The new Kia Sonet has finally been launched. It is the newest subcompact SUV contender set to replace the Kia Stonic in the segment. Geared towards young millennial and GenZ drivers, the Kia Sonet’s name is a combination of the worlds “Social” and “Network”, while simultaneously playing on the word “Sonnet”, which is a type of poem.
The Kia Sonet is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder dual port fuel injected gasoline engine paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or Kia’s Intelligent Variable Transmission (which is Kia’s take on CVT). With 115-PS available at 6,300 rpm and 144-Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm, the Kia Sonet is able to deliver an engaging and peppy drive, which we were able to confirm during our brief drive of the car.
Measuring 4,110mm in length, 1,790mm in width, and standing 1,642mm tall, the Kia Sonet presents a distinctively more rugged SUV stance than the Kia Stonic it replaces, while still maintaining the maneuverability that customers look for in the compact SUV segment.
The iconic Kia Tiger-nose grille melds with the sculpted lines to inject a dose of assertiveness into the vehicle's visage. All variants ride on 16-inch wheels, with styled steel wheels used on the 1.5 LX MT and two-tone alloys available on higher-tier models. With a ground clearance of 205mm, the Sonet provides adequate height to clear obstacles on the road and offer some peace of mind during floods.
Distinct lighting signatures — notably the Star Map LED headlamps across select trims — adorn the front and back, while the top-of-the-line 1.5 SX AT variant comes with an electric sunroof and tasteful tailgate LED strip.
Inside, the Kia Sonet’s cabin features comfort and sophistication that isn’t usually found at its price point. The 1.5 SX AT variant comes with leather seats for all five occupants, while the remaining lineup offers plush cloth upholstery. All variants come with 60:40 folding second-row seats for added cargo versatility.
Since the Kia Sonet is geared towards a younger generation, it’s no surprise that there’s a lot of available tech aimed at convenience and connectivity. The 10.25-inch TFT LCD digital instrument cluster within the 1.5 SX AT is clear and legible, while lower variants get a 4.2-inch display. Infotainment options range from an 8-inch touchscreen display in the LX and EX trims to a 10.25-inch touchscreen in the SX, all capable of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Additionally, every Sonet has six speakers, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, voice recognition, and multiple USB ports, including USB-C, for modern device compatibility. Wireless charging is available on the 1.5 SX AT.
Safety sits at the core of the Kia Sonet’s design philosophy. Advanced driver-assistance systems, such as Lane Following Assist, Hill Start Assist Control, Downhill Brake Control, and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist come standard on the 1.5 SX, in addition to Electronic Stability Control. Every Sonet variant comes with driver and front passenger airbags, ABS, rear parking sensors, and a rear camera display.
The Kia Sonet comes in several color options: Imperial Blue, Vivid Red, and Snow White Pearl, while Pewter Olive is exclusive to the 1.5 SX AT.
The Kia Sonet is now available in all Kia showrooms nationwide, with the base variant 1.5 LX MT starting at P758,000; the 1.5 LX AT at P868,000; the 1.5 EX AT at P978,000; and the top-of-the-line 1.5 SX AT variant priced at P1,138,000.