The Sonet offers three engine options. The 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine generating 83 PS and 115 Nm of torque is the straightforward, no-fuss option, paired solely with a 5-speed manual and best suited for city-focused buyers who want simplicity and low running costs.

For higher output, the 1.0-litre turbo-GDi petrol generates 120 PS and 172 Nm from just 1,500 rpm, getting things more energetic. This engine comes mated to either a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT, the latter being the sharper, more responsive choice for those who enjoy a quick-shifting, engaging drive. The 1.5-litre diesel (116 PS, 250 Nm between 1,500–2,750 rpm) leads the range in torque and is offered with a 6-speed MT or a 6-speed AT, making it a natural fit for highway-heavy usage.

All variants are front-wheel drive. The suspension setup uses a McPherson strut at the front and a Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (CTBA) at the rear, a common configuration in this segment. Braking is handled by standard front discs, while higher trims receive rear disc brakes.

Automatic variants get three drive modes (Normal, Eco, Sport) and three traction modes (Sand, Mud, Wet), adding some genuine real-world flexibility on varied surfaces. All-wheel disc brakes are available on HTX and above.

The Sonet's fuel efficiency numbers are highly economic and competitive for its segment. According to ARAI-certified figures, the 1.2-litre petrol with the 5-speed MT returns 18.83 kmpl, while the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol is rated at 18.7 kmpl with the 6-speed iMT and 19.2 kmpl with the 7-speed DCT.

The fuel tank capacity across all variants is 45 litres. At the diesel manual's claimed efficiency, that translates to a theoretical range of over 1,000 km on a full tank, a number that'll appeal to buyers doing long inter-city runs.

As always, ARAI figures are measured under controlled test conditions and real-world numbers will be lower, especially in city traffic. All variants also get Idle Stop & Go (ISG) as standard, which shuts the engine off at prolonged stops to cut fuel consumption in bumper-to-bumper conditions. For most urban commuters, the turbo-petrol DCT or the diesel AT will offer the best balance of performance and reasonable day-to-day efficiency.

The Sonet's centrepiece is a dual 10.25-inch setup, a touchscreen infotainment display and a fully digital instrument cluster sitting side by side. A Bose 7-speaker system (with tweeters) handles audio duties on the top variants.

Kia Connect, which comes with a 3-year free subscription, brings over 70 connected-car features including remote engine start, remote AC control, live vehicle tracking, OTA map and system updates, and Amazon Alexa integration. Voice-controlled window operation is also part of the package on equipped variants.

Comfort features include front ventilated seats, a 4-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a wireless smartphone charger, Smart Key with push-button start, and a Smart Pure Air Purifier with claimed virus and bacteria protection on higher trims. LED ambient sound lighting adds a premium feel to the cabin after dark. The fully automatic air conditioning with rear AC vents is available from mid-variants upward, with manual AC on the entry-level trims.

Seating is for five, and the rear bench gets 60:40 split-fold functionality, a centre armrest with cup holders, and adjustable headrests on equipped variants, decent for a sub-4-metre SUV. Boot space is rated at 385 litres (VDA method), which is a strong number for the segment and grows further with the rear seats folded.

At 3,995 mm long, 1,790 mm wide, and 1,642 mm tall on a 2,500 mm wheelbase, the Sonet sits right at the top end of the sub-4-metre SUV envelope. The front profile is defined by Kia's signature Tiger Nose Grille, which is offered with various surround finishes ranging from knurled silver to premium dark metallic and high gloss black. Crown Jewel LED headlamps with Star Map LED DRLs sit flanking the grille and are among the sharper-looking light signatures in the segment. Sleek LED fog lamps round off the front.

At the rear, Star Map LED connected tail lamps create a distinctive, wide light bar effect, a design choice that makes the Sonet easily identifiable from behind. Sporty aerodynamic skid plates with dark metallic or high gloss accents add visual width to the rear bumper, and a body-coloured spoiler sits atop the tailgate.

Wheel options range from 15-inch steel wheels with full covers on the base HTE trim, to 16-inch dual-tone styled wheels on the HTK, to 16-inch Crystal Cut and Sporty Crystal Cut alloys on mid and higher variants respectively. The electric sunroof, a feature that carries significant weight with Indian buyers, is available from the HTK+(O) upward, and also on the HTE(O).

The Sonet's safety package consists of six airbags, that are dual front, front side, and side curtain, come standard across every variant.

The full list safety features includes ABS with EBD, Brake Assist (BAS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), rear parking sensors, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Highline Tyre Pressure Monitor, Speed Sensing Auto Door Locks, Impact Sensing Auto Door Unlock, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and 3-point seatbelts with reminders for all five seats. All Wheel Disc Brakes are available from the HTX trim upward.

Additionally, buyers can benefit from 360-degree camera, Blind View Monitor (BVM), front parking sensors, and ADAS Level 1 with 10 autonomous features including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist for cars, pedestrians, and cyclists, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Following Assist, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert.

The sub-4-metre SUV segment is arguably India's most competitive, and the Sonet sits right in the middle of the storm. Its four closest rivals are the Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue and Mahindra XUV 3XO.

The Nexon leads the segment in sales and holds a 5-star Global NCAP rating, an area where the Sonet currently has no equivalent independent crash test data to show.

The Brezza counters with better fuel economy figures and Maruti's unmatched service network reach.

The XUV 3XO goes one step further on ADAS, offering Level 2 autonomous features against the Sonet's Level 1.

The Hyundai Venue, sharing its platform and engines with the Sonet, offers a more comfortable ride and slightly more rear seat space.

Where the Sonet holds its ground is in the breadth of its powertrain options, the quality of its cabin experience, particularly the Bose audio, ambient lighting, and dual 10.25-inch screen setup. It's a strong package, though buyers prioritising safety ratings or ride comfort may want to consider the alternatives first.