After the tremendous success of Kia Seltos in India, South Korean giant Kia Motors has announced their compact SUV, Kia Sonet. The Sonet concept was showcased at the Delhi Auto Expo in February 2020. Sales of the Kia Sonet will commence soon in India, with sales in many of Kia’s global markets due to follow as stated by the company. The prices will be revealed close to the availability.
Design
At the front of the Sonet is the brand’s signature design trait – the Kia ‘tiger-nose’ grille which is flanked by ‘heart beat’ LED DRLs and stylish front skid plates below. Within the tiger-nose grille, with its classy chrome and diamond knurling pattern, is the distinctive grille mesh featuring a three-dimensional geometric design inspired by India’s iconic stepwells.
The profile is imparted a strong, sporty character thanks to the shape of the hood and bumper, with a cowl point pushed back for an upright stance, a strongly raked A-pillar, and a round roofline that reflects styling. At the rear, ‘heart beat’ LED tail lamps and its unique reflector garnish give the Sonet even greater presence and impart a wider look. Additional highlights at the rear include a sporty dual muffler design and diffuser fin rear skid plate.
The Sonet’s Jewel-like LED headlamps frame the ‘face’ of the car, with ‘heart beat’ LED DRLs with integrated indicators and similar LED tail lamps make its look imprssive. It has sharp-looking 16-inch crystal -cut alloys in a racy design which gives it a sporty look.
The Sonet comes with with up to eight monotone and three dual-tone exterior color options. The Sonet will be offered in a dual trim concept which includes a sports-inspired GT-Line trim for customers who want an extra dash of sportiness, luxury, safety and attitude with their Sonet.
Interior
The Sonet’s interior offers a modern, dynamic and bold outlook with plenty of leg room, head room and shoulder room for all passengers, and a large trunk.
The GT-Line models are finished with contrast red stitching on the steering wheel, seats and door armrest, while a D-cut steering wheel adds to its sporty appeal. Ventilated driver and front passenger seats are one-of-a-kind in this category.
Taking center stage on the dashboard is the largest-in-segment 10.25-inch HD touchscreen with infotainment and navigation system. The system offers Kia’s intuitive and friendly UVO ‘connected car’ technology. Additionally, the 4.2-inch instrument cluster presents important information to the driver in vivid color and clarity, such as turn-by-turn navigation instructions, Highline Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and drive mode and traction mode selection.
The Sonet is the only vehicle in its category to offer audio performance from BOSE, with a premium seven-speaker system with sub-woofer. Other mood enhancers include the LED Sound Mood Lighting, introducing a level of personalisation unique to this segment, as well as a wireless smartphone charger with cooling function. The Sonet is equipped with Kia’s Smart Pure Air Purifier with virus protection.
Powertrain and performance
The Sonet comes in two petrol engines variants – Smartstream 1.2-liter four-cylinder and powerful 1.0 T-GDi – and an efficient 1.5-liter CRDi diesel engine.
The Sonet comes with five transmission options: five- and six-speed manuals, an intuitive seven-speed DCT, six-speed automatic, and Kia’s new six-speed Smartstream intelligent manual transmission. Additionally, automatic variants of the Sonet offer Multi-Drive and Traction Modes for added convenience, driver-confidence and safety. The 1.5-liter diesel engine is offered with a six-speed manual, and, uniquely in in its segment, with a six-speed automatic transmission.
UVO Connect
The Sonet is offered with Kia’s signature UVO Connect suite of technologies, with a range of 57 features for owners offering convenience, remote control, navigation, safety, security and vehicle management. This also includes Kia’s UVO Voice Assist feature, which responds to the greeting, “Hello, Kia.” This artificial intelligence-powered voice-recognition technology provides an enhanced, connected experience and can be used to operate mutiple features: phone calls, weather information, time and date, Indian holiday information, media control, navigation control, climate control, and even finding out the latest cricket scores, and 1st in industry driver window up down through voice command.
The Sonet will also be available with the UVO Smart Watch App Connectivity option, allowing users to interact with their vehicle via an Android, iOS or Tizen smartwatch. Additionally, the UVO LITE feature helps to control the Smart Air Purifier and infotainment system, making the Sonet’s connected features even easier to use. Additionally, the car will offer an auto anti-glare (ECM) rear-view mirror with UVO controls, enhancing rear visibility for a safer, more confidence-inspiring drive.
Safety
The Sonet comes with following safety features:
· Six airbags
· ABS (anti-lock braking system) with EBD (electronic brake force distribution)
· ESC (Electronic Stability Control), HAC (Hill-start Assist Control), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management) and BA (brake assist)
· Front and rear parking sensors
· Projector fog lamps
· Highline tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
· Auto headlamps
· ISOFIX child-seat anchoring points
