KIA Sonet Diesel Automatic Review: First Drive | Another best-in-segment by KIA

We drove the Kia Sonet diesel automatic for around 200 km in five hours to bring this review to you. More than 50 per cent of that distance was covered on highways, while the rest was a mix of both city and rural roads.

Despite the odometer reading, this should still be treated as a first drive review, and a comprehensive test drive report. That said, it should still be able to answer almost all your questions.

KIA Sonet Diesel Automatic Review: Design

From the front, you'll mistake the Sonet for the Seltos, which is a good thing. Why? Because the Seltos is the best looking vehicle in its segment. The same can be said about the Sonet. It's indeed the most gorgeous compact SUV in its segment for now. It looks fantastic from the front, and quite acceptable from the rear too. In profile, it looks muscular as well, and you might not be able to put a finger on a single design aspect you don't like.

The alloy wheel design will make many drool as well.

KIA Sonet Diesel Automatic Review: Interiors

The interiors are again the best in the segment because Kia has cut no corners anywhere in this department as well.

The Sonet I was driving was the top-end GTX+ variant. Therefore, it had every feature and more than you can think of in this segment. You may read all about it here: KIA Sonet: Interiors & Features explained.

The Sonet I was driving was the top-end GTX+ variant. Therefore, it had every feature and more than you can think of in this segment. You may read all about it here: KIA Sonet: Interiors & Features explained. 

The AC is great; both the front seats are ventilated, and there's height adjustment for the pilot seat. Also, people of all sizes will find the seats to be comfortable.

The rear seats are comfortable as well. There's ample amount of headroom and kneeroom, and you'll only find space at the rear lacking a bit if all members in your family are over six feet tall.

Most importantly, the Sonet's ergonomics are just perfect. All controls, etc., are exactly where they should be, and there's nothing that requires you to stretch inconveniently to reach or access.

There's a lot of storage space all around, and the claimed boot capacity of 392 liters is par for the course.

KIA Sonet Diesel Automatic Review: Performance, Fuel Effieicncy, Ride & Handling

This Sonet's 1.5-liter turbo diesel produces 115 PS at 4,000 rpm and 250 Nm at 1,500-2,750 rpm. My test unit, as you already know by now, was the auto variant that comes with a traditional traditional torque converter. You can buy the same engine with a manual gearbox as well, albeit at the cost of sacrificing a bit on the torque and power outputs.

The six-speed automatic transmission in this Sonet comes three Drive Modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. I recommend driving in Eco most of the time to achieve the best fuel efficiency from that motor. I got around 16 km to a liter despite doing the acceleration and top speed runs in Manual mode (separate than the aforementioned Sport mode).

Even in Eco mode, there's ample power everywhere, and you will seldom need to use the Sport or Manual modes. High speed stability is great; bodyroll is minimal, but ride quality is firm.

KIA Sonet Diesel Automatic Review: Verdict

On first impressions, the Kia Sonet has come across as the best in its segment. And if Kia prices it right, it should be able to replicate its elder sibling's success.