps
- Robust and sculpted bumpers
- R16 alloy wheels (or stylish steel wheels with covers, depending on specific variant updates)
- Roof rails that add to its SUV stance
- A sleek, connected LED tail lamp design that gives it a premium look
Interior Design
Step inside the Sonet HTK Plus, and you will find a cabin that feels premium and well laid out for a compact SUV.
- A driver-focused cockpit design
- Neat and functional dashboard with good quality materials
- Comfortable seating with decent legroom and headroom for four adults
- Rear AC vents for improved passenger comfort
- Flat-bottom steering wheel (in some versions) adds a sporty touch
Key Features (HTK Plus Specific)
The HTK Plus variant is a sweet spot, offering a good balance of features without breaking the bank.
- Infotainment System: 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Connectivity: Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Audio: Arkamys sound system with 4 speakers and 2 tweeters
- Comfort & Convenience: Automatic climate control, Rear AC vents, Electric ORVMs with auto-fold function, Remote engine start (for iMT/Automatic), Cruise Control
- Safety & Utility: Rear parking sensors, Rear view camera, Follow-me-home headlamps
- Lighting: LED DRLs, Projector headlamps
- Sunroof: Yes, an electric single-pane sunroof is available in the HTK Plus variant of the Sonet facelift.
- Note: Features like 360-degree camera and wireless charging are usually found in higher variants (e.g., HTX, GTX+).
Ground Clearance
The Kia Sonet offers good ground clearance, which is important for Indian road conditions.
- Ground Clearance: Approximately 205 mm
Boot Space
For a compact SUV, the Sonet offers a practical amount of boot space.
- Boot Space: Approximately 385 litres
Dimensions
Here are the key dimensions of the Kia Sonet:
- Length: 3995 mm
- Width: 1790 mm
- Height: 1642 mm
- Wheelbase: 2500 mm
Powertrain Options
While we are focusing on the Kia Sonet HTK Plus Diesel, it is worth knowing that the Sonet is available with other engine options as well, offering choices for different driving preferences:
- 1.2L Smartstream Petrol engine (Manual Transmission)
- 1.0L Turbo GDi Petrol engine (iMT and 7-speed DCT Automatic)
- 1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel engine (6-speed Manual, 6-speed iMT, and 6-speed Automatic)
Safety Features
Kia has significantly enhanced the safety package in the Sonet facelift, making it a much safer car.
- Airbags: 6 Airbags (Standard across all variants, including HTK Plus)
- Braking: ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
- Stability Control: ESC (Electronic Stability Control), HAC (Hill-start Assist Control), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management)
- Tyre Pressure: TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System)
- Parking: Rear Parking Sensors, Rear View Camera
- Other: Brake Assist, Isofix child seat mounts
NCAP Rating Table
Understanding a car's safety rating is crucial. Here is how the Kia Sonet (facelift/current model) fares:
| Rating Body |
Adult Occupant Protection |
Child Occupant Protection |
Remarks |
| Bharat NCAP (2024 Model) |
3 Stars |
4 Stars |
The facelifted Kia Sonet tested under Bharat NCAP protocols. |
| Global NCAP (Older Model) |
3 Stars |
2 Stars |
Rating for the pre-facelift model of the Sonet. Current model has enhanced safety features. |
It is important to note that the Kia Sonet facelift with 6 airbags as standard has significantly improved its safety proposition compared to the older model.
Rivals of Kia Sonet HTK Plus Diesel
The compact SUV segment is highly competitive in India. The Kia Sonet HTK Plus Diesel competes with some strong contenders:
- Tata Nexon Diesel
- Hyundai Venue Diesel
- Mahindra XUV300 Diesel
- Maruti Suzuki Brezza (though it is petrol-only, it is a primary rival in the segment)
- Nissan Magnite
- Renault Kiger
How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)
Here is a balanced look at the Kia Sonet HTK Plus Diesel, helping you weigh your options.
Pros (Advantages)
- Punchy Diesel Engine: The 1.5L diesel engine offers strong performance and excellent fuel efficiency, making highway drives and city commutes enjoyable.
- Feature-Rich HTK Plus: This variant offers a fantastic set of features like a large touchscreen, automatic climate control, cruise control, and a sunroof at a competitive price point.
- Bold Design: The Sonet has a very appealing and modern design that stands out from the crowd.
- Improved Safety: With 6 airbags as standard, ABS with EBD, ESC, and HAC, the Sonet facelift is a much safer offering.
- Ride Comfort: Offers a compliant ride, handling most bumps and undulations on Indian roads with ease.
- Kia's Service Network: Kia has rapidly expanded its service network in India, offering a generally good ownership experience.
Cons (Disadvantages)
- Rear Seat Space: While adequate, rear-seat comfort can be a bit tight for three adults on longer journeys compared to some rivals.
- Missing Some Premium Features: Features like wireless charging, ventilated seats, or a 360-degree camera are reserved for higher-end variants.
- Price Point: While competitive, the diesel variants can be slightly more expensive upfront than some direct petrol-only rivals.
- Stiff Competition: The segment is crowded, and strong rivals offer equally compelling packages, which might make the choice harder.
- Engine Noise: While refined, some diesel engine clatter might be noticeable at higher RPMs, though cabin insulation is generally good.
Conclusion
The Kia Sonet HTK Plus Diesel emerges as a very strong contender in the compact SUV segment. It brings together a potent and fuel-efficient diesel engine, a surprisingly long list of features for its price point, a stylish design, and now, significantly enhanced safety with 6 airbags as standard. If your priorities include strong performance, excellent mileage, modern conveniences, and a robust safety package, all wrapped in a head-turning design, then the Sonet HTK Plus Diesel is definitely worth considering. It offers a great balance of everything a typical Indian car buyer looks for in a premium compact SUV. Take it for a test drive and experience the Sonet for yourself!
