Reciting a wild note

Kia is all set to launch the Sonet, its sub-four meter SUV. The SUV promises to have taken all the pointers from the success of the bigger Seltos and deployed every trick to ensure a warm welcome. We drive two variants to find out how they actually fare on the road Pictures Nishant Jhamb

- Rahul Ghosh

In these tough pandemic times if there is one segment which is keeping the energy levels high, it has to be the SUVs, especially compact SUVs. Joining this bandwagon where the Hyundai Venue, Ford EcoSport, Tata Nexon and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza is the new Kia Sonet. Now this is sure to make things even more interesting.

Kia Sonet 1.0 turbo iMT Engine 998ccPower 120bhp@6,000rpmMax torque 172Nm@1,5004,000rpmGearbox 6-speed iMTWheelbase(mm) 2,500LxWxH (mm) 3,995x1,790x1,642Top Speed NA 0-100kmph NAPrice: 6.75 lakh to Rs 12 lakh (estimated)

The Kia Sonet is based on the same platform which is used by the Hyundai Venue. However make no mistake as the Sonet clearly has a very different identity. The design to begin with, in true Kia fashion is best called sporty. The front end design looks ravishing with those wild DRLs glowing bright within the all-LED headlamp console. The grille on this GT Line version gets chrome and red accents and what we loved is the amount of detailing within. The front bumper houses the fog lamp unit and overall the contrasting colours make it look imposing. The bonnet line too is high up much in sync with SUV designs. In profile the large 16in alloys take centre stage and so do the flared wheel arches. At the back the Sonet’s styling is equally attractive. The LED tail light clusters are joined by a reflective strip which makes it look wide. Then there are the usual glitzy bits like scuff plates and a smart bumper design which makes it look as if the Sonet comes with twin tail pipes.