2021 Kia Sonet Petrol Variants Explained - Which One To Buy?

What Are The Prices of 2021 Kia Sonet?

The Sonet's price starts at Rs 6.79 lakh. But the HTK and HTK+ variants with the 1.2-litre petrol engine, have received a price increase of Rs 10,000.

The HTK+ and HTX variants with the Turbo-petrol engine and auto-clutch manual transmission, have also received a price hike of Rs 30,000. The HThX+ variant with this powertrain has got a price increase of Rs 10,000, while the GTXh+ variant with the same powertrain has been hiked up by Rs h20,000. h

In case of the Turbo-petrol engine along with automatic transmission, the HTK+ variant has been replaced with the newly introduced HTX, which is priced at Rs 10.99 lakh. The top of the line GTX+ variant is priced at Rs 12.99 lakh. 

The following table offers you a look at the new and old pricing details of all the petrol variants of the Kia Sonet:

What Are The Engine Specifications of 2021 Kia Sonet?

The Sonet's 1.2-litre normal petrol engine is capable of producing 83PS of maximum power and 115Nm of peak torque. This same engine is also available under the hood of the Hyundai Venue. Apart from the Sonet and Venue; Magnite, Kiger, WR-V, Brezza, Urban Cruiser and EcoSport are available with a normal petrol engine. Among these cars, only the Magnite, Kiger and EcoSport are available wit 3-cylinder engines.

The EcoSport's engine is the most powerful and torquey in this segment, followed by the Brezza and Urban Cruiser. The EcoSport’s power:weight ratio is also best amongst its rivals. However, the Brezza offers the best torque:weight ratio in the lot, which is an indication of good everyday drivability.

All these cars come equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, and the Magnite is the most fuel efficient among all its rivals, followed by the Sonet. With the normal petrol engine, the Kiger, Brezza and EcoSport are available with automatic transmission option.

You can check the specification details of the normal petrol engine of the 2021 Kia Sonet and comparison with its rivals in the following table:

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The Sonet also comes with a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that is capable of churning out 120PS of maximum power and 172Nm of peak torque. This same engine also does the duty under the Venue’s hood. Apart from the Sonet and Venue; the Magnite, Kiger, Nexon and XUV300 are also available with a turbo-petrol engine, and these are all 3-cylinder engines. 

The engines of the Sonet, Venue and Nexon offer similar outputs, but the Sonet’s and Venue’s power:weight ratios are better than the Nexon’s. The engine of the Magnite and Kiger produce the least torque, but the rest of the cars are comparatively lighter, and hence their better torque:weight ratios.

The Sonet turbo-petrol engine comes equipped only with auto clutch manual transmission and dual-clutch automatic transmission. Among the automatic transmission cars, the Sonet turbo offers the best claimed fuel efficiency in the segment. 

You can view the specification details of the 2021 Kia Sonet Turbo petrol engine along with its comparison with rivals in the table below:

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What Are The Dimensions of 2021 Kia Sonet?

The Sonet is a B2 segment SUV, and so its overall length is around 4 metres. It is 20mm wider than the Venue, and is the second tallest car in the segment after the EcoSport. It’s wheelbase measurement is the same as that of the Venue’s, while its boot space is also the second largest after the Kiger’s. 

The Sonet has a ground clearance of 205mm, which is the second best after the Nexon’s. 

The Sonet comes with 2 tyre size options -- 15-inch for the base variant and 16-inch for all other variants. 

The following table offers you all the dimension details of the 2021 Kia Sonet along with comparison with its rivals:

KIA SONET VARIANT-WISE FEATURES

What Are The Features of 2021 Kia Sonet HTE Variant?

The Sonet’s base variant - the 1.2 HTE variant is priced at Rs 6.79 lakh.

This variant offers an all black interior with fabric upholstery. 

Apart from all the basic safety features, this variant also comes with features like day/night IRVM, central locking, speed sensing auto door lock and impact sensing auto door unlock.

This variant’s key functional features include - tilt adjustable steering, electrically adjustable ORVMs, front power windows, rear AC vents aur front and rear USB charger .

The Sonet HTE base variant comes with body-coloured door handles and ORVMs and 15-inch wheels with full wheel covers.

You can see all the features of the 2021 Kia Sonet HTE variant in the table below:

The HTE variant lacks some basic features, such as - audio system with steering mounted controls, rear power windows and remote central locking. 

Whether you should settle down for the base Sonet HTE or go for the next HTK variant, we’ll discuss after looking into the details of the latter. 

What Are The Features of 2021 Kia Sonet HTK Variant?

The Kia Sonet 1.2 HTK variant is Rs 1 lakh more expensive than the HTE variant. 

This variant offers some added features including - audio system with steering-mounted controls. 

Some of its additional key functional features include height adjustable driver seat, rear power windows and remote central locking. 

In terms of styling features, this variant comes with 16-inch styled steel wheels and semi leatherette seat upholstery.

You can view all the added features of the 2021 Kia Sonet HTK variant in the following table:

According to our internal data, this variant’s added features don’t justify the price increment of Rs 1 lakh. Particularly, just for the height adjustable driver seat and steering-mounted controls, we don’t think it’s sensible enough to pay additional premium for this variant. 

Hence, for the budget buyers, we suggest that they buy the base HTE variant and then retrofit the audio system and rear power windows, instead of going for the HTK variant. 

However, ideally, we suggest skipping both these variants for most buyers, and choose a higher variant instead. 

What Are The Features of 2021 Kia Sonet HTK+ Variant?

In the Sonet’s 1.2L petrol powertrain lineup, the HTK+ variant is  Rs 86,000 more expensive than the HTK variant.

The HTK+ variant’s added safety features include projector fog lamps, rear defogger and rear parking camera with driver rear view monitor.

This variant adds in entertainment features, such as an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

The other noteworthy additional features of this variant include: auto headlamps, electrically foldable ORVMs with turn indicators, roof rails, shark fin antenna and auto AC. 

The following table lists all the additional features of the 2021 Kia Sonet 1.2 HTK+ variant:

For the mentioned additional features, the HTK+ variant justifies its incremental value of Rs 86,000 over the HTK variant.

This variant adds-in some useful good-to-have features, and thus, it is a better choice over the HTK variant, both in terms of equipment and value. 

So, in the Sonet 1.2L petrol powertrain range, the HTK+ is the best variant to buy.

This variant is also available with a turbo-petrol engine along with auto-clutch manual transmission. It is priced at Rs 9.79 lakh, and is Rs 1.4 lakh more expensive than the 1.2-litre engine counterpart. 

Along with this more powerful powertrain, you also get a few additional features for the extra premium you pay. These added features include - a sunroof, chrome door handles, keyless entry with push-button start/stop & remote engine start. All these added features fall in the feel-good category, and only the sunroof among these is a premium feature.

Here’s a look at the additional features of the HTK+ Turbo variant:

As per our internal data, for the turbo-petrol engine, auto-clutch manual transmission as well as the added features, the incremental cost of Rs 1.14 lakh is easily justified. 

In fact, the Sonet turbo HTK+ not only justifies its incremental cost over the 1.2 HTK+, but is also a more value-for-money option compared to the aggressively priced base variant.

So, if you are considering buying the Sonet as your primary car, then we strongly recommend that you consider choosing the HTK+ variant with the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine over the 1.2-litre petrol powertrain, and don’t consider buying anything below the HTK+.

What Are The Features of 2021 Kia Sonet HTX Variant?

From the HTX variant onwards, the Sonet is available only with the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. 

The HTX variant is Rs 50,000 costlier than the HTK+ variant. As its price is over the Rs 10 lakh slab, in many states it would incur additional tax. Hence, the on-road price difference between these two variants’ would be up to Rs 90,000.

The HTX variant again adds-in a bunch of extra features including - electronic stability control, hill start assist and LED headlamps in the safety section.

The key added functional features include Cruise control, adjustable rear headrests, rear armrest and rear door curtain. 

In terms of style, this variant’s noteworthy additions include a beige-black dual interior theme with leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED DRLs, 16-inch machined alloy wheels, LED tail lamps and a differently styled rear bumper. 

You can check all the added features of the 2021 Sonet HTX variant over the HTK+ turbo, in the table below: 

According to our internal data, the HTX variant with all its added features justifies its incremental value, even considering the increased tax factor.

We feel that features like ESC, HSA, LED headlamps, adjustable rear headrests, rear armrest and rear door curtains are quite compelling to consider choosing the HTX over the HTK+ variant. 

If the Sonet is going to be your primary car, then we strongly recommend going for the HTX over the HTK+, as it will improve your ownership experience without compromising on value. 

That said, we think this variant should have also offered auto-dimming IRVM.

When you choose the HTX variant with the automatic transmission option, you also get the additional features of traction control, multi drive modes and paddle shifters. 

For these features and the convenience of the automatic transmission, according to us the incremental cost of Rs 70,000 is justified. 

Thus, the HTX automatic variant is also a good option to buy. 

What Are The Features of 2021 Kia Sonet HTX+?

Sonet HTX+ variant is Rs 1.46 lakh more expensive than the HTX variant. HTX+ variant does not have the option of an automatic transmission.

This variant adds extra safety features such as Tyre pressure monitoring system, rear wiper and auto-dimming IRVM.

In the entertainment section, there’s a bigger 10.25-inch touchscreen along with a premium 7-speaker Bose sound system. 

The key additional functional features include ventilated front seats, connected car tech and air purifier. 

Added styling features include leather upholstery, digital instrument cluster and sound mood lights. 

All the additional features of the 2021 Sonet HTX+ variant are listed in the following table: 

As per our internal data, this variant’s added features do not justify the incremental cost of Rs 1 lakh. Hence, we would not recommend the HTX+ variant over the HTX. 

What Are The Features of 2021 Kia Sonet GTX+ Variant?

The top of the line Sonet GTX+ variant is Rs 44,000 costlier than the HTX+ variant.

This top variant adds in a host of cosmetic updates to offer a sportier look. These include - a different front bumper design with glossy black grille and red detailing, red brake callipers and alloy caps, all black interior with glossy black detailing around AC vents and alloy pedals. 

Its other noteworthy additions include side & curtain airbags, front parking sensors and wireless charger. 

You can view all the additional features of the 2021 Kia Sonet GTX+ variant in the following table: 

According to our internal data, the GTX+ variant with its additional features, does justify its incremental cost over the HTX+ variant. However, value-wise it is not better than the HTX variant. 

So, If you are choosing the GTX+ over the HTX variant, you are essentially around Rs 50,000 of additional premium mainly for features like side and curtain airbags, TPMS, auto-dimming IRVM, ventilated front seats, rear wiper and wireless charger.

If these features are really compelling for you, only then consider paying extra for the GTX+, otherwise the HTX is the best variant, According to us. This verdict also applies to the automatic transmission version. 

2021 KIA SONET PETROL VARIANTS - WHICH VARIENT TO BUY?

Let us now sum up all the petrol variants of the Kia Sonet, in order to make your buying decision easier. 

If you are considering buying the Sonet, and your usage requirements are limited and primarily city focused, then you can go for the normal 1.2-litre petrol engine option. 

The HTK+ variant is the best choice with this powertrain in terms of value and features for all buyers. However, if you have to settle down with a lower variant, then go for the base HTE variant and retrofit audio system and rear power windows, rather than going for the HTK.

For daily usage as a primary car, you should consider buying the Sonet with the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. Owing to its Turbo petrol engine, its highway performance is better, while its city drivability and auto clutch transmission are suitable. 

Even after the price increase for this engine, our top recommendation remains the HTX variant. The Sonet HTX offers a good combination of value and features. 

If you want to buy a variant under the Rs. 10 lakh ex-showroom price slab, then you can settle for the HTK+ variant, as you won’t be compromising much on value with this variant.

Above the HTX, if you really wish to get some extra safety, style and feel-good features, then you can consider the top GTX+ variant, but only if its extra features are compelling enough for you. 

Here’s a look at all our variant-wise recommendations for the 2021 Kia Sonet petrol:

In case of the automatic transmission option, only 2 variants are available -- HTX aur GTX+. The HTX is again our top recommended variant, while going for the GTX+ depends on your personal choice. 

What Are The Colour Options of 2021 Kia Sonet?

The Kia Sonet is available for sale in 8 monotone exterior colour options -- dark red, gold, black, grey, silver, blue, pearl white and clear white. The base HTE variant is only available in 4 colour options -- silver, grey, dark red and clear white. 

The top 2 variant’s - the HTX+ and GTX+ also have the dual-tone option with black roof combined with either red, gold or metallic white colour.