Kia Sonet HTK Plus Diesel AT

Hey car enthusiasts and future car owners! Choosing a new car in India is a big decision, isn't it? You're thinking about your budget, how safe your family will be, the monthly maintenance costs, all the latest features, and of course, how good the company's service is. Well, you're in the right place because today, we're diving deep into a car that checks many of these boxes for a lot of buyers: the new Kia Sonet HTK Plus Diesel AT. Let's find out if this compact SUV is the perfect fit for your garage.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Kia Sonet HTK Plus Diesel AT comes with a robust and efficient engine, perfect for both city commutes and highway cruises.

• Engine Type: 1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel
• Maximum Power: 114 PS (at 4000 rpm)
• Maximum Torque: 250 Nm (at 1500-2750 rpm)
• Transmission: 6-speed Automatic (Torque Converter)
• Fuel Efficiency: Offers competitive mileage for its segment, making it an economical choice for daily drives.

Design Overview

Exterior

The Sonet has always been a head-turner, and the latest version takes it up a notch. It features Kia's signature "Tiger Nose" grille, sleek LED headlamps, and striking DRLs that give it a modern and aggressive look. The HTK Plus variant typically includes stylish alloy wheels (or wheel covers that look like alloys) and roof rails, adding to its SUV appeal. Its compact dimensions make it agile in city traffic, while its muscular stance gives it a strong road presence.

Interior

Step inside, and you're greeted by a well-laid-out cabin with a premium feel. The HTK Plus offers a blend of comfort and practicality. You get a neat dashboard, good quality materials, and comfortable seats. The focus is on driver ergonomics and passenger convenience, making long journeys enjoyable.

Key Features

The Kia Sonet HTK Plus Diesel AT is packed with features that enhance convenience and comfort.

• Infotainment Screen: 8-inch Touchscreen Infotainment system
• Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Sound System: 4 Speakers with 2 Tweeters
• Climate Control: Automatic Climate Control
• Smart Key with Push Button Start/Stop: For easy access and ignition
• Rear View Camera: With dynamic guidelines for hassle-free parking
• Cruise Control: For relaxed highway driving
• Rear AC Vents: To keep rear passengers comfortable
• Power Windows: All four doors
• Steering Mounted Controls: For audio and calling

While the HTK Plus is well-equipped, higher variants of the Sonet also offer premium features like a sunroof, ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, wireless phone charging, and a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen.

What is the Ground Clearance of Kia Sonet HTK Plus Diesel AT?

• The Kia Sonet offers a healthy 205 mm of ground clearance, which is excellent for tackling Indian roads and uneven terrains without worry.

What is the Boot Space of Kia Sonet HTK Plus Diesel AT?

• The boot space in the Kia Sonet is 385 litres, which is quite generous for a compact SUV and can easily accommodate your weekend luggage or shopping bags.

What is the Dimensions of Kia Sonet HTK Plus Diesel AT?

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

Powertrain Options

The Kia Sonet caters to diverse preferences with a range of engine and transmission choices:

• 1.2L Smartstream Petrol: 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)
• 1.0L Turbo GDi Petrol: 6-speed intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) & 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)
• 1.5L CRDi Diesel: 6-speed intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) & 6-speed Automatic Transmission (AT) (our focus today)

Safety Features

Safety is a paramount concern for Kia, and the Sonet reflects this with a comprehensive suite of features.

• Airbags: 6 Airbags (Standard across all variants in the updated model)
• ABS with EBD: Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
• Brake Assist (BA): Provides additional braking power during emergencies
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Helps maintain vehicle stability
• Hill-start Assist Control (HAC): Prevents rollback on inclines
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM): Enhances stability during sudden braking or cornering
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Alerts about low tyre pressure
• Rear Parking Sensors & Camera: Aids in safe parking
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts: For secure child seating

NCAP Rating Table

Understanding a car's safety ratings is crucial. Here's where the Kia Sonet stands:

Rating Agency	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection	Remarks
Global NCAP (Older Model)	3 Stars	3 Stars	The new 2024 Sonet, with standard 6 airbags, is awaiting fresh test results.
Bharat NCAP	Not Yet Rated	Not Yet Rated	Rating awaited for the latest Sonet model.

It's important to note that the updated Kia Sonet now offers 6 airbags as standard across all variants, which is a significant safety enhancement, and buyers should expect improved performance in future crash tests.

Rivals of Kia Sonet HTK Plus Diesel AT

The compact SUV segment is fiercely competitive in India. The Kia Sonet HTK Plus Diesel AT competes with strong contenders like:

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

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let's weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the Kia Sonet HTK Plus Diesel AT to help you make an informed choice.

Pros

• Refined Diesel Engine: The 1.5L diesel engine is smooth, powerful, and offers good fuel efficiency.
• Smooth Automatic Transmission: The 6-speed AT provides a seamless driving experience in city traffic and on highways.
• Feature-Rich: Even the HTK Plus variant comes with many desirable features like an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity, automatic climate control, and cruise control.
• Bold Styling: Its aggressive and modern design stands out on the road.
• High Ground Clearance: 205 mm ensures it can handle challenging road conditions with ease.
• Good Boot Space: 385 litres is practical for families.
• Standard Safety: The inclusion of 6 airbags across all variants in the new model is a huge plus for safety.

Cons

• Rear Seat Space: While adequate, rear seat knee room can feel a bit snug for taller passengers on longer journeys compared to some rivals.
• Ride Quality: The suspension can feel a bit firm at lower speeds, especially over sharp bumps.
• Price: Kia models tend to be priced slightly higher than some direct competitors, though the features often justify it.
• Missing Some Premium Features: In HTK Plus, you miss out on some top-end features like a sunroof, ventilated seats, or a 360-degree camera, which are available in higher Sonet variants or some rivals.

Conclusion

The Kia Sonet HTK Plus Diesel AT truly stands out as a strong contender in the compact SUV segment. It brings together a powerful and efficient diesel engine with the convenience of an automatic gearbox, making it a joy to drive in diverse Indian conditions. With its striking design, feature-packed interior, high ground clearance, and enhanced safety (especially with standard 6 airbags), it offers a compelling package for modern Indian families.

While it might have a couple of minor trade-offs, its strengths far outweigh them for many buyers looking for a stylish, reliable, and well-equipped vehicle. If you're in the market for a compact SUV that delivers on performance, features, and safety, the Kia Sonet HTK Plus Diesel AT is definitely a car you should consider and test drive. It represents excellent value and a smart choice for your next family car.