After a month of driving around town in the newly refreshed Kia Sonet 2024 facelift, it’s time to share my experiences from behind the wheel. As a city dweller navigating through bustling streets and occasional highway stretches, here’s a detailed look at the features, specifications, and real-world mileage of this compact SUV.
First Impressions: A Bold Refresh
Upon first glance, the Sonet facelift immediately stands out with its striking design updates. The signature “tiger nose” grille has been redesigned to be sharper, complemented by new LED daytime running lights that give the car a more futuristic appearance. The revamped bumpers and the option for more aggressive alloy wheels add a touch of boldness, distinguishing it from its predecessor. While some may prefer the softer lines of the previous model, the facelift offers a more mature and contemporary vibe.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Inside, the Sonet facelift retains its familiar layout but introduces several upgrades to enhance the overall driving experience. The cabin feels solidly built, with a mix of soft-touch plastics and premium upholstery options depending on the trim level. The standout feature is the new 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen (available on higher trims) dominating the center console. It’s a significant improvement over the previous system, offering a crisp display and user-friendly interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The instrument cluster varies depending on the variant, offering either a traditional analog setup or a fully digital display. The digital cluster provides a clean and customizable interface, displaying important information like speed, fuel gauge, and trip computer data. Ventilated seats are also a welcome addition, especially during hot Indian summers. Overall, the cabin provides a comfortable and modern environment, perfect for city driving.
Features for Urban Driving
The Sonet facelift comes packed with features that enhance the urban driving experience. Some of the standout features include:
- 360-Degree Camera: A game-changer for navigating tight parking spaces and busy intersections, providing a bird’s-eye view of your surroundings.
- Wireless Phone Charging: Convenient for keeping your phone charged on the go without the need for cables.
- Cruise Control: Ideal for maintaining a consistent speed on highways or long stretches of road, reducing fatigue and improving fuel efficiency.
- Automatic Climate Control: Maintains a comfortable cabin temperature with minimal effort, perfect for hot and humid days.
Performance and Handling in the City
The Sonet facelift offers three engine options: a 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol, a 1.0L turbo-petrol, and a 1.5L turbo-diesel. I opted for the 1.0L turbo-petrol engine, which delivers a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency. With 118 bhp and 172 Nm of torque, it provides ample power for city driving and merging onto highways. The 7-speed DCT automatic transmission offers smooth gear changes, making the driving experience comfortable and effortless.
The suspension setup strikes a good balance between handling and comfort, absorbing bumps and road imperfections effectively. This ensures a pleasant ride quality even on uneven city streets. While not designed for off-roading, the higher ground clearance compared to a hatchback provides added confidence when navigating potholes or uneven surfaces.
Kia Sonet 2024 Facelift Real-World Mileage
Kia claims a mileage of up to 18.2 kmpl (combined) for the 1.0L turbo-petrol engine. In my real-world driving experience, which primarily consists of city commutes with some highway stretches, I achieved an average mileage of around 14-15 kmpl. This is a respectable figure considering the stop-and-go nature of city traffic. Fuel efficiency can be further optimized by using driving modes like Eco and maintaining a steady pace.
Final Thoughts
After a month of driving the Kia Sonet 2024 facelift in the city, I’m thoroughly impressed. The refreshed design turns heads, the feature-rich interior provides comfort and convenience, and the performance is well-suited for urban driving. While the real-world mileage might be slightly lower than the claimed figures, it remains respectable for a city car.
The Sonet offers enough space for four adults to travel comfortably, and the boot space is sufficient for everyday needs. Safety features like six airbags, ABS with EBD, and electronic stability control provide peace of mind. The Sonet facelift caters perfectly to young professionals, couples, or small families seeking a stylish, feature-rich, and practical SUV for city driving.
Overall, the Kia Sonet 2024 facelift is a compelling choice for city dwellers looking for a compact SUV that blends style, comfort, and practicality. Whether you’re navigating the urban jungle or cruising on the highway, the Sonet delivers a strong value proposition, making it a tough competitor in the crowded compact SUV segment.
