Kia Sonet Pros & Cons

Check out pros and cons about the Kia Sonet that are worth highlighting for a potential buyer. Here are some of the highlights of the benefits of buying the Kia Sonet. We'll also list out the Sonet drawbacks to help you make an informed buying decision.

Sonet Advantanges

• Long List Of Features

  The Kia Sonet offers a long list of features, with multiple first-in-segment features. The list of notable features includes ventilated front seats, sunroof, auto AC, auto-dimming inside mirror, front and rear armrests, premium Bose sound system with subwoofer, tyre pressure sensors, 6 airbags, LED headlamps, LED DRLs, rear window sunshades, and ADAS.

• 5 Engine-Transmission Combinations

  Kia Sonet offers a total of 5 engine-transmission combinations. This includes a diesel engine, which is becoming a rare breed these days and an innovative transmission — the auto-clutch manual. For buyers interested in a low-running city commuter, there’s the 1.2L normal petrol engine with a 5-speed manual. For those who seek better performance and drivability with the convenience of clutch-free driving experience, there’s the 1.0L turbo petrol engine with the dual-clutch automatic transmission. Lastly, for those with heavy usage and frequent highway driving, there’s the 1.5L turbo diesel engine with the option of a 6-speed manual, 6-speed auto-clutch manual transmission or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

• Inclusion Of ADAS Safety Features

  The Kia Sonet offers ADAS features such as forward collision warning, forward collision avoidance assist, auto high beam, and lane follow assist in the top GTX Plus and X-Line variants. The addition of ADAS features in the Kia Sonet facelift makes it one of the safest SUVs in the B2-segment.

• Game Changing Auto Clutch Manual Transmission

  The auto-clutch manual transmission of the Kia Sonet is a game-changing piece of technology. It offers a nearly-equal convenience of an automatic transmission at a fourth of the cost of a full-automatic. In addition to that, it also keeps the mechanical feel of a stick shift. Since this is mechanically simpler, you can expect fewer breakdowns with the ACMT. And if something goes wrong, you can expect an easy and affordable fix for a fairly low cost as the hardware doesn’t cost all that much to begin with.

Sonet Disadvantanges

• ADAS Not Available With Manual Or Auto-Clutch Transmission

  The Kia Sonet’s ADAS features are limited to the 1.5L diesel engine equipped with the torque converter automatic and 1.0L turbo petrol mated to the dual-clutch automatic transmission. Other engine and transmission options of the Kia Sonet, such as the 1.5 diesel-manual, 1.5L diesel-ACMT and the 1.0L turbo petrol-manual, do not get ADAS.

• DCT Yet To Prove Their Reliability In Indian Conditions

  DCT automatic transmissions never had a great reliability record in India’s hot climatic conditions. Making matters worse, the Venue makes use of a dry-clutch automatic that is more prone to heating and as a result, prone to excessive wear and tear

• No CNG Bi-Fuel Option

  Kia are yet to offer the Sonet with a CNG option. Maruti Suzuki are the only manufacturer that currently offers CNG option in this segment with the Brezza. Meanwhile, Tata Motors have showcased the Nexon CNG, which is likely to go on sale in June 2024. Kia India have also started testing the Sonet turbo CNG and we expect it to go on sale soon.