Kia Sonet

How many variants are there in the Kia Sonet?

There are three variants in the lineup of Kia Sonet in the Philippines car market – LX, EX and SX. All these three variants come with an automatic transmission as standard, though the base-spec LX variant also comes with a manual transmission, making the entry price more affordable. 

How much is the price of the Kia Sonet in the Philippines?

The prices of the Kia Sonet in the Philippines start at PHP 758,000 for the base-spec LX MT, which goes up to PHP 1,138,000 for the top-spec SX AT. For the mid-spec variants, the LX AT, which is positioned above the LX MT, is priced at PHP 868,000, while the EX AT, sitting above LX AT in the lineup, is priced at PHP 978,000.

Which is the most value-for-money variant of the Kia Sonet?

While all the variants of the Kia Sonet are decently equipped as per their positioning, we do feel that the top-spec SX AT variant of the compact SUV is worth opting for. It is the only variant that gets features like fancier screens for the instrument console and touchscreen infotainment system, an ADAS suite of safety features and additional goodies like a sunroof, wireless charger, leather upholstery, auto AC, electronic stability control and hill start assist. 

What features does the Kia Sonet get?

The latest update for the Kia Sonet has made it much more contemporary than before, and also a more upmarket option than all of the other similarly-priced compact SUVs or hatchbacks on sale. The exterior of the Kia Sonet looks fancier with aggressive-looking all-LED headlamps, LED DRLs, and tail lamps with connected LED light bars. It also gets 16-inch machined alloy wheels, roof rails, and front and rear silver skid plates.

The cabin of the Kia Sonet offers a premium and tech-laden experience with new-age features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 10.25-inch TFT instrument console, sunroof, wireless charger, automatic climate control, and leather upholstery. While most of these features are restricted to the top-spec SX AT variant, even other variants are decently equipped with features like a 6-speaker audio system, push start-stop button, remote engine start, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 4.2-inch TFT MID in the instrument console, manual AC and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

How spacious is it?

The Kia Sonet is a compact SUV, which has the footprints of a premium hatchback with a length of 4,110mm, a width of 1,790mm, and a height of 1,642mm (1,625mm in the base-spec LX variant as it misses out on roof rails). With a wheelbase of 2,500mm, the Kia Sonet offers good space for two full-sized adults at the back, though a third person might feel the lack of shoulder and leg room. Even the boot space is decent for a car of its price, though it can be increased easily, thanks to the added convenience of 60:40 folding rear seats in the EX and SX variants. 

What engine and transmission options are available?

The standard powertrain offered in the entire lineup of the Kia Sonet is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine, which is capable of producing a maximum power output of 115 PS and a peak torque output of 144 Nm. While a CVT gearbox is the standard transmission in all three variants, the base-spec LX variant is also offered with a 6-speed manual transmission.

 What’s the mileage of the Kia Sonet?

Kia hasn’t disclosed the official fuel efficiency figures for the Sonet in the Philippines. However, the same engine and transmission combination delivers 17.9 kmpl in the Seltos (as claimed by Kia India). We believe that this engine-transmission combination should return 14-15 kmpl for the Kia Sonet in the usual driving conditions.

How safe is the Kia Sonet?

All the variants of the Kia Sonet get standard safety features like dual front airbags, ABS, reverse parking camera and sensors and ISOFIX mounts for child seats, with cruise control being offered in all automatic variants as standard. However, the top-spec SX AT variant also gets additional safety features like electronic stability control, hill hold assist and ADAS features like lane keeping assist, lane following assist, forward collision avoidance assist, downhill brake control, high beam assist, and driver attention warning. 

How many colour options are there?

The two colour options offered as standard in all three variants – LX, EX and SX – of the Kia Sonet are Snow White Pearl and Vivid Red. While the EX and LX variants also come with an Imperial Blue colour scheme, the top-spec SX variant exclusively gets Snow White Pearl with a black roof, Vivid Red with a black roof, and Pewter Olive. 

Should you buy the 2024 Kia Sonet?

The sub-compact SUV category is already a niche space in the Philippines car market and the Kia Sonet aces that space with its premium upmarket feel. It feels plush and well-built and can surpass even some of the larger compact SUVs with the level of fit and finish and equipment it gets. Adding to it, the proven 1.5-litre engine and platform from the Kia Seltos sold overseas makes it a reliable product in the long run. For those who want the feel of a taller SUV with the footprint of a hatchback, the Kia Sonet makes a lot of sense. However, one should note that the space at the rear is at a premium too. 

What are my alternatives?

There are very few sub-compact SUVs in the Philippines car market, with the Kia Sonet being one of them. It is a direct alternative to other sub-compact SUVs like the Toyota Raize, KG Mobility Tivoli, and MG ZS. Besides this, it also competes with less-mainstream Chinese sub-compact and compact SUVs like JAC S2, GAC GS3 Emzoom, Changan CS15, Chery Tiggo 5X, and Kaicene CX70.

Other things to consider

Many people might not prefer the Kia Sonet due to the lack of room at the rear, which is less than even some of the hatchbacks. If backseat comfort is your priority in this space bracket, you can look for MPV and sedan options like Toyota Vios, Toyota Avanza, Honda City, Suzuki Ertiga, Suzuki Dzire, Nissan Almera, Volkswagen Santana, Mitsubishi Mirage G4 and Mitsubishi Xpander.

Kia Sonet Price

The Sonet is priced between ₱758,000 and ₱1.158 Million.

Kia Sonet Variants

There are 4 variants available of Sonet: 1.5 LX MT, 1.5 LX AT, 1.5 EX AT and 1.5 SX AT.

Kia Sonet Power-trains

The Sonet is powered by a 1497cc 4-cylinder Gasoline engine produces 113 hp of power and 144 Nm of torque.

It comes with the option of a 6-Speed Manual and Variable Speed IVT transmission gearbox.

Kia Sonet Features

The feature list of Sonet includes Central Locking, Power Door Locks, Anti Theft Device and Engine Immobilizer in terms of security.

Features for Comfort & Convenience include Air Conditioner, Rear A/C Vents, Heater, Accessory Power Outlet, Engine Start/Stop Button, Bottle Holder, Keyless Entry, Cruise Control, Power Windows Front, Power Windows Rear, Rear Reading Lamp, Vanity Mirror, Trunk Light and Wireless Charger.

Features for Entertainment & communication include Apple Carplay/Android Auto, USB & Auxiliary Input, Bluetooth Connectivity, FM/AM/Radio, Speakers Front, Speakers Rear, Multi-function Steering Wheel and Touch Screen.

Kia Sonet Exterior

If we talk about the exterior features then it include Electric Folding Rear View Mirror, Power Adjustable Exterior Rear View Mirror, Outside Rear View Mirror Turn Indicator, Integrated Antenna, Adjustable Headlights, Roof Rail, Rear Spoiler, Sun Roof, Centrally Mounted Fuel Tank and Tinted Glass.

Kia Sonet Safety

The safety features of the Model includes the Anti-Lock Braking System, Ebd, Vehicle Stability Control System, Crash Sensor, Driver Airbag, Passenger Airbag, Seat Belt Warning, Rear Seat Belts, Child Safety Locks, ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts, Day & Night Rear View Mirror, Rear Parking Sensors, Rear Camera, Hill-Start Assist Control, Side Impact Beams, Engine Check Warning and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems).

Kia Sonet Competitors

The Sonet Competitors are: MG ZS, Chery Tiggo 2 Pro and Toyota Raize.