Choosing a new car in India is a big decision. You have to think about 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. It can feel like a lot to juggle, right? Well, today we are going to dive deep into a car that checks many of these boxes for Indian car buyers: the new Kia Sonet HTX Diesel AT. If you are looking for a compact SUV that blends style, features, and fuel efficiency with the convenience of an automatic, keep reading.
Main Highlights of the Kia Sonet HTX Diesel AT
Engine Specifications
The heart of the Kia Sonet HTX Diesel AT is a refined and powerful unit.
- Engine Type: 1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel Engine
- Maximum Power: 116 PS (at 4000 rpm)
- Maximum Torque: 250 Nm (at 1500-2750 rpm)
- Transmission: 6-speed Torque Converter Automatic (AT)
- This combination offers a smooth driving experience, especially in city traffic, while still providing ample power for highway cruises.
Design Overview
The Kia Sonet is known for its bold and contemporary design, and the HTX variant truly stands out.
Exterior Design
- Front: Features Kia's signature Tiger Nose grille, flanked by sleek LED headlamps with integrated Star Map LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) that give it a distinctive look. The bumper design is aggressive, adding to its SUV appeal.
- Side: Muscular wheel arches, stylish 16-inch crystal cut alloy wheels, and roof rails give it a commanding stance. The overall profile is compact yet rugged.
- Rear: Connects with Star Map LED tail lamps, creating a modern and wide look. The rear bumper also adds to the sporty feel.
Interior Design
- Premium Cabin: The Sonet HTX offers a well-laid-out and premium cabin with a dual-tone interior theme (typically black and beige).
- Comfort: The seats are comfortable and offer good support, making long drives less tiring.
- Ergonomics: All controls are easily accessible, and the fit and finish are top-notch, reflecting Kia's commitment to quality.
Key Features
The HTX variant of the Kia Sonet Diesel AT is packed with features designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and connectivity.
- Infotainment System: 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
- Connectivity: Kia Connect (connected car technology) for remote access, vehicle status, and safety features.
- Sunroof: Electric sunroof, adding a sense of openness to the cabin.
- Climate Control: Automatic climate control ensures optimal cabin temperature.
- Cruise Control: For relaxed highway driving.
- Rear AC Vents: Ensures comfort for rear passengers.
- Rear Parking Camera: With dynamic guidelines for easy parking.
- LED Lighting: LED headlamps, LED DRLs, and LED tail lamps.
- Keyless Entry and Go: Smart key with push button start/stop.
What is the Ground Clearance of the Kia Sonet?
The Kia Sonet offers a healthy 205 mm of ground clearance, which is excellent for tackling Indian roads and occasional rough patches without worry.
What is the Boot Space of the Kia Sonet?
The Sonet provides a generous 385 litres of boot space, ample for weekend trips or daily shopping needs.
What are the Dimensions of the Kia Sonet?
- Length: 3995 mm
- Width: 1790 mm
- Height: 1642 mm
Powertrain Options
While we are focusing on the HTX Diesel AT, the Kia Sonet also offers other powertrain choices for diverse buyer needs:
- 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol engine with a 5-speed manual transmission.
- 1.0L turbo petrol engine with a 6-speed iMT (intelligent Manual Transmission) or 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission).
- 1.5L CRDi diesel engine with a 6-speed manual transmission.
- 1.5L CRDi diesel engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission (our focus today).
Safety Features
Safety is a priority for Kia, and the Sonet comes with a robust set of safety features.
- Airbags: 6 airbags standard (front, side, curtain)
- Braking: ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
- Stability Control: ESC (Electronic Stability Control), HAC (Hill-start Assist Control), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management)
- Monitoring: TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System)
- Rear Safety: Rear parking sensors and camera
NCAP Rating Table
Understanding a car's safety rating is crucial. Here is how the Kia Sonet fares in independent crash tests:
| Rating Body |
Model Tested |
Adult Occupant Protection |
Child Occupant Protection |
Overall Star Rating |
| Global NCAP |
Pre-facelift Sonet |
3 Stars |
4 Stars |
3 Stars |
| Bharat NCAP |
Facelift Sonet (6 Airbags) |
3 Stars |
3 Stars |
3 Stars |
Note: The latest Sonet facelift (tested by Bharat NCAP) includes 6 airbags as standard, which is a significant safety upgrade.
Rivals of Kia Sonet HTX Diesel AT
The compact SUV segment is highly competitive in India. The Kia Sonet HTX Diesel AT faces strong competition from:
- Hyundai Venue
- Tata Nexon
- Maruti Suzuki Brezza
- Mahindra XUV300
- Nissan Magnite
- Renault Kiger
How is the Car? Pros & Cons
Let's look at a balanced view of the Kia Sonet HTX Diesel AT.
Advantages (Pros)
- Smooth Diesel Automatic: The 1.5L diesel engine paired with the 6-speed AT offers excellent drivability, especially in city traffic, and good highway performance.
- Feature Rich: The HTX variant comes loaded with premium features like an electric sunroof, automatic climate control, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with connected car tech.
- Stylish Design: Its bold exterior and premium interior stand out in the crowded compact SUV segment.
- Fuel Efficiency: Diesel engines are generally more fuel-efficient, and the Sonet Diesel AT delivers respectable mileage figures.
- High Ground Clearance: 205 mm of ground clearance helps tackle rough roads and speed breakers with ease.
- Standard Safety: With 6 airbags as standard, it offers a good base level of safety.
Disadvantages (Cons)
- Rear Seat Space: While adequate for most, taller passengers might find rear knee room a bit snug on longer journeys compared to some rivals.
- Ride Quality: The suspension, while good, can feel a bit firm over sharp potholes, though it handles most undulations well.
- Price: Diesel automatic variants, especially with good features like the HTX, tend to be on the pricier side compared to petrol manual options.
- Missing Features (HTX): While well-equipped, some premium features like a 360-degree camera or wireless phone charger are reserved for higher variants.
Conclusion
The Kia Sonet HTX Diesel AT emerges as a very strong contender in the compact SUV space for Indian buyers. It offers a compelling package of stylish design, a refined and fuel-efficient diesel automatic powertrain, and a host of modern features. While it might have a few minor drawbacks like rear seat space for very tall passengers, its overall appeal, strong road presence, and Kia's growing service network make it a trustworthy choice. If you are someone who drives frequently, values the convenience of an automatic, and wants a car that looks good and is packed with useful tech, the Sonet HTX Diesel AT deserves a serious look. It truly offers a premium experience without breaking the bank, making it a smart and exciting choice for your next family car.
