Kia Sonet HTK Turbo iMT

Hey car enthusiasts and future car owners! Buying a new car is always exciting, but it also brings a lot of questions. We all think about our budget, how safe the car is, monthly running costs, what cool features it offers, and of course, how good the company's service network is. Finding that perfect balance can be tricky, right? Well, today, we are going to deep dive into a car that is quickly becoming a favorite for many Indian families: the new Kia Sonet HTK Turbo iMT. Let's see if this compact SUV checks all your boxes!

Main Highlights of the Kia Sonet HTK Turbo iMT

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: 1.0-litre Turbo GDi Petrol
• Power Output: 120 PS (88.3 kW) at 6000 rpm
• Torque Output: 172 Nm at 1500-4000 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission)
• Fuel Economy (ARAI): Around 18.5 km/l (varies with driving conditions)

This turbo-petrol engine is known for its peppy performance, especially in city traffic and on highways, giving you that extra punch when you need it. The iMT gearbox offers the convenience of an automatic without a clutch pedal, but you still get to shift gears manually, which is a neat hybrid solution.

Design Overview

Exterior

The Kia Sonet has always been a head-turner, and the latest version takes it up a notch.

• Signature Tiger-nose Grille: Now even bolder and more aggressive.
• Refreshed Lighting: Sleek LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) that extend into the bumper, giving it a distinctive look. Projector headlamps ensure good visibility.
• Sporty Bumper: Redesigned front and rear bumpers add to its muscular appeal.
• Alloy Wheels: The HTK variant usually comes with stylish 16-inch steel wheels with covers, which look quite good.
• Roof Rails: Functional and add to the SUV stance.

Interior

Step inside, and you are greeted with a modern and comfortable cabin.

• Premium Feel: The cabin layout is clean and user-friendly, with good quality materials for its segment.
• Dual-tone Interior: Depending on the color scheme, it can offer a pleasing dual-tone dashboard.
• Comfortable Seating: Well-cushioned seats offer decent support for both short commutes and longer journeys.
• Rear AC Vents: A must-have for Indian summers, ensuring comfort for rear passengers.

Key Features

Even in the mid-range HTK Turbo iMT variant, the Sonet packs a good punch with its features:

• 8-inch Touchscreen Infotainment: With Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for seamless smartphone integration.
• Steering Mounted Controls: For audio and calls, keeping your hands on the wheel.
• Rear Parking Sensors: Makes parking in tight spots much easier.
• Power Windows: All four windows with driver-side auto up/down.
• Keyless Entry: For convenience.
• Electrically Adjustable ORVMs: External rearview mirrors.
• Rear AC Vents: Keeps the back seat comfortable.

While some top-end features like a sunroof, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, or automatic climate control might be reserved for higher variants, the HTK still offers a very practical and feature-rich package.

What is the Ground Clearance of the Kia Sonet?

The Kia Sonet boasts an impressive 205 mm of ground clearance. This is excellent for Indian roads, helping you glide over speed breakers and uneven surfaces without much worry.

What is the Boot Space of the Kia Sonet?

You get a generous 385 litres of boot space in the Kia Sonet. This is ample room for your weekend luggage, groceries, or even a couple of suitcases for a longer trip.

What are the Dimensions of the Kia Sonet?

• Length: 3995 mm
• Width: 1790 mm
• Height: 1642 mm (with roof rails)
• Wheelbase: 2500 mm

Its compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver in city traffic, while the spacious cabin ensures comfort for up to five occupants.

Powertrain Options for Kia Sonet

While we are focusing on the 1.0L Turbo iMT, it's good to know Kia offers a range of options for the Sonet:

• 1.2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol: With a 5-speed manual gearbox, good for city driving.
• 1.0-litre Turbo GDi Petrol: Available with 6-speed iMT or 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission), offering peppy performance.
• 1.5-litre Diesel: Available with 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic (torque converter), known for its fuel efficiency and strong torque.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority, and Kia has equipped the Sonet well, even in the HTK variant.

• 6 Airbags: Front, side, and curtain airbags for enhanced protection.
• ABS with EBD: Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution for controlled braking.
• Brake Assist (BA): Provides additional braking force in emergency situations.
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Helps maintain control of the vehicle during sudden maneuvers.
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM): Works with ESC to improve stability.
• Hill-start Assist Control (HAC): Prevents the car from rolling back on inclines.
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Alerts you to low tire pressure.
• Rear Parking Sensors: Assists in safe parking.

NCAP Rating Table

It's important to note that the Global NCAP rating was under an older testing protocol. We eagerly await the Bharat NCAP results for the updated Sonet.

Rivals of Kia Sonet HTK Turbo iMT

The compact SUV segment is super competitive! The Kia Sonet HTK Turbo iMT competes with strong contenders like:

• Hyundai Venue (1.0 Turbo)
• Tata Nexon (Petrol)
• Maruti Suzuki Brezza
• Mahindra XUV300 (Petrol)
• Nissan Magnite (Turbo)
• Renault Kiger (Turbo)

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Pros (Advantages)

• Punchy Performance: The 1.0L Turbo GDi engine is fun to drive, offering good acceleration and highway cruising ability.
• iMT Convenience: The Intelligent Manual Transmission gives you clutch-free driving comfort in traffic while still allowing manual gear shifts.
• Bold Design: Its striking exterior and modern interior stand out in the segment.
• Feature-Rich: Even the HTK variant offers essential modern features like a good infotainment system and rear AC vents.
• High Ground Clearance: 205 mm is perfect for Indian road conditions.
• Generous Boot Space: 385 litres is practical for family needs.
• Safety Features: Equipped with 6 airbags and a suite of active safety systems.

Cons (Disadvantages)

• Rear Seat Space: While comfortable, it can feel a bit snug for three adults in the back on longer journeys.
• Fuel Efficiency: While the ARAI figures are good, real-world fuel economy for turbo-petrol engines can vary significantly with driving style.
• Ride Quality: The suspension can feel a bit firm over rough patches, though it handles well otherwise.
• Price: The Turbo iMT variants are naturally priced higher than the 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol models.
• Features: Some premium features like sunroof, automatic climate control, and wireless charging are reserved for higher variants.

Conclusion

The Kia Sonet HTK Turbo iMT truly stands out as a compelling package in the competitive compact SUV segment. It blends stylish design, a peppy and convenient powertrain, and a good list of features with crucial safety equipment. If you are looking for a compact SUV that is exciting to drive, offers modern conveniences, and has the robust build quality of a Kia, the HTK Turbo iMT is definitely worth considering. It strikes a fantastic balance between performance, practicality, and price, making it an excellent choice for individuals and families in India. Visit your nearest Kia dealership and take it for a spin; you might just find your next car!