2020 Kia Sonet review - It's a mini Seltos | First Drive | Autocar India

The Kia Sonet is the latest entrant in the competitive compact SUV segment. On offer with class-leading equipment and five engine-gearbox options, the Sonet has sure come armed for the fight. But does it live up to the hype? Renuka Kirpalani and Sergius Barretto drive the Sonet 1.0 turbo-petrol DCT and iMT, and the 1.5 diesel-auto to get the answer.
0:00 - Introduction
0:52 - Design and styling
1:20 - Interior
2:38 - Features and safety
3:13 - Boot capacity
3:27 - Engine and gearbox options
4:03 - Driving position
4:27 - Build
4:52 - Voice commands
5:41 - Sonet 1.0 Turbo-DCT
9:05 - Sonet 1.5 Diesel-AT
10:31 - Rear seat experience
11:59 - Ride quality
12:28 - Sonet 1.0 Turbo-iMT
16:19 - Fuel economy
16:27 - Verdict
#Sonet #SonetIMT
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[@autocarindia1]

Agar aap Kia Sonet ka review Hindi me dekhna pasand karenge, click kijiye What Car? India channel ke video pe ► kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmPSq31qn9GAe8k . Like, share aur subscribe karna mat bhoolna :-) And if you want a detailed look at the Sonet's touchscreen, Bose sound system, air purifier and more, head to Stuff India's video ► kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnOalmSKn5mNm8U

[@pranavaditya8999]

Hey I have a question : 80% of the time I would be commuting in heavy traffic and want to give my left foot a little rest. So does the DCT heat up and give warning messages in bumper to bumper traffic? Basically is it okay to drive a DCT in heavy traffic or should I go for a CVT or the iMT? I would close my eyes and go for the Torque Converter but I don't want to buy a Diesel. Please help me out! Autocar India

[@neerajkujur7032]

Variant wise price ??

[@darsh9866]

Abhi hindi me ??

[@ccviralvideo2023]

Kannada

[@kashtrophobic]

Can you do a comparison between tata nexon and kia sonet

[@prateeksharma2751]

In 3 weeks, I did my first 1,000 Kms in the Sonet (Petrol, automatic, Turbo). What a beautiful experience! Honestly, the backseat is decently sized. We can't get everything from one car. It's ideal for a small family of 4. The boot space is just enough too. I have driven 7 hours straight and no stress at all. What an experience!

[@tridibju]

I have been observing one thing. Not a single reviewers of cars(specially the car journalist types) have spoken bad about KIA despite the fact that KIA cars have many negatives. They would always speak for them just like their spokespersons. This has done wonders to their sales figures. I think KIA is investing(paying) heavily in India.

[@autocarindia1]

Kia Sonet prices are out! The Sonet range starts at Rs 6.71 lakh and tops off at Rs 11.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). For the full variant-wise price break-up head to ► www.autocarindia.com/car-news/kia-sonet-launched-at-rs-671-lakh-418633. What do you think of the Sonet's pricing?

[@dopecontent267]

Really nice pricing I will buy GTX + imt or GTX+ diesel at

[@Mandocammando]

What is 11.99 lakh in U.S. dollars?

[@harir25]

Many KZbinrs r reviewing vehicles now but Autocar n Renuka stands out first last 2 decades..truly professional

[@vanitasagar2254]

I finally get to know Renuka owns a kia seltos 😅

[@ruturaj6787]

That statement alone sale 1000 seltos this month for sure.

[@vijaykumarbansal2070]

Haha

[@manoja538]

She got it soon after it was launched

[@aanshsinghania7780]

@Joy yes it is but there are some fuel pump failures which is scary and also the suspension is still until 15000 kms

[@udityadutta1665]

She told me that when i met her last year November. She also advised me to buy it. Ha ha

[@nfsleo07]

Great review, excellent coverage! Really love these long videos from Autocar. Please keep them coming. Great camera work on the video as well

[@manojnairc09]

Imagine a car with full features loaded in 2010? Wouldn’t the features become obsolete in like 2-3 years... what stays is driving dynamics, engine quality and reliability

[@BangaloreTrafficMadness]

agreed. But things like ventilated seats and tyre pressure monitoring are essential.

[@oelbros]

SAAB was the first car company to develop this technology called the sensonic transmission (manual shifts on an automatic gearbox) for the SAAB 900 in the 90's. Surprising to see that this technology is back renamed as iMT.

[@ilivinglikeagypsy2606]

True. Even the Fiat Palio had a model called the Citymatic launched in Brazil had this technology and now Hyundai and Kia come up with a new name iMT.

[@aoy8607]

Reason why i love to watch it more then other channels bcoz they cover every aspect. Their speaking styles are bery appropriate up to point and love to leason when and background music also. If i want genuine car vlog or comparison i will se u first. waiting for seltos vs Nexon vs venue

[@pranaybagdiya7886]

Looooong awaited finally here!

[@sudarshanbodke1990]

As always, good content.

[@GCS-001]

i still absolutely love nexon...wish they add some important features like ventilated seats

[@trendsetter76]

Yeah they need to do some upgrades

[@mb_attada2874]

I'm waiting for Nexon DTC/DSG

[@arunbhattacharya5510]

The need to work on the interior a bit. Dash is too simple. Bt no doubt nexon is a gr8 car

[@shubhamsingh-ll2mq]

No use of ventilated seats..you will have a back pain for long drive

[@abhishekv4912]

And all LED lighting ☺️

[@preethykj1091]

I was waiting for this since a while thanks guys

[@akagetobimaru1994]

If a reviewer owns a seltos...then i knew this one will be good too.... Great content ma'am

[@patilshreyans]

While Kia is hitting it out of park with every launch, I am not sure about their cars' GNCAP ratings. Both Sonet and Venue are based on Santro's platform which fared poorly in the GNCAP. So will Sonet and Venue. Seltos available abroad and in India are also based on different platforms. India gets older platform which is not as safe as the one available abroad. One side we have Nexon, EcoSport scoring 5*,4* in GNCAP what's stopping Kia to test their Indian cars and publish GNCAP ratings? Or is it intentional?

[@schandra496]

Appreciate that u pointed out right thing.. even I wonder what could be rating if they send for crash test.. kia cars and venu.. !!!

[@manjunathholla57]

I was watching the Seltos fr Australian market scoring 4/5 Stars i guess with a load of safety features. Based on that, Indian model wud score a max 3 Star i guess

[@lespaul1631]

YOLO

[@dhineshkumar8904]

Venue is made on santro platform but it is made of 64% high strength steel and the build quality is totally at a level high as made in India venue scored 4 stars in Australian NCAP which is very close to Euro NCAP so build wise hyundai and kia never dissappoints..

[@archisbelsare4217]

Agreed, these car makers are just to make money, if we look at the safety prospect, indian car makers are doing great

[@balachandarnatarajan7626]

Waiting for this for sooooooooo long...

[@immortal98X]

Initially I didn't quite like the rear of Nexon, after seeing all its counterparts I'm pretty sure the rear side of Nexon is the best.😂😂 atleast it doesn't seem incomplete and an afterthought like the other cars. It's well designed and thought of.

[@eriktenhag2022]

This also doesn't look incomplete but have you seen the side profile of xuv 300? It looks like it was cut with hot knife in rear😂 And the front is so wide and muscular, but when it comes to back it looks so ugly Is like pehlwan with large muscles in arm and upper body but from stomach, thin as a impoverished child

[@nish8824]

My friend waited months for SONET .. but at the end buy NEXON

[@LatestBuzzvideos]

Difficult to figure in smaller cars but Nexon have done well

[@aathish447]

In BREZZA it's good

[@thekk5274]

Me too 😂😂😂

[@keepingitsimple8705]

No one ever match the Level of professional reviews that Autocar does. Staright to the point and unbiased.

[@abhichy1137]

I was so waiting for you guys to review this car

[@skshemaroo]

camera movement is just amazing👌

[@syedasgar4253]

Every car has it's weakness and this car has its. That's the backseat.... Rightly said. It will be a deal breaker for many....

[@madhusudhan-df5ed]

Yes exactly

[@akshayashetty6121]

Xuv 300 has great backseat

[@samyrockstar]

bro only xuv300 has a better back seat space, but poorest boot space. Sonet has best boot space, and better backseat than Venue. How is it a deal breaker? sab chaiye kyaa aapko?

[@Hrithik_Jayanth]

also i find it underpowered..

[@DailyTeluguVideos]

Yes for the long drives

[@ravichandrapathri324]

Most awaited video...

[@omkarsdev]

Ur reviews are really good. I search for it and watch

[@ishwaryasaravanan1023]

Liked as soon as Renuka came into the picture! Most awaited and Perfect review!

[@archisbelsare4217]

They should add the NCAP rating of each car, rather than soft touches and portraying the accessories or a list of, one should also account the terrain where they drive, the number of kms the vehicle has done, first impression doesn't last long, for cars u need to have a long term report.

[@SR86Vid]

If that's the case with all the Car Company adding the NCAP rating.... People will stop buying our Country best selling Company......Maruti🤔

[@vamsimohan52]

Yes, maintenance cost has to be mentioned.

[@ravinc1568]

Check out all these reviewers websites & magazines for long term reviews.

[@devdattashinde2969]

Thanks all Autocar team, special thanks behind to camera they work brilent.👏👏

[@abhishekgholap15]

Was waiting for your Review 🔥

[@pradeepkumar-wc7jy]

Although the car is a great looker with tons of features.The rear seat space is the biggest deal breaker. which provides enough reason for many consumers who are looking for good backseat experience to switch to it's competitors..

[@satyamprasad1473]

Can 3 people of average 5 feet could seat at the back .Actually we are planning a car for a family of five and shortlisted yaris.

[@utkarshbhargava8519]

No doubt.....in India motorcycles worth 45000 shud hv capacity to carry at least four then after spending 7 lakhs hw can v compromise on space???????

[@utkarshbhargava8519]

@@satyamprasad1473 no doubt they can sit but comfort is a thing that has to b ascertained 👍

[@ankit0657]

Just FYI , Venue is the segment leader at the moment, so back seat is not that important after all

[@krisnaive]

Excellent review Renuka and the team, one message to Kia, kindly give us the 6 speed Manual with the 1.0 litre turbo like we get in the venue!

[@sreevind4557]

I prefer watching this lady, review,simple and to the point.🤝

[@joybanerjee5168]

Very very informative and insightful reviews as always from Renuka 👍and team autocar

[@edwinbabu]

Much Awaited Review This Year🤩 Small Seltos🔥🔥

[@ZainAli-yz3yo]

Renuka!, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the review of Kia Sonnet and let me tell you that your style is unique when it comes to auto journalists!

[@KodiMasti]

You guys are awesome, really the only thing is please try to keep it short and crisp,we literally have to take a day out watch videos,this long...

[@lintopaulose7031]

Very well explained, confident, awesome voice great pronunciation excellent english.... I just love this to listen always

[@abhishekv4912]

This is the review I've been waiting for thanks Autocar we always appreciate your work and get ready folks this is going to be the car of the year !!! 👍👍🔥

[@ratkutti]

Very nicely done, especially the background music choices.

[@chriscastella1232]

Very nice review and english that i could understand clearly...thank you

[@akshaysharma-pz7ft]

Best car. Finally got it. And it is just awesome

[@madhansrinjeevi6453]

I was waiting to watch this video... And what made to get more excited was it was done by Renuka mam...

[@fitnessguidance5576]

It is a great subcompact suv.. Great looks, great ride quality, tons of awesome features, good build quality. Overall value for money. Great ❤❤💪💪💪💪 Kia Sonet above all

[@hitarthalvir6915]

You make best videos of all

[@alankardas3294]

Hi Renuka ! You have really given a nice review of the Sonet 👍 One important thing that you missed or I can say you keep missing is that whenever you test an Automatic car it's very important to emphasize that most of the variants of that particular car is having a Hill Assist Control (HAC) or not. I have observed that you test the Automatic cars on almost flat surfaces rather than on a really steep climb like Hill driving or even the exit of a Mall Parking. This feature is really very important because if someone buys Venue iMT (except the top model) or Sonet iMT, the company is not providing the HAC feature. I believe Sonet has this feature in DCT variant which is quite expensive and most of the people won't opt for it. It's a request, kindly do highlight the importance of having the HAC while giving reviews of an Automatic car. This will be good and also an eye opener for all those buyers who are not aware how much importance this feature holds while buying an Automatic car. A lay man will always think that the car he/she will be buying is an Automatic version so it will never roll backwards because of the creep function that the car offers . But at the same time it's also important to know and understand that the creep feature only works properly on a flat surface and won't prevent the car from rolling backwards if you stop midway and then try to accelerate while driving against a steep climb. Thank you !

[@reubenmathew4323]

Seltos has been on top of the game for Kia in its respective segment. It would be interesting to see how Sonet would fare in a segment where Maruti dominates with Brezza.

[@MrMohit5555]

Still, I am in a love with NEXON, just waiting for them to change amt with dsg,

[@piyushjha1515]

Nexon with dsg /dct ?? It will be expensive. nexon comes with amt petrol bcoz it has turbo petrol .when turbo petrol itself consumes a lot of fuel , it does make sense with amt rather than 6 speed torque convertor which is less fuel efficient . CVT or dct with nexon petrol will be expensive as it has turbo petrol... Tata should have provided an option of naturally aspirated petrol nexon

[@nikhilchandras5411]

I'm also feeling the same. But sonet have more features than what we even think in nexon.

[@aayushgupta9624]

I heard that Nexon DSG is in works and it may be launched later this year.

[@VinayMaurya]

DCT

[@SurendranNambiath]

Or even IMT!!

[@farzeen2323]

Been waiting...Will buy one for sure...😎😎😎😎

[@koti0009]

thank you so much for the review.

[@venugopalmuthiyal]

There should be government regulations on new car bookings. The dealers should not be allowed to take bookings for delivery, say after two months. Or they should pay interest on the booking amount after two months. It’s apparent that the dealers, especially those of Kia, are taking advantage of their customers who book their cars. The system is so opaque that you will have no idea what’s happening even after three or four months. I am reporting from my own experience with the Kia dealer in Kerala. It’s high time the government intervened.

[@TheNuvish]

Kia has completely changed the dynamics of the Indian Car market, hopefully it will push other car manufacturers to deliver vehicles at a similar level.

[@Lightening_Arrestor]

I like your videos (and passion for cars too)

[@hookgaming.]

Been an Ecosport lover for 8 years.. so much so that i bought again in 2018 but...... this car changed it all.. M booking one

[@ramyanagashree]

Nice review. IMT gear box seems interesting to me. Gonna test drive when I can.

[@Geetikantha]

It's loaded with features. It's actually amazing and I doubt venue is going to get that market anymore now .. 😎

[@ronir3399]

I am a huge fan of your way of presentation Renuka Mam☺️ I used to see your car videos earlier♥️

[@vijayiyer5689]

Autocar India has always the best backgrounds, they are so pristine and green! Where are these videos shot?

[@kartheekbollu]

Review on mid varients and its features. That will be helpfull. Atleast from htk+

[@giridharkl4147]

Good review. Now waiting for Tata to launch the Altroz turbo petrol with DCT this festive season. 😃

[@SurendranNambiath]

I'm waiting for the Altroz EV! With the same Battery pack as the Nexon and significantly less weight, I think the Altroz EV will have a range of close to 400 Kms!! I hope so, at least... Hope they increase the Ground Clearance to at least 180 mms too, for the EV version!!

[@upmanyukhanna2289]

In our Dreams

[@sivakumar-jx4hp]

Super Explanation.Thankyou

[@jitenkumar2490]

Renu ! Love your presentation & words in it with your clear pitchy tone. 👍👍👍

[@Ni3iN_D28]

Video Is Going To Be In Trending List 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@rashmiranjanbaral2115]

Class leading powertrain options, Class leading boot space, Class leading features, Class leading design.... With so many class leading things in a car , it's definately gonna be CLASS LEADING 🔥... Venue has now a worthy competitior infact worthier ✌️

[@parikshitagarwal6428]

Vitara brezza and urban cruiser have entered the chat

[@dontfollowme9043]

Class leading safety ratings too?

[@ianiskandar4165]

what a great review until I saw 1.6 M subs.. fully deserved

[@vikasgupta2960]

Yes it's does have a wow factor ,and ur eloboration is really good .....

[@shyamkrishnamenon]

Another review where Renuka hit the ball out of the park!

[@yogeshkuwar27]

Hello, I have a question regarding rear seats spaces. Since nowadays cars are offering a bigger boot space, is it not possible in the design(from car manufacturers) to grab some boot space and rear seats can get more space? This query is from a customer perspective. I am really not aware of how the engineering of car designs are made to be honest🙂

[@sghector649]

Was Desperately waiting for it😘😂😉😁👍🏼❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@narasimhabhat9591]

I was eagerly waiting for this video, thank you Autocar India :)

[@msam6506]

Venue and the other subcompact suv's have got some tough badass competition ...this car is fire..🔥

[@sarthaktrip99]

Well KIA is actually a subsidiary of Hyundai. So yeah tough competition for Venue but all money still goes to Hyundai.

[@debjyotimandal1124]

Questions: 1. What is the ground clearance of the car? Somewhere it is being said 211mm again somewhere it is being said 205mm? 2. It is mentioned in the brochure, wireless phone projection is only available in the 8inch music system, however have you tested, if the wireless android auto is available in the 10inch system? If not is there a possibility to get it through OTA update, or is it not possible at all as it is limited by the hardware? 3. Nexon's sound quality is louder, is it possible to increase the loudness of the Bose system by altering the equalization settings if present? 4. How is the quality of the reverse camera, how accurate is its dynamic guidelines? 5. In the GTX IMT variant there is an additional traction control feature, however traction modes (sand, mud, ice) not present. Neither the driving modes are present, though in IMT driving modes are not required as it can be controlled manually. So how significant is the traction control feature in the GTX IMT variant. Please throw some light on this topic. 6. Is there any option to fit the front parking sensors in the HTX+ variant, also fit the parking sensor on/off switch, as present in the GTX variant from the dealership on request? 7. I want to buy this car for a long term use (10 to 15 years, 2 to 3 lakh kms). Which engine will be a reliable option at the end of the cars lifecycle? Will the diesel variant be a reliable option after about 10years of use, or will it start giving problems like other diesel cars? No idea about the longevity of the turbo petrol variant, will it last as the naturally aspirated petrol engine, or do we face problems with it after long term use? Please throw some light on this topic as well.

[@jhaabhishek]

Very comprehensive review 👍

[@desimahima]

Good to know Renuka you bought a Celtos......as did i, after watching all Auto Car reviews of it!! :)

[@amit_israni]

Stance is not great. Looks like the Kwid from the side. That rear seat will be a deal breaker for many. Very tight on the rear.

[@ManishYadav-ke9fe]

Again only review of GT Line. What about Tech line. Why you just always review only the top Spec variant? Disappointed.

[@siddharthgoyal4008]

They review top variants mostly otherwise people will complain. There are multiple variants of every car, and there is no 'defined' middle variant, every car has differences there. To keep it fair either they review base variants or the top only of all. Plus, almost all cos give top models only for press cars.

[@utkarshbhargava8519]

Agree

[@everydayfitness6605]

Review cars are always top variant

[@Apster]

Most sold segment usually for lower end cars. But I agree they should review the lowest and highest trim, gives you a real perspective on where things lie.

[@aanshsinghania7780]

They can only review cars provided by the company so it's not in their hands

[@palabinash]

The carpet is nice. The Autocar video about iMT is a very nice one for.

[@youcandive]

Beautiful review. I want this car very much

[@safwansaleem7728]

This car is gonna take the market by storm ⚡️🔥

[@adarsh.m1999]

Wait for new i20 then tell about this

[@xp5158]

It's just a glorified santro.

[@safwansaleem7728]

Y’all can keep hating but the truth won’t change 😂

[@RahulJain-rv3bp]

Adarsh M i20 days are over. Even the new i20 isn't something appealing to buyers who wouldn't want to pay 10 lakhs for a hatchback.

[@psen.9659]

Tough time for tata nexon

[@adityaneelkanth]

I saw the Sonet in the showrooms. For me no manual in 1.0 turbo petrol and weak riding dynamics were the deal breakers. So instead I booked the best handling Ecosport

[@rajlovinglife]

Good choice...

[@saurabhseth3649]

Good decision

[@shindesh100]

Good to see Renuka after long time..worth watching.. as always with lots of info & analysis 👍

[@pallav983]

Most detailed review.. 👍

[@gauravkothari39363]

Nexon vs. EcoSport vs. Brezza vs. XUV 300 vs. Venue vs. Sonet vs WRV

[@sentinelofeternity]

Nexon wins hands down especially when we do variant vs price comparison.....XM(S) is the best.

[@Abhi-qr6hb]

Seriously dude brezza and wrv 😂😂😂😂😂 They stand no way near rest of the sub 4 meter SUVs

[@ultimatecarandflightfeed4012]

You're kidding me WRV can't even step into this segment😂😂😂 it's a better compact crossover competing with freestyle not a compact suv

[@SuyashKaul]

@@sentinelofeternity Nexon is the most expensive car in diesel with just 2 airbags, open your blind eyes for once!

[@faizalav9164]

I think it's feel ignis in back look.but no doubt kia became third best motor company of India after this.

[@aamirkhan-cg8dq]

Ma'am I watches your all review vdos are just because of you u r my favorite

[@pradeep00007]

Absolutely stunning

[@shihadsaif]

Kia Motors is the best thing that has happened to India. 🔥

[@rajeshswasthik8327]

but not dynamic drive quality bro.its features only loaded

[@yashshukla2762]

No Matter what , RENUKA ma'am we want comparison video as soon as possible. It's a request .....! Pls🙏

[@abhishekprasad6923]

Very helpful to buy one🔥

[@globaltexconsultants49]

genuine presentation, excellent

[@sudharsanr5726]

Tata Nexon Vs Kia Sonet 🔥 bring it on...!

[@pramukhprasad3147]

Hands down the sonet will win

[@harshpunia3420]

Sure Nexon

[@arvindfluidic]

Hyundai Venue as well, which is segment's best currently.

[@adarshabs5748]

Nexon is best

[@andregeorge6271]

i will choose nexon

[@therollingstone_nik3239]

Thanks Renu. Just checked out the Sonet at the showroom today. Great product. Now it all boils down to pricing and customer service. Kia staff should get some training from Maruti.. 😊

[@Jz-fj5ki]

thanks for providing 0 to 100 timing figure it allows viewers understand power delivery better..

[@santhosh9045]

Your detailing super...

[@punitp123]

Its limited rear seat space can put-off families. It looks more like a raised hatchback than SUV. Apart from that, its a feature loaded car and automatics would attract city buyers. Better to wait for next gen i20. Looks awesome, hope its launched with the right combination of engine n transmission options. i20 really offers nice space in the rear seat, lets see whats in store in next gen model.

[@haniahamed2183]

Kia is taking over the market segment by segment :)

[@rachanamhatre2067]

Auto Car gives a detailed review👍

[@abhishekgiri1201]

Awesome car🔥🔥🔥 the petrol Imt shud be tge pick of the bunch if it shits like a regular manaul!!

[@sanketreddy5959]

You guys ever review the base models? Most of the customers usually buy those

[@vyshakreghukumar995]

Has anyone seen the Sonet's pricing? So shocked to see that automatic DCT is available only in the mid trim HTK+.

[@sunilkhadse2781]

Hats-off , blownaway, Thanks Madam

[@shravankandivanam]

Nice vedio👍👍