Another great addition is the new hybrid at the lower center of gravity, with other great features and safety upgrades fitted. The compact SUV segment is today flooded with competition; therefore, the Sonet is not only an attraction with its glam looks and performance, but it has also had upgrades in the safety features. A safety option weighs heavily either for city driving or long-distance travelling.
This article emphasizes in-depth discussions about the safety technologies, crash test ratings, and performance of the Kia Sonet.
The Sonet is a competitor to the likes of successful sub-4-meter SUVs such as Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon and Maruti Suzuki Brezza. The vehicle was launched by Kia Motors of South Korea and soon became a hot favorite for its very appealing looks, feature-laden interiors, and budget pricing.
Also offered in diesel and petrol, the vehicle comes with various trims appealing to a wide economic spectrum. The pricing varies from Rs 7.79 lakh to Rs 14.89 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), thus offering a competitive pricing structure as compared to its rivals in the same segment.
When evaluating vehicle safety, NCAP ratings are most representative. In fact, the Sonet has not passed a crash test in Global NCAP standards. Other Kia models such as the Carens and Seltos scored between zero and three stars for safety, and it is perceived that a similar range of rating applies to the Sonet. Thus far, the real safety rating is unknown until crash test results arrive.
Despite the absence of an official crash test rating, the 2024 Kia Sonet comes with several safety features designed to provide protection in different driving conditions. These features include both active and passive safety technologies.
ABS along with EBD ensures the stability of the vehicle while preventing wheel lock-up during emergency braking situations.
The airbags for driver and front passenger would be standard equipment on all variants for their protection.
The sensors at the rear parking assist the driver by warning of any kind of obstacle behind.
ESS automatically turns on the hazard lights during sudden braking as a warning signal to the rear vehicles.
ISOFIX child seat anchors are present to achieve proper installation of child seats for better safety. High-strength steel structure:
The body is designed to be reinforced material so as to absorb impact during collision.
Six Airbags: Additional airbags for extra protection in event of a collision.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Prevents skidding due to sudden turn or slippery surfaces and achieves stability in the vehicle.
Vehicle Stability Management (VSM): Improves control during sudden expansion or contraction.
Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC): Prevents rollback when you start on an incline.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Monitors tire pressure and informs the driver if it does not match normal parameters.
Reverse Camera with Dynamic Guidelines: Assists in reversing safely using real-time visuals.
The Kia Sonet, however, features some of the more contemporary driver assistance systems in its higher-end versions. These features help prevent accidents and make driving more comfortable.
Blind Spot Monitoring: Alerts the driver about vehicles in their blind spots.
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Detects approaching vehicles while the car is in reverse; warns the driver.
Front Parking Sensor: Helps maneuver in confined spaces by detecting objects in front of the car.
Traction control system (TCS): On slippery surfaces, provides extra grip to prevent skidding.
These features are fundamental when talking about safety, but without including a 360-degree camera and Level 2 ADAS features, the Sonet is left behind some competitors in terms of safety innovation.
The Kia Sonet has been designed to offer good appeal and strength with its LED headlamps, daytime running lights, and fog lamps in front and rear in case the weather hampers visibility. While ultra-high-strength steel has been used to keep the rigidity of the car in case of an impact, quality of build still remains an issue compared to rivals like Tata Nexon, which enjoys a five-star NCAP safety rating.
Occupants within the Kia Sonet have comfort-oriented amenities coupled with passenger safety. The vehicle boasts:
10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment screen with navigation and smartphone connectivity
Bose premium sound system for superior audio quality (available in some versions)
Electric sunroof to produce an airy cabin setup
Ambient lights for a high-end look
Cooled glovebox for extra convenience
For occupants, the vehicle's rear seatbelts include pre-tensioners, and child safety locks on the rear doors. Though the Sonet offers a good number of safety features, its crash performance remains to be known.
The 2024 Kia Sonet has several engine choices:
998cc Turbo Petrol Engine
1197cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol Engine
1493cc Diesel Engine
The transmission choices include a 6-speed manual, 6-speed iMT, 7-speed DCT, and 6-speed automatic transmission. Sonet delivers a driving experience with the involvement of tuned suspension and perfectly developed steering. The availability of ESC, HAC, and VSM enhances better control and stability, especially on highways and undulating road surfaces.
The Sonet promises great fuel economy in its lineup. The petrol model gives an estimated 18-20 km/l, whereas the diesel engine gives a run of around 24-26 km/l. These figures position it as an economical choice for its class, making it that much more popular among cost-savvy car buyers.
There are eight available colors for the Kia Sonet, including two-tone colors. These are:
Intelligency Blue
Silver
Red
Beige
Aurora Black Pearl
Gravity Grey
Clear White
Intelligency Blue (Dual-tone)
The buyers have many trim levels from which they can select, hence can opt for features that cater to their wishes.
The 2024 Kia Sonet has registered tremendous progress concerning safety features in that it utilises both base and advanced safety technologies to save its occupants. Though the failure to receive a formal Global NCAP crash rating is questionable, its extensive set of safety features offers some kind of guarantee for buyers.
Strengths of the Kia Sonet are its six airbags, electronic stability features, ADAS functionalities, and good fuel efficiency. Lack of a 360-degree camera, Level 2 ADAS, and inferior build quality compared to some rivals are points to note.
For buyers seeking a stylish, tech-packed, and safe compact SUV within a budget, the Kia Sonet is still a power to be reckoned with. Waiting for an official crash test rating, consumers can nonetheless count on its safety features to provide a protected drive.