Kia Sonet launched: Top 10 segment-first features

Kia Motors India has today launched its newest offering, the Kia Sonet. Aside from the looks, the Kia Sonet's USP is its extensive features list. Most of these conveniences are available on the diesel-automatic and petrol-iMT versions, the two variants that Kia says are the most popular. See Kia Sonet prices here.

The Kia Sonet is aimed at the highly competitive sub-four-metre segment, and Kia has left no stone unturned in trying to make it stand out. The Kia Sonet features a plethora of segment-firsts, be it in terms of features, safety or powertrain choices.

We've listed the 10 features that make the Kia Sonet stand out in its segment. The Kia Sonet competes with some very capable offerings like the Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300 and the upcoming Toyota Urban Cruiser.

10.25-inch touchscreen

The Kia Sonet features the largest touchscreen infotainment in this segment. The 10.25-inch unit is the same as the one seen on the Kia Seltos and comes with a slew of features like navigation, driving and trip data, USB, Bluetooth and Aux connectivity, along with being Android Auto/Apple Carplay compatible. This unit is available on the HTX+ and GTX+ trims of the Sonet, with lower trims coming with the 8-inch touchscreen as seen on the Venue.

Ventilated seats

Another segment-first feature, and possibly most usable in our climate, is the ventilated front seats that the Kia Sonet offers. This feature, though quite common on other, more expensive, Hyundai-Kia products,  has never been seen in India. The front seats of the Kia Sonet has perforation which can pass cold air through them, keeping the seat cool under hot conditions. There are three fans speeds to choose from.

Virus protection air filter

Kia has also kept in tune with the need of the times. The Kia Sonet is the first car in this segment to comes with a PM2.5 air purifier. Again this feature was first introduced by the Kia Seltos, the Hyundai Creta added a digital display, and now the Kia Sonet again claims that this will even prevent viruses from entering the cabin. We aren't exactly sure how that happens but stayed tuned for our review coming soon for more on that.

LED lighting

The Kia Sonet comes with full-LED headlamps. Again, this is a unique feature given that projector beams have been the standard for lighting in this segment. Kia says that the shape of the headlamps and the LED DRLs signature has also been derived from Indian influences. Along with the headlamps, the Kia Sonet also features LED taillamps and projector fog lamps.

GT Line

The Kia Sonet is also available with the GT Line appearance package. This is available with the turbo-petrol and diesel engine options. The GT Line brings with it red accents on the grille, a sharper set of 16-inch alloy wheels, red brake callipers, red pinstripe along the sides and rear, and GT Line badging. On the inside, you get an all-black interior treatment, aluminium pedals and contrasting red accents on the seats.

Seven-speaker Bose audio with mood lighting

The Kia also offers a premium brand audio system with the Sonet. The Bose system uses six-speakers and one sub-woofer. Further, there are mood lighting options that can light up the cabin either in single or dynamic themes to go with the kind of ambience you prefer.

Latest gen UVO connected-car tech

Kia's UVO suite of connected car features has now been expanded to include 57 features. There are extensive voice commands for a slew of in-car functions, including a voice-activated window up/down function. Also, the UVO system can now be used to remote start even a manual Kia Sonet. There is also smartwatch integration with the UVO system to control the climate and air purifier.

Diesel-automatic option

The Kia Sonet is the first sub-four-metre SUV to offer a diesel-automatic powertrain option. This will pair a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel with a six-speed torque convertor. Also, the Sonet has one of the most extensive list of powertrain choices of any car in India. There are three engine and five gearbox options to choose from. Aside from the diesel, there will be a 1.0-litre turbo petrol and a 1.2-litre n/a petrol motor. There will be a five-speed manual, six-speed manual, seven-speed DCT, six-speed torque convertor and an iMT clutchless manual gearbox to pick from.

Traction and drive modes

The Kia Sonet will also be available with drive modes and traction modes. The drive modes will alter engine and gearbox behaviour between Eco, Normal and Sport. The drive modes, on the other hand, will alter ABS and traction control for use between Mud, Snow/Wet and Sand.  we expect to see the drive modes on both manual and auto versions, with the traction modes being reserved for auto variants.

Safety features

Kia hasn't skimped on safety with the Sonet. You get segments first like a TPMS, and front parking sensors. Other than this, there are six airbags to choose from. Auto headlamps and ISOFIX child-seat mountings are other highlights. However these are only available on the top trims

Also Read:

2020 Kia Sonet price comparison vs Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Tata Nexon

2020 Kia Sonet diesel auto and manual road test review

2020 Kia Sonet petrol iMT and DCT road test review

2020 Kia Sonet SUV revealed: Everything you need to know

Image gallery: 2020 Kia Sonet India unveil

Watch our video review of the Kia Sonet below: