Kia Sonet vs It’s Top 5 Rivals | How Does the Sonet Fare?

After the launch and revealing the prices, Kia Sonet created a rush among the Indian car buyers. Before the launch, the car was showcased at a closed event and we were quite surprised with what the car had on offer. You name it and voila, step inside the car, you’ll find it there. Well, no one expected the Sonet to come at the price at which it is launched. To check the prices, they are just a CLICK away.

In simple words, Kia is on fire, with the first surprising success of its first vehicle Seltos and now Sonet. Their attitude of not stoping is fairing a good deal for the company. For other carmakers, this also includes their parent car company Hyundai are sweating for sure. But why would they sweat? Let’s have a look.

Before diving further, let’s split the comparison into 3 parts, engine and transmission, features and aesthetics.

1. Engine and Transmission
   

   

   The sub-compact SUVs in this segment offers more or less the same capacity of the engine through the power figures may change.

   • Most of the carmakers in this segment offer just one engine for petrol and diesel, well, Kia Sonet is the only one to have 2 engines for diesel as well as petrol. It’s the nearest cousin Hyundai Venue that is the closest to Sonet.
     

     Turbo Petrol Engine Specs
     Car/Model	Kia Sonet	Tata Nexon	Mahindra XUV300	Hyundai Venue
     Engine	1.0-litre turbo petrol	1.2-litre turbo petrol	1.2-litre turbo petrol	1.0-litre turbo petrol
     No. of Cylinders	3	Three	3	3
     Power(ps@rpm)	120@6,000	120@5,500	116.6@5,000	120@6,000
     Torque(Nm@rpm)	172@1,500- 4,000	170@1,750-4,000	200@2,000-3,500	172@1,500- 4,000
     Transmission	6-iMT/7-DCT	6-MT/6-AMT	6-MT	6-MT/6-iMT/7-DCT

   • With TURBO PETROL engines gaining pace Kia Sonet gets 1.0-litre turbo petrol. Comparing the turbo petrol engine with the rivals reveal that it is the most powerful of the lot. Even the torque is delivered from as low as 1,500rpm. Talking about the transmission, Sonet offers everything for everyone. An iMT to get the best of both worlds and the 7-speed DCT for added oomph.
     

     Naturally Aspirated Petrol Engine Specs
     Car/Model	Kia Sonet	Ford Ecosport	Maruti Suzuki Brezza	Hyundai Venue
     Engine	1.2-litre petrol	1.5-litre petrol	1.5-litre petrol	1.2-litre petrol
     No. of Cylinders	4	3	4	4
     Power(ps@rpm)	83@6,300	122@6,500	104.6@6,000	83@6,300
     Torque(Nm@rpm)	115@4,200	149@4,500	138@4,400	115@4,200
     Transmission	5-MT	5-MT/6-AT	4-AT / 5-MT	5-MT

   • The department where the Kia Sonet might not have the edge on paper is the NATURALLY ASPIRATED engine. But what matters here is the price. The prices of Kia Sonet undercuts its rivals by a considerable margin. Sadly Maruti Suzuki is the only contender not to offer a diesel engine. Here is how Kia Sonet fairs in the diesel department.
     

     Diesel Engine Specs
     Car/Model	Kia Sonet	Ford Ecosport	Tata Nexon	Hyundai Venue
     Engine	WGT/VGT 1.5-litre	1.5-litre	1.5-litre petrol	1.2-litre petrol
     No. of Cylinders	4	Four	4	4
     Power(ps@rpm)	100/115@4,000	100@3,750	110@4,000	100@4,000
     Torque(Nm@rpm)	240/250@1,500-2,750	215@1750-2500	260@1,500-2,750	240@1,500-2,750
     Transmission	6-MT/6-AT	5-MT	5-MT / 4-AT	6-MT

   • Unlike its competition, Kia Sonet comes with two DIESEL engines. Both of the engines are 1.5-litre but it is the turbo that is different. The engine with low power output comes with WGT and gets an only option of 6-speed manual transmission. Whereas the powerful engine gets a VGT that is mated to a 6-speed Torque converter. Engine with VGT and a 6-speed Auto is the one straight out of its elder brother Seltos.
     

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2. Features In and Out
   

   

   Indians just love features, whether they are of real use or just a gimmick. With that, Kia Sonet is no exception. Sonet gets all the bells and whistles one would ask for, maybe even more. Besides these are some features that Kia Sonet comes with.

   Safety Features (Base Trims)
   Car Model	Kia Sonet	Mahindra XUV300	Ford Ecosport	Maruti Suzuki Brezza	Tata Nexon	Hyundai Venue
   Dual Airbags
   ABD with EBD
   Rear Parking sensors
   Rear Disc Brakes
   Hill Hold Control
   ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors
   Emergency Stop Signal

   Pretty common right? well, things start to change as we move up the variant lineup. The top-end trim has the features even more expensive cars crave to possess. Well, this is what it gets compared to its rivals.

   Comfort and Convenience Features (Top End Trim)
   Car Model	Kia Sonet	Mahindra XUV300	Ford Ecosport	Maruti Suzuki Brezza	Tata Nexon	Hyundai Venue
   Infotainment System	10.25-inches	7-inches	9-inches	7-inches	7-inches	8-inches
   Smart Purifier
   Perfume Dispenser
   Electric Sunroof
   Cruise Control
   Smart Connectivity
   Ventilated Seats
   Wireless Charging
   ‘BOSE’ premium sound system

3. Aesthetics

   1. Exterior
      

      

      This is where many of us could have different opinions. But, one has to agree Kia Sonet is surely a looker. The bold front tiger-nose grille, flaunted by the all-LED headlamps does provide that added robust appeal.
      Moving towards the side, this is where the things look the least interesting and there is nothing much going on. Walking towards the rear, the all-LED headlamps with a wide red stripe running through the boot gives the car its width.

   2. Interior
      

      

      Taking on the look on the inside, one will notice the work done to make it feel better and upmarket. Most of the materials used are of premium quality with attention to detail. So much so, that the wireless charger gets a dedicated A/C vent to cool your phone down while charging. You’ll be holding on to a chunky flat-bottom steering wheel that inspires confidence when driving enthusiastically.

For many, it comes down to the fact that is Kia Sonet a value for money? in short Yes! it is sure a great bang for your buck. Even the diesel engine coupled with a torque converter automatic transmission is straight from Kia Seltos. Kia Sonet will sure give its rivals a beating, this also includes the car on which it is based, Hydunai Venue. Kia Sonet promises a lot and the time will tell whether it was worth the hype or not.

Also, Read 10 Super Hyped Cars in India That Turned Out a Total Dud!

Do let us know was the Kia Sonet’s hype worth it? and why? what do you think about this subcompact SUV? tell us in the comment section below.

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