Kia has launched the much-awaited Sonet subcompact SUV in the Nepalese market. The Sonet is available in 4 variants with prices starting at Rs. 35.90 lakhs. The base HTE variant will be powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine that will come at Rs. 35.90 lakhs. Then there will be the HTX at Rs. 47.90 lakhs, the HTK+ AT coming at Rs. 49.90 lakhs and the top end GTX+ variant coming in at Rs. 57.90 lakhs, all of which will be powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine.

(Kia Sonet GT Line)

The Sonet gets a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine making 82 hp power and 115 Nm torque. The 1.2-litre petrol is available solely with a 5-speed manual – the same as the Venue. Diesel engine option will include a 1.5-litre engine, also unique here is that the Kia Sonet’s 1.5 diesel develops 100 bhp and 240 Nm of torque when paired with the 6-speed manual, and a meatier 115 bhp and 250 Nm of torque when paired with the 6-speed automatic.

The Sonet utilizes the same platform as that of the Hyundai Venue. On the outside, the Kia Sonet gets Kia’s distinctive design DNA integrating the brand’s signature styling traits such as the iconic ‘tiger-nose’ grille, with a 3D ‘stepwell’ geometric grille mesh. Some of the key features include LED headlights and LED DRLs, sleek blacked-out front grille, prominent front bumper, front and rear skid plates, blacked-out pillars, top-mounted brake lights, wraparound rear windscreen, bumper reflectors, and edgy LED tail lamps. The base variant is equipped with standard wheels whereas top-spec variants have 16-inch alloy wheels.

The cabin of the Kia Sonet features vertically framed air vents on the dashboard will be decorated with a metallic, diamond-knurled pattern. Interiors are spacious and offer a range of creature comforts. Besides that, it will be equipped with high-quality materials, a digital instrument cluster, a first-in-segment 10.25-inch HD touchscreen with navigation, and sound mood lighting, etc. Other provisions will include steering wheel-mounted controls, different drive and traction modes, etc.

Sonet offers a range of security features such as six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), vehicle stability management (VSM), hill assist control (HAC), projector fog lamps, auto headlamps with escort function, cornering lamp, parking assist (reverse parking sensors + rear camera with dynamic guidelines), central locking, keyless entry, immobilizer and burglar alarm. Sonet is also equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system. The compact SUV’s body is built using advanced high strength steel (AHSS) and high strength steel (HSS), which ensure effective protection in case of a collision.

The base HTE will pack in basic equipment such as dual airbags, ABS, rear parking sensors, 15-inch steel wheels, rear AC vents, front power windows and electric adjust wing mirrors. The HTK+ will add in techs such as auto headlamps (automatic variants only), auto climate control, power-folding wing mirrors, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The dual-clutch auto-equipped variants additionally get more safety tech, such as ESC, hill start assist, traction control, and drive modes.

The HTX will add in auto LED headlamps, LED DRLs, a sunroof, keyless entry and go, cruise control, remote engine start via the car’s key, and a rear-view camera. The HTX+ adds in more bells and whistles, including a tire-pressure monitor, leatherette upholstery, ambient lighting, alloy wheels, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, ventilated front seats, an air purifier, and a Bose Audio system.

Moving to the GTX+, the variant will feature sportier looks and an all-black cabin, and in addition to the HTX+, equipment such as six airbags, front parking sensors, ESC, hill start assist, a wireless phone charger, and more.

The Sonet will be rivaling the likes of Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport, and Mahindra XUV300.