The Kia Sonet now with turbo power
By Murali Naidu
The Kia Sonet finds itself in the ever changing B-segment alongside some stiff competition. The Sonet however, since its introduction has been a favourite within the segment. It offers much in terms of features and value. Now though Kia has added a turbocharged motor to the line-up and we gave it a go.
Design
The Kia Sonet incorporates Kia’s DNA of emotive styling along with a premium and youthful appeal to create a strong presence on the roads. The Sonet showcases a range of styling attributes that sets it apart from its competitors, including a fresh interpretation of Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose grille’, with a stylish front skid plate underneath.
Its sporty silhouette is enhanced by the unique design and structure of its C-pillars, matched with a wrap-around rear windscreen. The profile, meanwhile, has a strong, sporty character thanks to the shape of the bonnet and bumpers, with the strongly raked A-pillars and rounded roofline imparting greater road presence.
It’s actually spacious
Contributing to the Sonet’s unmistakable SUV stance is its size. At 4,120 mm long, sitting on a wheelbase measuring 2,500 mm, it’s one of the largest and most spacious vehicles in the B-SUV segment, ensuring that there is more than enough space for all passengers – and everything that’s needed on the journey.
Interior
Inside, the Sonet offers a sophisticated cabin with a smooth, flowing dashboard to appeal to young-at-heart and always-connected consumers. Keeping the comfort of the driver and passengers in mind, intelligent packaging has liberated plenty of leg room, head room and shoulder room, and created a large luggage area measuring 392 litres.
All the tech you expect
Taking centre stage on the dashboard is an 8,0-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system that incorporates a reverse camera with dynamic guidelines, a standard fitment throughout the range. The setup offers Kia’s intuitive and friendly voice-control technology and sports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Additionally, the digital instrument cluster presents important information to the driver in vivid clarity.
About that engine
Supplementing the critically acclaimed Sonet range, powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine in entry-level LX and mid-tier EX specification, the new Kia Sonet 1.0 T-GDi options build on the current range and offer a new flagship in EX+ specification.
The 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. You can expect 88kW and 172Nm of torque. The combination of engine and transmission also allow for an impressive fuel consumption figure.
Overall
The Sonet is a very appealing package. It offers much in terms of design, quality, technology and now performance. It’s a popular car which we think will become even more popular thanks to the addition of this 1.0-litre turbocharged variant.
