Kia just dropped its third entry for the Indian market, the Sonet compact SUV. If pre-bookings are anything to go by, the Sonet looks like it is going to be a really tough competitor.
Of course, the sub-4m segment is already overcrowded, so we are going to focus on the three main rivals, the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, the Hyundai Venue and the Tata Nexon.
All the cars have very similar dimensions, measuring 3,995 mm in length and over 1,600 mm in height. This isn’t surprising considering the manufacturers have to maximise space while keeping their offerings just under the 4-metre mark. However, in the boot section, the Sonet takes the competition with a class leading 392 litres of space.
Coming down to powertrain options, the Sonet is the clear leader with three engine options and as many as four gearbox options including the all-new iMT that was first introduced on the Hyundai Venue. The latter gets three engine options as well. However, it misses out on the six-speed automatic that is available on the Sonet’s diesel motor.
As for features, the Sonet blows all of the competition completely out of the water with over 30 class leading features and UVO connected car tech with as many as 57 features. Just like the Sonet’s 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, the other cars also get a display, but the Sonet also gets wireless charging, a seven-speaker Bose set-up, mood sound lighting and an air purifier as part of its features list.
And finally, the prices. Starting at an introductory price of Rs 6.71 lakh, the Kia Sonet undercuts its competition. The Venue starts just a little over the Sonet at Rs 6.75 lakh while the Nexon gets a Rs 6.99 lakh starting price tag. The Vitara Brezza is the priciest of the lot starting at Rs 7.34 lakh.
The Kia Sonet brings with it the modernity and looks to compete in a market that has been overflowing with competition. It has garnered over 25,000 orders since bookings began and is already looking like a major threat to its rivals.
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