Facelift brings even more technology to the Sonet
Pros
- Big on features
- Competent and wide range of powertrains
- Refinement levels are top-notch
- Perfect size for urban confines
- Contemporary looks
Cons
- No “sportier” variant on offer
- Rear seat is narrow
- Stiff ride quality
- Foglamps are weak in poor weather
- Loud styling of X-Line not to everybody’s tastes
Kia’s Sonet has been an incredibly popular CSUV in the recent times. Big reasons for are the wide and competent range of powertrains, an extensive feature list and high-quality interiors along with smart styling. These always ensured that the Sonet was always one of the top-sellers in the segment. Come 2024 and Kia has decided to give it another upgrade. Not that it needed it, but this facelift goes on to further this hit concoction even more.
2024 Kia Sonet facelift: Design & Styling
For our test, we had the X-Line variant of the Sonet which gets a matte-black paintjob and several blacked out elements outside. At the onset, you can see that Kia has not fiddled around much with the styling, and with good reason too. A nip and tuck is all that it needed to maintain its smart styling outside. Talking of the front end, you now get new L-shaped headlamps with a distinctive DRL signature along with a larger grille and a new bumper. Unlike its Hyundai brethren, the Sonet still gets foglamps in the form of an LED light strip below.
The rear fascia is where it feels properly different. Gone are the old taillamps which are now replaced by a unique connected cluster bringing it more inline with the Seltos and Carens. When I say unique, it means the entire setup is now illuminated and fully LED with a chunkier C shaped signature at at the ends. As a result of this, you also now get a flatter hatch. You also get redesigned, slightly more rugged looking bumper and curiously, the reverse lamp now sits in the centre at the bottom. Overall, the changes have surely made it feel more characterful outside.
2024 Kia Sonet facelift: Interiors & Features
Get inside and you realise, not much has changed. The dashboard retains the high-quality look and feel while the 10.25 inch touchscreen infotainment system has been retained. The climate control panels though have had a slight update and re-arrangement while the facelift is now also equipped with a crisp 10.25 inch screen for the gauge cluster too. The X-Line variant here gets a sage green upholstery for the seats which is subtle, yet classy and different.
The rear seat remains the same and exposes the rare blemish in the entire package with a narrow width and average legroom. Taller folks are not going to be fans of the same. However, Kia has made the useful additions of sunblinds and USB C-type charging ports to make life that much easier here. A pet peeve of mine inside is the puzzling absence of wireless functionality for Android Auto and Apple Carplay which is strangely available in lower variants.
Coming on to features, the already long list is now longer with stuff like 4 way adjustable electric driver seat, ADAS Level 1 features, A slick new UI for the infotainment screen, a high-res 360 degree camera along with a ventilated wireless smartphone charger. Now this is already besides features such as ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, an air purifier, BOSE sound system and front parking sensors among else which was a part of the list from earlier. Safety is also well taken care of with disc brakes on all wheels, ABS, EBD, ESC Traction Control, Hill Start Assist and a standard 6 airbags. The fifth occupant also gets a three-point seatbelt. It still gets a decently sized 385L boot which is respectable for this class.
2024 Kia sonet facelift: Performance & Ride Quality
Under the hood, the Sonet continues with the choice of 2 petrol engines- a 1.2L four-cylinder motor with 83HP mated to a 5 speed MT and a 1.0L three-cylinder turbo-petrol making 120HP which can be had with either a 7 speed dual-clutch automatic or a 6 speed iMT (clutchless manual) transmission. The 1.5L four-cylinder diesel has also been retained and makes 115HP and 250NM of torque. This can now also be had with a 6 speed MT in addition to the 6 speed iMT and 6 speed torque converter automatic which is what we have with us today. Start the engine and you are instantly impressed with the silence of a diesel. NVH and Refinement have always been Kia’s strongpoints. On the move, the engine feels torquey and linear and while it is not the most thrilling, it makes for a great frugal and competent powerhouse.
The 6 speed AT has a similar story. Shifts are smooth and silent even if not the fastest. Under heavy acceleration, it takes some time to downshift but never feels confused resulting in a great experience. Overall, the diesel is more comfortable cruising over hustling and will reward the driver well. That’s not to say that it does not move, it is able to pick up its skirt and run but it is the most enjoyable at a steady pace. The frugality of the diesel is also a feather in its hat with the car returning upwards of 15 Kmpl with a mixed running and a fair bit of gunning it in our tests as well.
The Sonet handles quite well and while the steering feedback is lacking, it weighs up at high speeds and offers a fairly confidence inspiring drive. The handling is aided by the stiffer suspension setup, but while enjoyable on the highway it can be a tad jerk-inducing on broken roads at city speeds. However, the all-wheel disc brake setup feels confident and the car sheds down speed quickly and with no drama. I just wish however, that Kia should consider a sportier version with perhaps a more thrilling tune for the engine and gearbox, a raspy exhaust and a more feelsome steering which would make it a properly perfect hot SUV if there is any such thing. The X-Line is great, but the Sonet definitely has more to give.
2024 Kia sonet facelift: Verdict
The answer is quite simple actually. Kia has only furthered the qualities of the Sonet. An already accomplished option has just become even more attractive in the segment. While rivals play catch-up, the even longer features list, some bold styling tweaks and the frugal yet exciting and smooth powertrains take it’s case even further. Yes, it could be more spacious, it could be little bit more fun but as far as this segment goes, competition should be worried. Because the king of the segment just got a new crown.
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