Kia Sonet vs. the competition

Not too long ago, Kia Philippines launched the Sonet crossover. The new model looks not only to get the South Korean car brand a good chunk of the segment’s share, but also to bring in new customers thanks to its features aimed at the younger car buyers.

However, its arrival was not met without a warm welcome, especially from nameplates that are now considered staples of the crossover category here in the country. That said, let’s see how the Kia Sonet fares against its rivals — specifically the Toyota Raize and the MG HS.

But before we begin, let’s look at some of the notable features of the Kia Sonet.

Exterior

At the fore, the Kia Sonet wears the latest iteration of the Hyundai-owned brand’s tiger nose grille. It is flanked by the marque’s Star Map signature LED multi-reflector headlamps accompanied by Star Map signature LED daytime running lamps (DRL). A pair of LED fog lamps aim to help the driver when visibility is poor.

The side profile of the crossover is highlighted by a handful of blacked-out appointments that come in the form of its wheel arches, door trims, as well as A-, B-, and C-pillars. The range-topping variant can be had with a black roof, which adds a touch of sportiness to the Kia Sonet. It rides on 16-inch wheels.

Its rear flaunts a discreet spoiler, an LED high-mount stop lamp, LED combination taillamps, a large-enough rear glass, and a hydraulically-assisted hatch.

Interior

The cabin of the Kia Sonet comes with leather seats, a leather steering wheel, a shifter with a leather boot, and some leather trims on the door panels. There’s also a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity.

Occupants sitting at the back get sets finished in the same upholstery, a pull-down center armrest, as well as dedicated A/C vents to keep them cool.

Notable interior features of the Kia Sonet include a wireless charger and a sunroof.

Engine

Under its hood is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated either to a six-speed automatic gearbox or an intelligent variable transmission. It produces 113 horsepower (hp) with 144 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque.

Variants, pricing

The Kia Sonet is offered in four variants and is priced from P758,000-P1.138 million.

Toyota Raize

The Toyota Raize is one of the direct competitors of the Kia Sonet.

Outside, the Toyota Raize offers a stylish and sporty look. It has a large grille at the front flanked by split-type LED lights with line guides, DRLs, and halogen fog lamps. Its side is decorated with black wheel wells, black door trims, black side mirrors, body-colored door handles, and a set of 16-inch wheels. The rear end gets a spoiler with a high-mount stop lamp, LED taillamps, and a garnish that adds a dash of character to the crossover.

Its interior comes with fabric seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a seven-inch instrument cluster, and a nine-inch infotainment system. It also has a single-zone automatic airconditioning unit as well as charging ports for smartphones.

Power comes from either a 1.2-liter naturally-aspirated gasoline engine or a 1.0-liter turbocharged mill. The lowest variant comes with a five-speed manual gearbox while the upper variants get a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

It generates anywhere from 86-96 horses with 113-140 Nm of pulling power.

The Toyota Raize is offered in four trims and is priced from P751,000-P1.063 million.

MG ZS

The MG ZS is a viable alternative for those who cannot choose between the Kia Sonet and the Toyota Raize. Its design leans more towards a classy look rather than the aggressive and sporty vibe offered by the two aforementioned crossovers.

Its exterior features consist of the brand’s Stardust Design front grille, halogen projector headlamps with adjustable beam height, a slew of chrome trims peppered around the vehicle, 16- or 17-inch wheels, MG’s Polaris Design taillamps, and matte silver roof rails.

The cabin of the MG ZS boasts faux carbon fiber appliques, stitched leather-style seats and door trims, a sporty leather steering wheel, an instrument cluster with a mix of analog and digital gauges, as well as an eight-inch infotainment system.

Under its hood is a 1.5-liter gasoline powerplant mated to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. It puts out some 112 hp with 150 Nm of torque.

The MG ZS comes in four variants and is priced from P848,000-P1.049 million.

Photos from Juan Paulo Papa, Jirehl Kent Flores, and Hazel Nicole Carreon

Also read:

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Spec-checking the Kia Sonet's 4 variations