Table of Contents
Introduction
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First Impressions
Exterior Design: A Style Statement
The first thing that will catch your eye about the Kia Sonet X-Line is its stunning looks. The SUV looks extremely classy and sporty, which helps it to outstand the crowded sub-compact SUV segment. In the case of this X-Line variant, it comes with unique exterior enhancements to help give an air or exclusivity. The new LED tail lamp signature and the detailed alloy wheels of the Sonet make it look very premium compared to its competitors
The front profile gets Kia’s signature ‘Tiger Nose’ grille, surrounded by LED DRLs fitted with the sharp headlamps. The sporty bumper and the faux skid plates aid to portray a tougher image, revealing that Sonet X-Line will not remain just an urban commuting soul but also be competent for minimal off-road exploits.
Premium Feel: High-Quality Interior Throughout
Entering the Kia Sonet X-Line, you are immediately struck by how premium-grade certain materials feel. Kia have done a great job with making the cabin feel high-end. The layout of the dashboard is a good mix between function and style with soft touch materials laid throughout, sparks that are easily accessible from every seat in this SUV.
The X-Line version, meanwhile, gets dual 10.25-inch screens that handle infotainment and instruments duties. The infotainment system is loaded, including full smartphone integration and available navigation systems as well as a premium Bose sound system that provides fantastic auditory feedback. On the other hand, the instrument cluster clearly displays all relevant driving information.
The seats are also a highlight, particularly the ventilated front squabs which come as blessed relief in all this hot weather. The Sonet X-Line uses leather upholstery with contrast stitching, adding to the premium touch while also making it a good place to be in whether you are stuck in traffic or driving on some highways.
Performance: Creamy but Frugal
Perfect Pair: Engine and Transmission
The Kia Sonet X-Line is powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine which comes with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission going under the hood. The pairing will deliver a well rounded performance and fuel efficiency combination that is key for vehicles in this segment.
The engine is just as smooth on the highway. The engine is almost as silent at low speeds and gearshifts are impressively smooth, making your commute both a quieter — and therefore more relaxed — experience. But push the Sonet a bit more – not that you need to, especially in Sport mode- and it might seem like needing some extra bite. While perfectly fine for around-town type of driving, one can’t help to think that a little bit more power under the hood would go along way towards increasing its fun-to-drive factor.
However, the torque converter automatic transmission does play nicely with the engine as shifts are smooth and contribute to a relaxed driving experience. The transmission changes gears quickly in city traffic and holds an appropriate gear on the highway, keeping revs at a sweet spot for pleasant freeway cruising.
Ride and Handling: Sharply Dressed, Solidly Confident
The Kia Sonet X-Line provides a nice and pliant ride, that is on the stiffer side of things but still comfortable enough to drive daily. The suspension does a good job in soaking most road imperfections, making the SUV stable even at high speeds.
Handling wise, the Sonet X-Line feels sturdy and planted. The reasoning for this is because the steering may be light so it’s easy to turn in tight city spaces, yet provides some feedback on twisty roads. The trade-off for that extra compliance is when the Sonet is loaded up through a set of bends,if not an out-and-out corner-carving machine squeeze on a twisty bit of tarmac.
Family practicality: A tale of two extremes
Space: Confined Comfort Inside
The Sonet X-Line comes with a properly composed cabin, which has enough small storage spaces to make it practical for everyday use. Door pockets are deep enough to hold water bottles, while the centre console has plenty of room for a smartphone and other odds and ends.
Though in terms of rear-seat space, the larger families might feel a little bit congested inside the Sonet X-Line. Although not so catered for with the rear it is possible to squeeze a third passenger in and situate them, which would be okay around town but possibly uncomfortable on longer drives. The rear seat also appears a bit pinched, which may be something to think about if more than two people will use the car for long trips.
Road trips await in the boot
The Sonet X-Line does redeem itself in the boot area. It does have a large, nicely-shaped boot that’ll swallow up the sort of stuff you’d need for weekends away. Whether it be luggage for a family of four or grocery shopping for the week, the boot space in Sonet is more than enough. The rear seats are also foldable for extra cargo, increasing the versatility.
Features And Technology: Stuffed To The Gills
Infotainment and Connectivity: The Tech-Savvy SHARED
The trim is already loaded with technology, positioning the Kia Sonet X-Line amongst one of the most feature-rich cars in its class. At the centre of the dash is a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s easy to navigate and boasts sharp graphics, too. You can stay connected with the available Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.
The infotainment system also includes Kia’s UVO connected car technology suite with a variety of features such as remote engine start/stop, vehicle tracking and geo-fencing to name just a few. This level of internet connectivity is something not commonly available in the segment and adds a lot convenience for Sonet owners.
Added for Comfort and Convenience
The Sonet X-Line, as seen in these images doesn’t skimp on creature comforts from Kia. Front seats ventilated Bonuus function useful in hot and humid climates The air conditioning is very powerful and includes automatic climate control to make sure the cabin temperature remains comfortable.
In addition, the Sonet X-Line comes with features like keyless entry, push-button start and electrically adjustable ORVMs. These minute, thoughtful improvements come together to enhance the daily driving experience.
Safety: Taking It All In
Safety Active and passive features
In terms of safety features Kia has equipped the Sonet X-Line with an exhaustive package. These include six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), hill-start assist and a tyre pressure monitoring system. These components work collectively to provide an extent of protection for all occupants.
The Sonet X-Line also gains front and rear parking sensors, a reverse camera with guiding lines to help you park easily in tight confines. These safety features combined, makes the Sonet X-Line not just a stylish and feature-packed SUV. It also is safer in all aspects as well.
Fuel Economy By Design: Power Vs. Friendly
Real-World Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is a critical factor for buyers in this segment, and it shines on the Kia Sonet X-Line. While our real-world fuel-efficiency test of the Sonet X-Line was exciting for a diesel engine, it also had an automatic transmission helping its cause. Given the city restrictions, we were expecting 15-16 km/l plus on our drive through congested Luzon arteries but it was when things opened up out of town that its frugality further shone; highway figures would easily trickle upwards to around 19-20 km/l.
CONCLUSION: THE WHOLE ENCHILADA
We have spent a little over a month with the Sonet Diesel AT X-Line, and here are our thoughts on what has priced as well. This is paired with a sleek exterior, premium interior treatment and plenty of kit to make it one of the standouts in this sub-compact SUV space. Granted, it may not be the roomiest of choices for big families, but compensates tons with its utility and tech credentials as well premium quality inside out.
Over the following weeks and months that we chip away at adding miles to it, we’ll learn what long-term reliability is like for a Sonet X-Line (maintenance costs included) and how well they stand up over time. Of course, that is a subject for further testing but for now it’s safe to say the Kia Sonet Diesel AT X-Line has left us quite impressed and has turned itself into one of our favourites in short time. So, if you are in the market for a delightful city runabout or even a commendable weekend escape companion, then we believe that there is hope with Kia Sonet X-Line.
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