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2024 Kia Sonet Review: More Than Just A Simple Facelift
The year 2020 was one that most people would like to not remember thanks to how the world was ravaged by the pandemic. However, it was early in the year that Kia showed the Sonet to the world.
First previewed in February 2020 as the Sonet concept, the sub-4-metre SUV made its global debut in August of the same year before going on sale a month later.
However, with new rivals emerging from brands like its sister company Hyundai and established players updating their offerings, Kia in December last year took the wraps off the facelifted Sonet SUV.
So when the Korean carmaker invited us to get behind the wheel of the new 2024 Kia Sonet in Bhopal, we were more than curious to find out for ourselves just what had changed in the compact SUV.
2024 Kia Sonet Review: What's Changed?
The facelifted 2024 Kia Sonet brings with it quite a few design changes both on the outside and in. Let's take a look at the changes to the exterior before diving into the cabin.
On the outside, the changes to the 2024 Sonet can be seen as soon as you lay eyes on it. At the front, the facelifted Kia Sonet sports an updated and larger 'Tiger Nose' grille.
On each side of the updated grille are the new Crown Jewel LED headlamps that are flanked on three sides by the Star Map LED DRLs. Further down are the sleek new LED fog lamps arranged horizontally on either flank of the redesigned front bumper.
The sides of the Sonet facelift remain mostly unchanged compared to its predecessor. The only big change seen here are the new 16-inch crystal-cut dual-tone alloy wheels.
The rear section of the 2024 Kia Sonet is where you see more visual changes. The updated Sonet sports LED connected taillights (dubbed Star Map like the headlights at the front). Other changes include the new spoiler for the GTX and X-Line variants and the faux skid plates on the bumper.
Step inside the 2024 Kia Sonet and the changes are a lot easier to see. Sitting behind the steering wheel is a new 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster.
The infotainment screen is also new and is the same size as the instrumentation screen and offers connectivity options like Android Auto and Apple Car Play and the Kia Connect suite that allows you to activate functions like the automatic A/C and also get OTA updates for the Sonet.
There are other changes including the new vertically aligned central air vents, smart air purifier system, 4-way power driver seat and the 7-speaker premium audio system from Bose.
However, the biggest changes are the ones you don't see immediately. These changes come in the form of the safety kit that keeps those inside the cabin of the new 2024 Kia Sonet as safe as possible.
These safety changes include 6 airbags as standard, along with ESC, Hill Assist and Vehicle Stability Management, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, TPMS and all-wheel disc brakes among others.
The new 2024 Kia Sonet also gets Level 1 ADAS that includes 10 autonomous safety features such as Front Collision Warning and Avoidance (cars, cyclists and pedestrians), lane departure warning, lane following assist, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring and more.
2024 Kia Sonet Review: What Hasn't Changed
The 2024 Kia Sonet facelift retains its predecessor's engine and gearbox options but also brings back the manual transmission for the diesel powerplant.
The base engine is the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine that pushes out 82bhp and 115Nm of peak torque and is only offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The other petrol option is the 998cc, turbocharged, three-cylinder engine that churns out 118bhp and 172Nm of peak torque. This engine is offered with either a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox options.
The lone diesel engine on offer with the new 2024 Kia Sonet is the largest of the trio. The 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine churns out 114bhp and 250Nm of peak torque. The Kia Sonet diesel is offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox along with 6-speed iMT and 6-speed torque converter automatic transmissions.
2024 Kia Sonet Review: Driving Impressions - Changed For The Better?
We got to drive the diesel automatic (torque converter) version of the new Sonet and we found the drive to be quite a familiar one, with a few changes. The Kia Sonet's diesel engine is quite a smooth one to use but it can get a bit gruff when you push it higher up the rev range. From 2,000rpm onward the turbo kicks the Sonet into gear and the SUV can get to 100km/h with absolute ease.
The 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox for the most part transfers the power to the wheels with ease, however, there are times when the shifts feel a bit too laidback, especially when you make use of the paddle shifters.
The suspension setup has been tweaked to make it a bit softer than before but that doesn't mean that Sonet hasn't become a wallowy mess. The new Sonet can deal with the bumps and ruts with ease but also doesn't shy away from corners. However, don't try to be too much of a hooligan with it.
The brakes on the new 2024 Sonet work quite well, but can feel a bit too sensitive at the start. However spend a bit more time with the new Sonet, and you'll be able to get the all-wheel disc brakes to work just fine once you get used to them.
The ADAS system though seemed a bit hit and miss. Yes, the systems work quite well but some features like the lane keep assist system were a bit too much like an annoying super-nanny for our liking.
2024 Kia Sonet Review: Verdict & Final Thoughts - More Than Just A Facelift
The 2024 Kia Sonet is more than just a regular facelift. The new Sonet brings with it design changes both on the outside and in the cabin along with a host of new features and safety kit.
The changes make the new 2024 Kia Sonet a lot safer and feature-packed than before while retaining its array of dependable powertrains. All of this makes the new 2024 Sonet an even more interesting option for those looking for a new sub-4-metre SUV.
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