Kia Sonet review, road test

With its packaging done right, Kia’s new compact SUV has all it takes to rule to roost.

Published on Dec 22, 2020 07:00:00 AM

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It’s a smart-looking compact SUV with several unique design elements.

Quality of materials inside the cabin, design, textures, fit and finish look and feel very premium.

Fairly large boot, but the absence of split rear seats will be felt occasionally.

The Sonet diesel is a frugal milemuncher, squeezing out above average fuel economy figures. While the automatic returned 13.8kpl and 18.8kpl in the city and highway, respectively, the manual that’s tuned in the interest of fuel economy returned a staggering 15.4kpl and 20.8kpl in similar conditions. The Sonet diesels better the diesel-powered Seltos MT and AT by 1kpl overall, owing to different gear ratios and a lighter kerb weight.

The turbo-petrol is quite efficient too, with the iMT returning 11.2kpl in the city and 15.8kpl on the highway, while the dual-clutch automatic achieved 11.6kpl and 16.5kpl, respectively. Having a seventh gear does give the DCT an edge over the iMT while cruising on the open road.