Kia Sonet

The Sonet’s interior will be varied, what with three different trims to choose from. Choosing the LX gives you a standard setup replete with fabric upholstery. If you’re looking to jazz it up a notch, the Sonet EX provides leatherette seating. Their top-of-the-line SX on the other hand provides ventilated leatherette seats, perfect for the country’s hot climates. 

Regardless of trim upholstery, the Sonet by and large offers a very driver-centric layout in its cockpit, with an eye for ease-of-use and ergonomics. The infotainment, drive assistance, and instrument cluster features also vary depending on the trim. You get a so-so system for the LX, along with manual air conditioning, a smaller infotainment touchscreen, and basic speakers. 

The EX gets an 8-inch infotainment system, automatic climate control, and entry-level speakers. The SX provides a premium 10.25-inch system replete with navigation, a surround sound Bose-speakers system, automated climate control, and mood lighting. All trims provide ample storage space and legroom. Ultimately, what you get out of the Sonet depends directly on the trim you opt for.

The first notable thing about the Sonet is the trademark Kia tiger nose grill that sets the tone for the car’s sporty aesthetic. Angular inset LED headlights and daytime running lights flank the grille, while a pair of fog lamps are located just below them, inset onto the bumper area. Speaking of the bumper, it features a strong, robust design that melds seamlessly into the front fascia, giving the whole a rugged, aggressive look despite being a subcompact. The rear showcases a more futuristic touch with an inset LED backlight that looks like a seamless strip or bar.

With a total of three available trim levels, there’s a slight difference in its measurements. The LX variant measures 4,110 mm long, 1,790 mm wide, and 1,625 mm tall; while the EX and SX variants measure at 1,642 mm tall with a similar length and width. Regardless of the trim level, the Sonet offers 205mm of ground clearance, making it ideal for the country and its flood-prone roads. The EX and SX trims even come with a sunroof that adds to its sporty appeal. 

The Sonet’s ride and handling aren’t anything special to write home about. It is reliable and offers decent responsiveness and maneuverability. It also offers a fairly comfortable ride and is quite stable when cruising at high speeds. Though you can expect some measure of body roll during sharp turns. But overall, it’s dependable for daily driving, granted you don’t expect a stellar performance.

While all Sonet trims feature a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder CRDi VGT Gamma diesel engine with Variable Geometry Turbo technology, with standard front-wheel drive across the board, the transmission varies depending on the trim. The engine itself is capable of approximately 116 hp at 4,000 rpm, with 250 Nm of torque – pretty decent for city driving and the occasional cross-country drives. The differences in transmission can be found in the base-level LX which retains a 6-speed manual transmission. If going manual isn’t your cup of tea, the LX also comes in automatic. The EX and the SX both only come in 6-speed automatic transmissions.

Safety features once again vary depending on the trim. While you get the standard safety features expected of any modern-day vehicle across the board, the EX and SX offer something extra with the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). 

If you’re looking for a reliable, no-frills, and above all, affordable vehicle intended for daily commutes, the Kia Sonet might fit the bill.