The urban and athletic Sonet has arrived to select markets within the Middle East and Africa region. Designed to be bold and unforgettable, the Sonet sports key features that place it in a league of its own within the compact SUV segment. Customers can now visit their Kia dealerships online or in-person to learn more about the model and book a test drive.
With multiple powertrain options, the new Sonet’s impressive features come encapsulated in an modern exterior, making the Sonet the latest addition to Kia’s award-winning SUV family. With a dynamic stance in a confident and compact body, the Sonet includes a fresh interpretation of Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille, ‘heartbeat’ LED DRLs (daytime running lights), and a stylish front skid plate beneath.
Kia first unveiled the Sonet concept in Delhi, India, during the Auto Expo 2020. Within a year, Kia has taken a concept to reality, bringing the future closer to customers. The all-new Sonet incorporates Kia’s DNA of emotive styling along with a premium appeal, which creates a strong presence on road.
Boasting multiple segment-first features that offer the ultimate driving experience for customers, the Sonet provides comfort, convenience, and safety. Fitted with the largest and the best in class 10.25-inch (26.03 cm) HD touchscreen with navigation and live traffic, the Sonet also comes with other smart features such as remote engine start, multi-drive & traction modes, and grip control for automatic models.
Designed around the driver with a well laid-out, intuitive infotainment and cluster interface, the Sonet was built taking into consideration the end user’s experience. The Sonet comes with premium BOSE seven-speaker audio with sub-woofer, wireless smartphone charging with a cooling function, LED Sound Mood Lighting, and Smart Pure Air Purifier with virus protection. Harbouring functional qualities in every inch of its ergonomic space.
“Kia has manufactured a vision inspired by our young, ingenious customers who crave simplicity and seamlessness in their lives. The Sonet delivers on features that are simply not found in models belonging to the same compact SUV category. Packed with first-in-class, purposeful features and technologies. Customers from the Middle East and Africa will find in the Sonet a smart companion to navigate the needs of life.” Said Mr. Yaser Shabsogh, Chief Operating Officer, Regional HQs, Middle East & Africa, Kia.
Under the hood, the Sonet comes with multiple powertrain options which can be customised to suit the requirements of the driver. A choice of two gasoline engines – a versatile Smartstream 1.2-liter four-cylinder and powerful 1.0 T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) – and an efficient 1.5-liter CRDi diesel engine are available with a choice of five transmissions. This includes five- and six-speed manuals, an intuitive seven-speed DCT six-speed automatic, and Kia’s breakthrough new six-speed Smartstream intelligent manual transmission (iMT) which offers fatigue free driving thanks to the absence of the clutch pedal. For the first time within this segment, the Sonet also offers its 1.5-liter diesel engine with the six-speed automatic transmission.
Kia Motors keenly prioritises customer safety. As a result, more than two-thirds of the Sonet’s body consists of high strength and advanced high strength steel, which creates a robust yet lightweight structure. Kia has ensured that every drive with the Sonet is as hassle free and safe as possible, thanks to a rigorous set of measures created in line with Kia’s pillars of safety. Among the Sonet’s key safety features are six airbags, ABS (anti-lock braking system) with EBD (electronic brake force distribution), ESC (Electronic Stability Control), HAC (Hill-start Assist Control), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management) and BA (brake assist), Front and rear parking sensors, highline tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), Auto headlamps and ISOFIX child-seat anchoring points.
To match the needs of a wide array of customer preferences, the Sonet will be available in a dual trim concept that includes a sporty GT-Line trim. Enhancing the Sonet’s athletic and energetic appeal, the GT-Line models offer sportiness both inside and out. Customers who are looking for a sharp, dynamic road presence have the choice to opt for this trim.
Built through synthesising customer insight, Kia has formulated the Sonet, a compact SUV design built to world-leading standards, pioneering segment-leading features, and design that naturally nestles itself into the increasingly demanding urban lives of individuals.
