Kia Sonet Petrol - Updated Variants Explained - Which One To Buy?

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Kia Sonet Petrol?

The pros or advantages of Kia Sonet petrol are:

• Phenomenal value-for-money pricing for the HTE, HTX and GTX Plus variants
• 3 engine-transmission combinations to choose from - 1.2L MT, turbo ACMT, turbo DCT automatic
• Auto-clutch manual transmission solves the better part of the problem we face when driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic
• Great performance from the turbo petrol engine and possibly the best torque-to-weight ratio as well
• Loaded with features like big touchscreen, LED headlamps, dual-function DRLs, ventilated seats, Bose speaker system with woofer, integrated air purifier, 6 airbags, etc.
• Best-in-class boot space and second-best ground clearance in the segment
• Frugal petrol engines - all 3 engine-transmission combinations have 18kmpl+ mileage figure

The Kia Sonet petrol has the following shortcomings or problems:

• The dual-clutch automatic transmission has an uncertain long-term reliability
• While some variants of the Sonet don’t offer good value for money, the HTX Plus is straight-up overpriced
• No automatic transmission with the most value for money HTX and GTX Plus variants
• Missing features: 60/40-split rear seatback, cooled glovebox, automatic wipers
• Thinner service network than already-established brands

What Are The Prices Of Kia Sonet Petrol?

The 2020 Kia Sonet petrol will come in three engine transmission combinations:

• 1.2-litre 4-cylinder normal petrol engine with 5-speed manual transmission
• 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine with 6-speed auto-clutch manual transmission (ACMT/IMT)
• 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine with 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission

Video Link - Kia Sonet Walkaround | Interior, Exterior, Features | The First Impression

The 1.2-litre normal petrol engine with 5-speed manual transmission is available in the lower 3 variants - HTE, HTK and HTK Plus. The prices of these 3 variants are Rs. 6.71, Rs. 7.59 and Rs. 8.45 lakh, respectively.

The 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine with 6-speed ACMT will come in the top 4 variants starting with HTK Plus. This combo costs between Rs. 9.49 lakh and Rs. 11.99 lakh. The turbo petrol engine is about Rs. 1.0 lakh more expensive than the normal petrol engine.

The 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine with 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is currently only available in the HTK Plus variant and costs Rs. 10.49 lakh, which is Rs. 1.0 lakh more than the manual transmission. Here are the prices for your reference:

2020 Kia Sonet Petrol HTE - Base Model Features & Review

The base HTE variant of the Sonet petrol costs Rs. 6.71 lakh and it comes with the following features:

• 2 airbags
• ABS
  Parking sensors rear
• Tilt Steering
• Front & Rear Skid Plates
• Front & Rear USB Charging Ports
• 15-inch Steel Wheels w/ Wheel Covers
• Manual Central Locking
• Power Adjustable ORVMs
• Black Interior
• Rear AC Vents
• Adjustable Front Headrests
• Fixed Rear Headrests
• Front Power Windows

The HTE variant itself appears to cover most of the basic must-have features well and is better equipped than the Venue’s base variant. Not to mention, cheaper too. The Sonet HTE 1.2 petrol is now the most affordable sub-4m SUV in its segment. This is a solid option for budget buyers who can’t stretch any further but want the style of a bigger car on a tighter budget. However, you still might miss the following features;

• Rear power windows
• Remote central locking
• Music system
• Steering-mounted controls

Also Read - 2020 Hyundai Venue Petrol Variants Explained - Which One To Buy?

2020 Kia Sonet Petrol HTE vs HTK Variant

The price difference between the Sonet petrol HTE and HTK variant is Rs. 88,000 and the Sonet 1.2L petrol MT costs Rs. 7.59 lakh. For the additional sum, you get the following notable features in addition to what you get with the HTE:

• Music System
• Remote Central Locking
• 16-inch Styled Wheels
• 4 Speakers
• Rear Power Windows
• Semi Leatherette Seats
• Steering Mounted Audio Controls
• Height Adjustable Driver Seat
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Follow-me-home Headlamps
• UVO Lite (remote app)
• Sunglass Holder

The HTK variant gets all the must-have features for a budget SUV buyer. Therefore, for a decent ownership experience, the HTK is a better choice even for budget-conscious buyers. However, it offers poor value as it doesn’t add enough features to justify the price jump from the HTE to the HTK. Let’s see if the HTK Plus can deliver on the value-for-money front.

Also Read - 2020 Kia Sonet vs Hyundai Venue - Price, Specs, Features, Mileage Comparison

2020 Kia Sonet Petrol HTK vs HTK Plus Variant

The price difference between the Kia Sonet petrol HTK and HTK Plus variants with the 1.2L normal petrol engine is Rs. 86,000. The Sonet HTK Plus with the 1.2L normal petrol engine costs Rs. 8.45 lakh (ex-showroom).

The HTK Plus is the most affordable variant of the Sonet with the turbo petrol engine and 6-speed auto-clutch manual transmission. The Sonet HTK Plus with turbo petrol engine and 6-speed ACMT costs about Rs. 1.04 lakh more than the HTK Plus 1.2L and is priced at Rs. 9.49 lakh. There’s also a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission available for an additional Rs. 1.0 lakh costing Rs. 10.49 lakh (ex-showroom).

The HTK Plus variant of the Kia Sonet petrol adds the following features over the HTK’s:

• Projector Fog Lamps
• 8-inch Touchscreen w/ Arkamys Tuning
• Auto Headlamps
• Shark Fin Antenna
• Rear Defogger
• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Auto AC
• LED Turn Indicators on ORVMs
• Rear Parking Camera
• Wireless Screen Mirroring
• Power Foldable Mirrors
• Chrome Insert Around Grille
• Driver Rear View Monitor
• 2 Tweeters
• Rear Parcel Tray
• Roof Rails
• Electronic Stability Control (DCT)
• Hill Start Assist (DCT)
• Multi-Drive Modes (DCT)
• Traction Control (DCT)

Also read - Kia Sonet Review | Sonet 1.0 iMT HTX+ & DCT GTX+ Driven

With the 1.2L normal petrol engine and 5-speed manual transmission, this is our top-recommended variant. The HTK Plus’ features not only justifies the jump from the HTK but also the HTE.

With the turbo petrol engine and 6-speed auto-clutch manual transmission, the HTK Plus doesn’t quite justify the upgrade and there are better value for money options with this engine. So, you should skip this variant if you’re interested in this turbo petrol engine and auto-clutch transmission combination.

With the automatic transmission, the Sonet HTK Plus is your only option as of September. The asking price of Rs. 1.0 lakh for this transmission seems quite high considering that you’re not making the jump from the full-manual transmission. But, Kia justifies it with some additional features like traction control, ESC, hill start assist and multiple drive modes. But, we’d have liked it if the automatic transmission was available in the better equipped HTX variant. Consider this only if you absolutely can’t live with an auto-clutch manual transmission and want automatic gear selection as well.

2020 Kia Sonet Petrol HTK Plus vs HTX Variant

The price difference between the Sonet HTK Plus and HTX petrol ACMT variants is Rs. 50,000 and the HTX costs Rs. 9.99 lakh. You get the following additional features with this variant::

• ISOFIX
• Dual-function LED DRLs
• LED Headlamps
• LED Tail Lamps
• Smart Key w/ Push-button Start/Stop
• Cruise Control
• Electric Sunroof
• Remote Engine Start
• Adjustable Rear Headrests
• Beige-Black Interior
• Rear Armrest
• Leather-wrapped Flat-bottom Steering
• Leather-wrapped Gear Knob
• Skid Plates w/ Diffuser Design

Also Read - Kia Sonet Diesel Variant Explained - Which One to Buy?

The Sonet HTX focuses mostly on the looks aspect of the car and has a sunroof, dual-function LED DRls, flat-bottom steering and LED tail lamps. There are also some upmarket and good-to-have features like cruise control and remote engine start. If you are impressed by the Sonet’s design and want your car to look as close to the one shown in the promotions and brochures but for a lower price, then this is the most affordable variant to offer that.

While most of these features fall in the good-to-have category, since they’re priced so well, we’d suggest you buy the Sonet turbo petrol in the HTX trim over the HTK Plus. This variant also costs under Rs. 10 lakh, so in most states, this will result in considerably lower registration taxes. However, you might still miss some features like:

• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Rear washer wiper
• Alloy wheels

In this list, the alloy wheel is an easy upgrade. You can even purchase it at the time of delivery from the dealership. So, we believe, it’s a smart move on Kia’s part to instead offer features like LED lighting, cruise control and electric sunroof, because these are very difficult to install later. The TPMS is also something you can install aftermarket to improve the safety. Rear washer wiper is the only other must-have thing, which you should expect from a car costing well over Rs. 10 lakh (on-road). But, considering the value for money this variant offers, we can let this one thing slide.

2020 Kia Sonet Petrol HTX vs HTX Plus Variant

The price difference between the Sonet HTX and HTX Plus variants is Rs. 1.66 lakh and the HTX Plus turbo with 6-speed ACMT costs Rs. 11.65 lakh (ex-showroom).

The HTX Plus variant will further take the feeling of feel-good to the next level with features like:

• Larger, 10.25-inch touchscreen
• Bose sound system with woofer (first-in-segment BTW)
• Ventilated seats (also first in segment)
• Integrated air purifier
• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Telematics
• Digital instrument cluster
• Auto-dimming inside mirror

Also Read - 2020 Kia Sonet vs Hyundai Creta - Price, Specs, Features, Mileage Comparison

It also gets some important features like rear washer/wiper and a tyre pressure monitoring system. We believe these features should have been added to one of the lower variants to improve their safety score. Still, the HTX Plus variant doesn’t quite justify crossing the 7-figure ex-showroom price mark. If you do have the budget, then you should instead go for the fully-loaded GTX Plus variant instead. It’s only Rs. 34,000 more, after all.

2020 Kia Sonet Petrol HTX Plus vs GTX Plus Variant

The price difference between the Sonet HTX Plus and GTX Plus variants with turbo petrol with ACMT is only Rs. 34,000. The GTX Plus variant adds the following notable features:

• Wireless Phone Charger with Cooling Vent
• Red Brake Callipers
• Electronic Stability Control & Vehicle Stability Management
• Sportier Front Bumper Design (w/ Faux Intakes)
• Hill Start Assist
• Red Exterior & Interior Inserts
• Front Parking Sensors
• Black Interior w/ Leatherette Seats
• Traction Control
• Alloy Pedals
• 6 Airbags
• Black Interior Inserts

Also Read - 2020 Kia Sonet vs Tata Nexon - Price, Specs, Features, Mileage Comparison

For these features, the GTX Plus variant justifies the price jump not only from the HTX Plus but also from the HTX variant. Hell, even if you add up the cost of the features from the HTE 1.2L variant, the GTX Plus will end up justifying the incremental cost. The Sonet GTX Plus is worth considering if you have the budget for a variant higher than the HTX.

Which Variant Of The 2020 Kia Sonet Petrol Offers Should You Book?

Let’s break this down by engines. For the Sonet 1.2L, the HTE is a great starting point for budget buyers. It gets a great set of features for the asking price. But, if you can afford to stretch, then you should go up to the HTK Plus instead of the HTK. That’s because the HTK is a poorer value for money than the HTK Plus. Moreover, the HTK Plus is a better-rounded package with more functional features than the HTK.

For most buyers using the Sonet for city driving, the 1.2L petrol engine will do the job just fine. But, if you want better performance and convenience, then the turbo petrol engine with the auto-clutch manual transmission is the way to go. With the turbo petrol engine, the Kia Sonet will cost you Rs. 9.49 lakh for the HTK Plus variant. But you should skip this and go with the HTX variant instead. It’s not that expensive and the HTX offers far better value for money too. The HTX turbo is our top recommended variant with the ACMT.

The HTX Plus variant costs a lot more and is only Rs. 34,000 cheaper than the fully-loaded GTX Plus variant. It’s as if Kia never wanted you to buy the HTX Plus. So, that’s what you should do. The HTX Plus is a poor value for money and if you want more features, then you should just go with GTX Plus. It’s the second-most value for money variant of the Sonet petrol.

The Sonet turbo already offers 70% of the convenience of an automatic by automating the clutch. If that’s not enough for you, then HTK Plus is the only option for now and it costs Rs. 10.5 lakh (ex-showroom). It’s priced reasonably well and you can consider it. But please test drive the turbo ACMT as well to see whether that meets your requirements or you can’t live without a fully automatic.

What Are The Engine Specifications Of The 2020 Kia Sonet Petrol?

The Sonet will come with 3 petrol engine-transmission combinations:

• 1.2L Normal with 5-speed MT
• 1.0L Turbo with 6-speed ACMT (auto-clutch manual transmission)
• 1.0L Turbo with 7-speed DCT automatic.

Also read - 2020 Kia Sonet vs Kia Seltos - Price, Specs, Features, Mileage Comparison

We have the power and torque figures for the Sonet to compare it against other sub-4m petrol SUVs. Sonet turbo’s 120PS of power figure puts it almost at the top of the list sharing the 2nd spot on the podium space with Venue turbo and Nexon. Meanwhile, the Sonet turbo’s torque output is much lower than the XUV300. But, if the Venue’s torque-to-weight ratio is anything to go by, we can safely assume that the Sonet will also be either at the top in the list or at least very close to the Venue’s torque-to-weight ratio of 149Nm/tonne. The XUV300 currently holds the second spot with 148Nm/tonne and there’s a big gap from there.

Click Here to read our more detailed report on Torque-to-Weight Ratios and why this is what you should look for when comparing the performance of two cars. We also have a list of top 10 ranked cars with the best torque-to-weight ratios under Rs. 20 lakh (ex-showroom).

While the Sonet turbo is leading the pack with supposedly best torque-to-weight ratio, the Sonet 1.2’s figure is expected to be closer to the bottom of the list. The Venue 1.2 has a torque-to-weight ratio of 105.5Nm/tonne and the Sonet’s figure should also be around that although it has 1Nm better torque output. It seems like a poor figure until you look at the WRV’s figure of 99.5Nm/tonne. The Sonet’s torque also arrives much sooner than the WRV petrol’s and that should also help with improving its drivability and performance. The higher variants of the Hyundai Elite i20 petrol also have a torque-to-weight ratio of around 105Nm/tonne. So, you can expect similar performance. For city driving, the performance from this 1.2L normal petrol engine will suffice for most buyers.

On the mechanical side, the Sonet turbo also has the advantage of ACMT with the turbo petrol engine. This is a 2-pedal, auto-clutch manual transmission with standard H-pattern gear shifter. The computers take care of the clutch pedal operation while you maintain total control on the gear shifts. Many buyers may consider it as a suitable middle-ground between a full manual and a full-automatic transmission. More so, because of its simple mechanicals and affordable upfront cost.

Unfortunately, hardcore enthusiasts who want this engine with a full-manual transmission and nothing else will have to consider the Venue as the Sonet is not available with the turbo petrol engine and a full-manual transmission.

The Sonet petrol also has great mileage figures with all of its 3 engine and transmission combinations. It delivers 18kmpl+ and sits at the top in its class or very close to the top.

Also Read: Top 10 Petrol Cars For Best Drivability Under Rs. 20 Lakh

* Hybrid with Brezza automatic only

What Are The Dimensions Of The 2020 Kia Sonet?

The Kia Sonet has the largest boot space of 392 litres and the second-best ground clearance of 205mm. Overall, it’s one of the bigger SUVs in its class.

What Are The Colour Options Of The 2020 Kia Sonet?

The 2020 Sonet is available in the following 11 (8 solid and 3 dual-tone) colour options:

• Red
• Gold
• Grey
• Black
• SIlver
• Blue
• White
• Metallic white
• Red with black roof
• Metallic white with black roof
• Gold with black roof

Note: Here is a quick look at our length-based segmentation of cars to give you an idea of how we are classifying cars based on their size.