Thinking about buying a new car in India can feel like a big decision. You juggle so many important things: your budget, how safe the car is for your family, the monthly running costs, whether it has all the latest features, and if the company offers good service after you buy it. Finding a car that ticks all these boxes perfectly is the dream, right?
Well, today we are going to take a close look at a car that aims to do just that: the new Kia Sonet HTK Plus Turbo iMT. This sub-compact SUV has been making waves in the Indian market, and for good reason. Let us dive in and see if it is the right fit for your garage.
Main Highlights
Engine Specifications (Kia Sonet HTK Plus Turbo iMT)
- Engine Type: 1.0L Turbocharged GDi Petrol
- Maximum Power: 120 PS (at 6,000 rpm)
- Maximum Torque: 172 Nm (at 1,500-4,000 rpm)
- Transmission: 6-speed intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT)
- Fuel Efficiency (ARAI): Around 18.7 kmpl (actual figures may vary with driving conditions)
Design Overview
- Exterior: The Sonet boasts a very confident and muscular look. It features Kia's signature 'Tiger Nose' grille, sleek LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights), and projector headlamps that give it a sharp front profile. The HTK Plus variant includes projector fog lamps too. Its compact SUV stance, stylish alloy wheels (or smart wheel covers), and roof rails make it stand out on Indian roads. The overall design is modern, youthful, and aggressive.
- Interior: Step inside, and you are greeted by a well-laid-out cabin that feels premium for its segment. The dashboard design is clean and driver-focused. The HTK Plus variant offers a dual-tone interior theme (depending on the color choice) which adds to the cabin's appeal. The seats are comfortable, and the overall fit and finish are impressive, giving a sense of quality that Kia is known for.
Key Features (Kia Sonet HTK Plus Turbo iMT)
The HTK Plus trim is a sweet spot, offering a good balance of features without breaking the bank:
- 8-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
- Electric Sunroof
- Automatic Climate Control
- Smart Key with Push-Button Start/Stop
- Rear AC Vents for passenger comfort
- Cruise Control
- Steering Mounted Audio and Call Controls
- Rear Parking Camera with Sensors
- USB-C Type Charging Ports
What is the Ground Clearance of the Kia Sonet?
- The Kia Sonet offers a generous ground clearance of approximately 205 mm. This is excellent for tackling Indian road conditions, including speed breakers and uneven surfaces, without worry.
What is the Boot Space of the Kia Sonet?
- The Sonet provides a practical boot space of approximately 385 litres, which is ample for your weekend luggage or family grocery runs.
What are the Dimensions of the Kia Sonet?
- Length: Approximately 3995 mm
- Width: Approximately 1790 mm
- Height: Approximately 1642 mm (including roof rails)
- Wheelbase:
Powertrain Options for Kia Sonet (Overall Range)
While we are focusing on the Turbo iMT, it is good to know the Sonet offers a versatile range of engine and transmission choices:
- 1.2L Smartstream Petrol: Paired with a 5-speed Manual Transmission (MT).
- 1.0L Turbo GDi Petrol: Available with a 6-speed intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) or a 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT).
- 1.5L CRDi Diesel: Comes with a 6-speed Manual Transmission (MT) or a 6-speed Automatic Transmission (AT).
Safety Features
Kia has significantly upped its game in safety with the Sonet facelift. The HTK Plus variant includes a strong set of safety features:
- 6 Airbags (Standard across all variants)
- 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)
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Rear View Camera
- ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors
NCAP Rating Table
| Rating Body |
Adult Occupant Protection |
Child Occupant Protection |
Notes |
| Global NCAP (Older Test) |
3 Stars |
4 Stars |
Rating for the pre-facelift model with dual airbags. The current Sonet with 6 airbags is expected to perform better if retested. |
| Bharat NCAP |
Not Yet Tested |
Not Yet Tested |
The updated Sonet with standard 6 airbags is awaiting its Bharat NCAP test. |
Rivals of Kia Sonet HTK Plus Turbo iMT
The sub-compact SUV segment is a crowded battlefield in India. The Kia Sonet HTK Plus Turbo iMT competes directly with:
- Maruti Suzuki Brezza
- Tata Nexon
- Hyundai Venue
- Mahindra XUV300
- Nissan Magnite
- Renault Kiger
How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)
Pros (Advantages)
- Punchy Turbo Petrol Engine: The 1.0L Turbo GDi engine is refined, offers strong performance, and makes city driving and highway overtakes a breeze.
- Convenient iMT Gearbox: The intelligent Manual Transmission gives you the engagement of a manual without the hassle of a clutch pedal, making it perfect for Indian traffic.
- Feature-Rich for its Price: The HTK Plus variant is loaded with desirable features like an electric sunroof, automatic climate control, and wireless smartphone connectivity, offering great value.
- Stylish and Modern Design: Its bold exterior and premium-feeling interior design truly stand out.
- High Ground Clearance: The 205mm ground clearance ensures you can navigate rough patches and large speed breakers comfortably.
- Enhanced Safety: With 6 airbags as standard, ABS, ESC, and HAC, the Sonet offers a reassuring safety package.
- Kia's Service Network: Kia has rapidly expanded its service network across India, offering reliable after-sales support.
Cons (Disadvantages)
- Fuel Efficiency: While acceptable, the turbo petrol engine's mileage can vary significantly depending on your driving style, especially in heavy traffic.
- Rear Seat Space: While adequate for four adults, fitting three adults comfortably in the rear seat on longer journeys might be a bit tight compared to some rivals.
- Ride Quality: The suspension can feel a bit firm at low speeds over broken roads, though it handles well at higher speeds.
- Missing Premium Features: Features like ventilated seats, 360-degree camera, and wireless phone charging are reserved for higher, more expensive variants.
Conclusion
The Kia Sonet HTK Plus Turbo iMT emerges as a highly compelling package for Indian car buyers. It strikes an excellent balance between performance, features, and urban usability, all wrapped in a stylish and appealing design.
If you are looking for a sub-compact SUV that offers a spirited driving experience with the convenience of an iMT, a feature-rich cabin for its price point, and strong safety credentials, the Sonet HTK Plus Turbo iMT should definitely be on your shortlist. It is a car that not only looks good but also delivers a thoroughly enjoyable and practical ownership experience.
We strongly recommend taking it for a test drive to truly experience what this compact SUV has to offer. See for yourself if the Kia Sonet HTK Plus Turbo iMT fits your lifestyle perfectly!
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