Kia Sonet HTX Diesel

Namaste, car enthusiasts! Are you on the hunt for your next ride in India? The journey to find the perfect car often involves a lot of thought. You are probably thinking about your budget, ensuring top-notch safety for your family, keeping an eye on monthly maintenance costs, desiring the latest features, and of course, trusting the companys service network. Well, today we are diving deep into a car that checks many of these boxes for a lot of Indian buyers: the new Kia Sonet HTX Diesel. Let us explore if this compact SUV is the right fit for your garage.

About Kia Sonet HTX Diesel

The Kia Sonet has been a game-changer in the sub-four-meter SUV segment, known for its bold design, feature-rich cabin, and refined powertrain options. The HTX Diesel variant, in particular, offers a compelling package for those who prefer the efficiency and torque of a diesel engine combined with a healthy dose of premium features without breaking the bank.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The heart of the Sonet HTX Diesel is a robust and fuel-efficient unit, perfect for both city commutes and highway cruises.

• Engine Type: 1.5-litre CRDi VGT Diesel engine
• Maximum Power: 116 PS (at 4000 rpm)
• Peak Torque: 250 Nm (between 1500-2750 rpm)
• Transmission Options: Available with a 6-speed Manual Transmission (6MT) and a 6-speed Automatic Transmission (6AT)

Design Overview

The Sonet HTX Diesel truly stands out with its modern and aggressive styling, both inside and out.

• Exterior: The Sonet features Kias signature Tiger Nose grille, sharp LED headlamps with Star Map DRLs, and a muscular stance that gives it strong road presence. The HTX variant often gets stylish alloy wheels and roof rails, adding to its sporty appeal. The connected LED tail lamps further enhance its premium look.
• Interior: Step inside, and you are greeted by a well-laid-out cabin with a premium feel. The HTX trim offers a sophisticated dual-tone interior, comfortable seats, and thoughtful ergonomics. The dashboard design is driver-centric, and the quality of materials used feels quite good for its segment.

Key Features

The HTX variant is packed with features that enhance convenience, comfort, and entertainment.

• Infotainment System: 10.25-inch HD Touchscreen with Navigation
• Connectivity: Kia Connect (connected car tech), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• Sunroof: Electric Sunroof (single pane)
• Camera: Rear View Camera with parking sensors
• Wireless Charging: Yes, with cooling function
• Climate Control: Automatic Climate Control
• Others: Cruise control, LED ambient mood lighting, smart key with push button start/stop, rear AC vents, and remote engine start.

What is the Ground Clearance of Kia Sonet?

The Kia Sonet offers a healthy ground clearance, making it suitable for varying Indian road conditions.

• Ground Clearance: 205 mm

What is the Boot Space of Kia Sonet?

Storage is ample for a compact SUV, catering to urban families and weekend getaways.

• Boot Space: 385 litres

What are the Dimensions of Kia Sonet?

Its compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver in city traffic while still offering a spacious cabin.

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

Powertrain Options

Beyond the diesel, the Sonet offers a range of engine and transmission choices to suit different preferences.

• Petrol Engines:
  • 1.2-litre naturally aspirated Smartstream petrol engine (83 PS, 115 Nm) with 5-speed Manual Transmission (5MT).
  • 1.0-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine (120 PS, 172 Nm) with 6-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) or 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).
• Diesel Engines:
  • 1.5-litre CRDi VGT diesel engine (116 PS, 250 Nm) with 6-speed Manual Transmission (6MT) or 6-speed Automatic Transmission (6AT).

Safety Features

Kia has equipped the Sonet with a strong suite of safety features to protect its occupants.

• Six Airbags (Driver, Passenger, Side, Curtain)
• ABS with EBD (Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
• ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
• VSM (Vehicle Stability Management)
• HAC (Hill-start Assist Control)
• Brake Assist
• Front and Rear Parking Sensors
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is a major concern for Indian buyers, and the Sonet has been put to the test.

Testing Agency	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Bharat NCAP (2024 Facelift Model)	3 Stars (22.07/32 points)	3 Stars (30.82/49 points)
Global NCAP (2022 Pre-Facelift Model)	3 Stars (27.95/34 points)	4 Stars (28.93/49 points)

Note: The Bharat NCAP rating is for the updated 2024 facelift model, reflecting the latest safety standards for India. The Global NCAP rating is for the pre-facelift model tested in 2022.

Rivals of Kia Sonet HTX Diesel

The compact SUV segment is fiercely competitive in India. The Sonet HTX Diesel faces strong competition from:

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

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let us weigh the advantages and disadvantages of choosing the Kia Sonet HTX Diesel.

Pros (Advantages)

• Refined Diesel Engine: The 1.5L diesel engine is smooth, punchy, and offers excellent fuel efficiency, especially with the automatic transmission option.
• Feature Loaded: The HTX trim provides a great balance of features like the electric sunroof, touchscreen infotainment, cruise control, and automatic climate control.
• Stylish Design: Its bold and modern design, both exterior and interior, makes it a head-turner in its segment.
• Compact Dimensions: Easy to maneuver and park in congested city conditions while still offering decent cabin space.
• Kia Service Network: Kia has rapidly expanded its service network in India, offering good after-sales support.

Cons (Disadvantages)

• Rear Seat Space: While adequate, rear seat knee-room can feel a bit cramped for taller passengers on long journeys compared to some rivals.
• Ride Quality: The ride can feel a bit firm over bad patches of road, especially at lower speeds.
• Price: The Sonet can be slightly more expensive than some direct competitors, especially for the higher trims and automatic variants.
• Bharat NCAP Rating: While acceptable, the 3-star Bharat NCAP rating might be a concern for some buyers looking for higher safety scores in the segment.

Conclusion

The new Kia Sonet HTX Diesel stands out as a strong contender in Indias highly competitive compact SUV market. It offers a powerful and refined diesel engine, a cabin brimming with modern features, and a design that truly makes a statement. While it has a few drawbacks like slightly firm ride quality and an average rear-seat space, its overall package is very appealing.

If you are looking for a compact SUV that delivers on style, performance, and features, with the added benefit of diesel fuel efficiency, the Sonet HTX Diesel is definitely worth considering. It is a car that offers a premium experience without demanding a premium price tag, making it an excellent choice for urban families and individuals who seek a versatile and engaging drive. Do test drive it to experience its charm firsthand and see if it aligns with your driving needs and aspirations!