After an extensive drive of nearly 6,000 km with the Kia Sonet, here's a comprehensive report that delves into the strengths, weaknesses, and expectations for the upcoming Sonet Facelift.
Key Observations
Design: The Kia Sonet stands out as the best-looking sub-4m compact SUV in India, thanks to its distinctive design elements. Notable features include fang-like LED DRLs, a Tiger-nose grille, and vibrant color options. The interior boasts a well-laid-out dashboard with appealing aesthetics.
Accommodating Interiors: Despite its compact dimensions, the Sonet offers impressive interior space with efficient optimization. Ample knee room, headroom, and a 392L boot space contribute to a comfortable and practical cabin. Thoughtful touches, such as multiple cubby holes and cooled glovebox, enhance convenience.
Feature-Rich: The Sonet's feature list is extensive, especially in top-spec models. It includes a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, ventilated front seats, Kia Connect telematics, automatic climate control, and more. The infotainment experience is elevated by the Bose premium speakers with a sub-woofer.
Performance and Driving Experience: With three engine options—1.2L Kappa NA petrol, 1.0L Turbo GDI petrol, and 1.5L turbo diesel—the Kia Sonet offers versatile choices. The 1.0L Turbo GDI with a 7-speed DCT stands out for its impressive performance, delivering a delightful driving experience. The 205 mm ground clearance ensures adaptability to diverse road conditions.
Areas for Improvement
Rattles: Despite expectations of Hyundai/Kia's renowned fit and finish, the test Sonet exhibited rattles, particularly in the sunroof and various interior trim areas.
Missing Features: Certain features were notably absent or could be improved, such as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, outdated Type-A USB slots, and the lack of speed-sensing volume control. Additional missed features include telescopic steering adjustment, height-adjustable seat belts, and cornering lights.
Fuel Efficiency (1.0L Turbo Petrol DCT): While Kia claims 18.3 km/l for the Sonet Turbo DCT, real-world efficiency ranged around 20 km/l but at the expense of time. The fuel efficiency dropped to single digits in city driving conditions with the AC on.
Expectations for the Sonet Facelift
Fixing Minor Niggles: Anticipated improvements include addressing minor issues like erratic boot light behavior, occasional system restarts, and refining the air purifier's accuracy.
Features Priority: Expectations for the facelift involve addressing feature priorities, such as incorporating wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, enhancing in-cabin connectivity, and introducing height-adjustable seatbelts, telescopic steering adjustment, and 60:40 split rear seats.
More Powertrain Options: A desire for additional powertrain options and better alignment of engine choices with trim levels. The introduction of a clutchless manual iMT gearbox with the G1.2 4-cyl NA petrol engine is suggested for smoother refinement and improved fuel efficiency.
Refinement in Fit and Finish: An emphasis on improving fit and finish to minimize rattles and enhance the overall build quality.
In conclusion, the Kia Sonet has earned acclaim for its design, features, and performance. However, addressing minor issues and incorporating user-centric features in the upcoming facelift could elevate the Sonet's appeal further in the competitive sub-4m compact SUV segment. The anticipation for the Sonet Facelift, slated for a December 14 launch, remains high, promising potential enhancements based on user feedback and evolving market expectations.