Kia Sonet Diesel AT X-Line: Long-Term Review - Fleet Introduction

The Kia Sonet, one of the most premium sub-compact SUVs, joins the CarDekho fleet!

The Kia Sonet Diesel Automatic joined our long-term fleet over a month ago, and in that time, it has already racked up around 1000 km. Here are our initial impressions and why we’ve completely fallen in love with it!

It Feels Premium

In our profession, we’re fortunate enough to experience expensive luxury cars, and whenever we return to driving mass-market vehicles, we often notice a significant difference in the overall experience. However, the Sonet is different. It feels genuinely premium, both inside and out. Externally, we particularly like the new LED tail lamp signature and alloy wheel design, both of which look upscale.

The trump card, though, is the interiors, which look premium, and the material choices are top-notch. The top X-Line variant has a long list of features like the two 10.25-inch screens, ventilated seats, and Bose sound system, but more than the features list, it is the execution of each and every feature that feels polished and well-engineered. Overall, in our opinion, even a person who owns and lives with a luxury car won’t find the Sonet to feel cheap or budget in any manner.

Subdued Performance

The Sonet that we have is powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine mated to a 6-speed torque converter transmission. On first impression, the engine is refined, and at low engine speeds, you can barely hear it, and gear shifts are smooth as well. What it lacks, though, is a bit of oomph, even in Sport mode, but this is something that I will elaborate on a bit more in the next report, where I am planning to go on a road trip.

Mixed Bag for a Large Family

The Sonet proves to be practical in terms of cabin storage spaces, and the large boot, too, is well-shaped and seems more than enough for the family weekend duties. But the rear seat space, though enough for a small family, might feel cramped for four adults. The rear seat also feels narrow, so how it will be for three in the back is something I will explore in the coming months.

We are really looking forward to spending more time with the car in the coming months.