kia Sonet: The 2023 Sonet gives budget-conscious families those premium features and versatility that they will want in the subcompact SUV segment, which Kia Motors has strengthened its hand in with the introduction of the car’s new generation.
With this strategic overhaul, Kia underlines how it is committed to bringing advanced automotive technology at an affordable price tag, putting the Sonet in a formidable position as an entry point for prospective first-time SUV buyers.
kia Sonet: Design Evolution That Turns Heads
Retaining its signature silhouette, the updated design of the Sonet also features some subtle changes that do wonders for the aesthetics.
At the front, there’s a larger interpretation of Kia’s trademark “tiger nose” grille flanked by leaner LED headlamps with to a new daytime running light signature that gives the face a more sophisticated look.
The redesigned vertical fog lamp housings add more prominent contouring to the front bumper, improving the stance of the vehicle.
From the sides, newly crafted alloy wheels fill the arches more resolutely, while subdued character lines provide ample visual interest without feeling overwrought.
At the rear, connected LED tail lamps stretch the width of the tailgate, enhancing the premium appeal and making the vehicle more visible.
The interior also demonstrates marked improvement, with soft-touch materials at major touchpoints, and heftier switchgear that operates with comforting precision.
Despite the Sonet’s small exterior dimensions, the cabin has fantastic space utilization and thoughtful storage solutions throughout.
The rear seat also has revised cushioning and enhanced thigh support, responding to feedback from owners of the outgoing model.
The Technology That Goes Beyond the Expectations
What is most admirable is the technology the Sonet integrates that is usually only seen in vehicles further up the price spectrum.
At the heart of the cabin is the most noticeable change, a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that provides wireless smartphone integration with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
This high-res screen also interfaces with the 360-degree camera technology that gives you full range of vision when parking.
More recently, Kia has built on this platform with plenty of remote functionality, including remote engine start, climate control pre-conditioning, geofencing capabilities, and vehicle tracking, combining convenience and security.
The voice command function receives natural language inputs that communicate with and control various vehicle functions, with minimal distraction to the driver.
The driver information display has expanded in complimentary size and capability, now displaying navigation prompts, driving data and safety alerts more clearly.
The ventilated front seats are a rarity in this segment, but they can be most welcome in hot weather, and the sound quality from the Bose premium audio system far exceeds its price point.
Every Need Powertrain Options
The updated Sonet continues Kia’s strategy of providing various powertrain options to cater to different customer needs.
The base 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine has an adequate enough performance for your urban use cases with fantastic fuel efficiency, mated to a 5-speed manual or an upgraded automated manual transmission.
If a little more spirited performance is in order, the 1.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine produces impressive figures relative to size and is now paired with either a 6-speed manual, 7-speed dual-clutch automatic or new 6-speed conventional automatic gearbox that’s skewed for smoothness rather than sporty character like that of the DCT.
Diesel fans will be able to choose a 1.5-liter unit that is said to deliver good low-end torque for relaxed highway cruising along with excellent fuel economy. This powerplant comes with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic.
Driving dynamics also get attention, with a retuned suspension that strikes a better balance between ride comfort and handling characteristics.
The steering calibration adds feedback without much in the way of effort, and revised NVH measures make for a noticeably quieter cabin at all speeds.
Safety that Puts the Family First
Safety credentials of the Sonet get critical boost, with six airbags being standard for most variants, a rarity for this price range.
These safety features are complemented by high-strength steel incorporated in critical areas of the structure to enhance crash protection and are packaged with electronic stability control, hill-start assist, vehicle stability management systems and a comprehensive airbag system that help to control the vehicle in less than ideal conditions.
As far as sensor-based safety features go, these include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front parking sensors, which augment an already solid safety package.
ISOFIX child seat anchors make the installation process of child restraints a breeze, adding to the Sonet’s family-friendly persona.
An Easy-To-Understand Value Proposition
Maybe most impressive is that Kia manages to bring in such debts and still employ aggressive pricing that will keep the Sonet accessible for its intended demographic.
The carefully curated variant range allows buyers to place the most importance on features that matter most to their usability patterns, without having to pay for equipment they may not require or want.
The ownership journey also starts long before the purchase, with complimentary maintenance packages offered at the time of purchase for early years of ownership, while Kia’s growing service network means support across the entire ownership journey. The manufacturer’s warranty package adds peace of mind that bolsters the value proposition.
kia Sonet
With this thoroughly revised Sonet, Kia proves it understands nuance and what budget-sensitive families really need from a small SUV.
Instead of just shoving you under a price point by cutting out features, the manufacturer has really examined where they want to spend their improvements meaningfully but also remain cost disciplined about what doesn’t matter as much.
The end result is a ride that dramatically raises the stakes for technology, comfort and versatility at this price level but is far more affordable than such features would normally command.
For young families looking to buy their first SUV or those stepping down from an even bigger vehicle, this updated Sonet is a phenomenal package that strikes a great balance between practicality, features and VFM.
In a sub-sector that’s becoming crowded with rivals, the revised Kia Sonet stands apart not due to seismic upheaval, but the carefully closed iteration of an already winning formula: demonstrating that grace in family transport doesn’t have to mean unattainable.
