Discussions and Questions
Does the Kia Sonet's 1.0L turbo-petrol engine live up to all the hype on the road?
03 January 2025 12:35
I have the 1.0L turbo with the DCT and it is a lot of fun to drive! Yes, there's a bit of lag below 2000 rpm, but once it's on the go it's really quite quick. It's great for highway overtakes.
Does the Kia Sonet's 1.0L turbo-petrol engine live up to all the hype on the road?
03 January 2025 12:35
I honestly believe that a turbo engine is really overkill on a car this small. Fuel economy is disappointing and the lag in stop and go traffic can be annoying. Most buyers will find the naturally aspirated engine makes more sense.
Does the Kia Sonet's 1.0L turbo-petrol engine live up to all the hype on the road?
03 January 2025 12:35
I've driven both the turbo and NA versions and the turbo is a ton more fun. It’s not cheap, however, and is less fuel efficient. It's a head vs heart decision.
Does the Kia Sonet's 1.0L turbo-petrol engine live up to all the hype on the road?
03 January 2025 12:35
The sweet spot is the iMT with the turbo engine. It’s the fun of a manual without the clutch fatigue in traffic. It is the best of both worlds and takes advantage of the engine's character.
Does the Kia Sonet's 1.0L turbo-petrol engine live up to all the hype on the road?
03 January 2025 12:35
I had doubts about a 1.0L engine in an SUV but it’s very capable. It won’t win drag races, but for driving everyday and the occasional highway trip it’s more than adequate.
Does the Kia Sonet's 1.0L turbo-petrol engine live up to all the hype on the road?
03 January 2025 12:35
In slow moving traffic the turbo engine with the DCT can be jerky. They're like the transmission gets confused. Great for open road, but not so great for bumper to bumper city driving.
Does the Kia Sonet's 1.0L turbo-petrol engine live up to all the hype on the road?
03 January 2025 12:35
I was worried about performance coming from a larger naturally aspirated engine. In the mid range though, the turbo Sonet does actually feel more responsive. The thing is, how you drive it.
Does the Kia Sonet's 1.0L turbo-petrol engine live up to all the hype on the road?
03 January 2025 12:35
The truth is, the 1.0L turbo isn't going to provide much in the way of practical benefits for most users. Typical Indian driving conditions are smoother and more predictable for the regular petrol engine.
How have Kia Sonet owners found the long term reliability of the car?
03 January 2025 12:35
My Sonet is over 2 years old now and it's been surprisingly trouble free. Regular services, no big problems. It still has the turbo engine pulling well and the interior holding up.
How have Kia Sonet owners found the long term reliability of the car?
03 January 2025 12:35
After around 18 months my Sonet DCT transmission started playing up. If it was in slow traffic, it would jerk. It was a pain though, so I had Kia fix it under warranty.
How have Kia Sonet owners found the long term reliability of the car?
03 January 2025 12:35
Results for overall reliability have been good, with persistent infotainment problems. It freezes occasionally and needs a restart. But Kia's software updates haven't completely fixed it.
How have Kia Sonet owners found the long term reliability of the car?
03 January 2025 12:35
I can vouch for the reliability of the Sonet because I take it for a taxi drive daily, and it still running after 80,000 km on the odo. Regular maintenance is key.
How have Kia Sonet owners found the long term reliability of the car?
03 January 2025 12:35
I’d hoped the build quality would be a bit more solid. After just a year I'm getting rattles from the dashboard and doors. It's not a major thing, but annoying for a car at this level.
How have Kia Sonet owners found the long term reliability of the car?
03 January 2025 12:35
With Kia service, it’s hit or miss. There are some great centers, and some not so great. Parts availability has been good though, which is key to long term ownership.
How have Kia Sonet owners found the long term reliability of the car?
03 January 2025 12:35
It's been a reliable 1.0L turbo engine, but thirsty. The running costs are worse than Kia claims, with long term fuel efficiency.
How have Kia Sonet owners found the long term reliability of the car?
03 January 2025 12:35
As a relatively new brand in India, I was worried about long term reliability. And after 3 years, I'm impressed. It’s as tight and responsive feeling as day one.
Does the Kia Sonet’s backseat really suck as much as people make it out to be?
03 January 2025 12:35
I've had my Sonet for a year now and to be honest the backseat is fine for two adults. Sure, it’s not limo like, but what are you going to get in a sub 4m SUV? My parents are just average height and they've never complained on our weekend trips.
Does the Kia Sonet’s backseat really suck as much as people make it out to be?
03 January 2025 12:35
At 6'2", I can tell you the Sonet's rear seat is a no go for me. My knees felt like they were in my chest. Shorter people might be okay with it, but for anyone above 5'10" it's going to be tough on longer trips.
Does the Kia Sonet’s backseat really suck as much as people make it out to be?
03 January 2025 12:35
I think people are being a bit harsh on the Sonet. The back's a little snug but Kia has done a good job of the seat cushioning and backrest angle. But it’s way more comfortable than some other cars in this segment.
Does the Kia Sonet’s backseat really suck as much as people make it out to be?
03 January 2025 12:35
To be honest, if you're looking for back seat space, you should not even be considering sub 4m SUVs. For a small family, the Sonet makes the most of its dimensions, and it’s more than adequate.
Ask a Question