Kia Sonet HTX Turbo DCT

Hey car enthusiasts and future car owners! Buying a new car in India is a big decision, isn't it? You're probably thinking about so many things: how much it will cost, how safe it is for your family, what the monthly maintenance will be like, if it has all the latest features, and if the company offers good service. These are all super important points, and frankly, they can make choosing your next car quite a challenge.

But what if there was a car that ticked most of these boxes, offering a fantastic blend of style, performance, and features, especially for city driving with occasional highway trips? That's where the new Kia Sonet HTX Turbo DCT steps into the spotlight. This compact SUV has been making waves, and today, we're going to dive deep into what makes it such a compelling option for Indian car buyers. Let's see if this Sonet variant could be your perfect match.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

• Engine Type: 1.0L Turbo GDi Petrol
• Displacement: 998 cc
• Max Power: 120 PS at 6000 rpm
• Max Torque: 172 Nm at 1500-4000 rpm
• Transmission: 7-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)

Design Overview

The Kia Sonet has always been a looker, and the HTX Turbo DCT variant continues this tradition. It boasts a bold and contemporary design that really stands out on Indian roads.

• Exterior: It features Kia's signature 'Tiger Nose' grille, flanked by sleek LED headlamps and eye-catching Heartbeat LED DRLs. The muscular stance, roof rails, and stylish alloy wheels give it a proper SUV feel. The connected LED tail lamps at the rear are a particularly modern touch, enhancing its premium appeal.
• Interior: Step inside, and you are greeted by a modern and feature-rich cabin. The dual-tone interior theme (depending on variant) feels premium, with good quality materials. The dashboard design is driver-centric, and the overall fit and finish are impressive for its segment.

Key Features

The HTX Turbo DCT variant comes packed with features designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and connectivity.

• 10.25-inch HD Touchscreen Infotainment System with Navigation
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Kia Connect (connected car technology)
• Electric Sunroof
• Paddle Shifters (for a sportier driving experience)
• Cruise Control
• Automatic Climate Control
• Rear AC Vents
• LED Headlamps and LED Fog Lamps
• Smart Key with Push Start/Stop Button

What is the Ground Clearance of Kia Sonet?

• The Kia Sonet offers a healthy ground clearance of 205 mm, which is excellent for tackling Indian road conditions and speed breakers with ease.

What is the Boot Space of Kia Sonet?

• The Sonet provides a practical boot space of 385 litres, which is ample for weekend getaways or regular grocery runs.

What are the Dimensions of Kia Sonet?

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

Powertrain Options

While we are focusing on the HTX Turbo DCT, it's good to know the Sonet offers a range of engine and transmission options to suit different preferences:

• 1.2L Smartstream Petrol Engine with 5-speed Manual Transmission
• 1.0L Turbo GDi Petrol Engine with 6-speed iMT (intelligent Manual Transmission) or 7-speed DCT (our focus today)
• 1.5L CRDi Diesel Engine with 6-speed Manual Transmission or 6-speed Automatic Transmission

Safety Features

Safety is a priority for Kia, and the Sonet comes with a robust list of active and passive safety features.

• 6 Airbags (Standard across all variants)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
• Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts

NCAP Rating Table

Safety ratings are a crucial factor for many buyers, and the Sonet has been tested by independent agencies.

Rating Agency	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Global NCAP (Old Protocol)	3 Stars	3 Stars
Bharat NCAP (Facelifted Sonet, March 2024)	3 Stars	3 Stars

The latest Bharat NCAP rating for the facelifted Sonet is a welcome update, confirming its structural integrity and safety performance for both adult and child occupants.

Rivals of Kia Sonet HTX Turbo DCT

The compact SUV segment in India is highly competitive. The Kia Sonet HTX Turbo DCT goes head-to-head with some strong contenders:

• Hyundai Venue (especially the Turbo DCT variant)
• Tata Nexon
• Maruti Suzuki Brezza
• Mahindra XUV300
• Nissan Magnite
• Renault Kiger

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let's weigh the good against the not-so-good to help you get a balanced view of the Kia Sonet HTX Turbo DCT.

Pros

• Stylish Design: The Sonet has a fresh, modern, and youthful design that grabs attention.
• Feature-Rich Cabin: Loaded with segment-leading features like the 10.25-inch touchscreen, connected car tech, and electric sunroof.
• Smooth and Punchy Engine: The 1.0L Turbo GDi engine offers brisk performance, perfect for both city overtakes and highway cruising.
• Refined DCT Gearbox: The 7-speed DCT provides super smooth and quick shifts, making driving effortless and enjoyable.
• Safety Suite: Standard 6 airbags across all variants and a respectable 3-star Bharat NCAP rating instill confidence.
• Compact Dimensions: Easy to manoeuvre and park in tight Indian urban spaces.
• Growing Service Network: Kia's service network is expanding rapidly across India, improving accessibility for owners.

Cons

• Rear Seat Space: While adequate for short journeys, taller passengers might find rear legroom a bit tight on longer drives.
• Fuel Efficiency: Turbo DCT variants, while fun to drive, might not be as fuel-efficient as some naturally aspirated or manual options in bumper-to-bumper city traffic.
• Ride Quality: The suspension can feel a bit firm at lower speeds over broken roads, though it settles nicely on highways.
• Price Point: The HTX Turbo DCT variant sits in the mid-to-higher range, which might be a stretch for some budget-conscious buyers looking for value.

Conclusion

The Kia Sonet HTX Turbo DCT emerges as a very strong contender in the bustling compact SUV segment in India. It successfully blends a striking design with a powerful and smooth powertrain, and a cabin that's bursting with features. For those who prioritize modern aesthetics, a spirited driving experience, and a comprehensive feature list, this particular Sonet variant makes a compelling case.

While rear-seat space and city fuel economy are points to consider, its overall package of safety, features, and performance makes it an attractive choice. If you're looking for a compact SUV that feels premium, handles well, and offers a fun-to-drive experience, the Sonet HTX Turbo DCT should definitely be on your test-drive list. It's a car that promises to add excitement to your daily commute and weekend adventures, and Kia's commitment to the Indian market ensures a reliable ownership experience. Go check it out and see if it sparks joy for you!