Kia Sonet review, road test

The Kia Sonet’s suspension has an inherent underlying firmness, which is one of its weak points. While the wide 215mm tyres do a decent job of absorbing road shocks from tinier potholes, the suspension filters through most but the smaller imperfections on the road, leading to a rather busy ride. Sharper bumps lead to more prominent road shocks inside the cabin, and the Kia doesn’t feel as plush as its rivals.

Taking this car on a winding section of road is quite rewarding, as that’s where its firm suspension shines. Body control is predictable and it changes directions quite nicely, with its body roll well in control. Its steering, however, lacks feel and feedback, and doesn’t boost driver confidence. On the flipside, the  steering feel is fluid and twirls with minimal effort, so manoeuvring this car in traffic or in tight parking spaces is a breeze. What makes this car even more user-friendly is the good visibility all around, light controls (in the manual and iMT), and all the parking aids on offer.