ACMobility, the official distributor of Kia in the Philippines has officially launched the Kia Sonet—its new sub-compact SUV offering. Derived from the word, “Sonnet” which is a poem that’s expressive of a single, complete thought, the Sonet embodies the “completeness of a true SUV.”
Seeking to carve a larger share of the growing sub-compact SUV segment (the segment has seen a 11 percent average year-on-year growth since 2021), the Sonet replaces the best-selling Stonic in the local line-up.
Targetting young millennials and Gen Zs looking for their first car, the Sonet brings to the table style and innovation at a value-oriented pricing.
The Sonet gets the latest iteration of Kia’s trademark Tiger Nose grille. The grille insert itself contains a geometric pattern adding a sense of width and sportiness. This is flanked by large headlights—illuminated by LEDs on the top-of-the-line SX variant. Over to the side, 16-inch alloy wheels are standard with all automatic transmission variants receiving a dual tone finish. At the back, a full-width lamp cluster creates a wider, more stylish finish.
In terms of colors, three monotone colors are available: Vivid Red, Snow White Pearl, and Imperial Blue. For the SX variant, two-tone motifs are the order of the day with the Vivid Red and Snow White Pearl both getting a Black Roof. A special monotone color—Pewter Olive is exclusive to the SX as well.
Inside, the Sonet receives a high level of technology for its price point. The focal point is an all-digital gauge cluster with lower variants receiving a 4.2-inch TFT cluster, while the SX getting a 10.25-inch TFT LCD screen. Infotainment duties are handled by either an 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. USB Type C charging ports located both at the front and rear are available. A sunroof and wireless charger also come on some variants.
Powering the Sonet is a 1.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine. Equipped with Dual Port Fuel Injection and CVVT, it produces 115 horsepower and 144 Nm of torque. The available transmissions are a 6-speed manual or an IVT (a CVT with built-in step logic).
The Sonet also comes equipped with Kia’s DriveWise ADAS system. This unlocks functionalities such as Forward Collision Assist, Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and High Beam Assist. This is on top of dual SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, and rear parking sensors with rear camera.
Kia’s leading 5-year or 160,000-kilometer warranty comes standard on the Sonet. As for pricing and variants, it comes in a total of three grades and four variants:
- 1.5 LX MT – P 758,000
- 1.5 LX AT – P 868,000
- 1.5 EX AT – P 978,000
- 1.5 SX AT – P 1,138,000
Dimensions
- Overall Length: 4,110 mm
- Overall Width: 1,790 mm
- Overall Height: 1,625 mm (LX), 1,642 (EX, SX)
- Wheelbase: 2,500 mm
- Minimum Ground Clearance: 205 mm
- Minimum Turning Radius 5.3 m
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 43 liters
- Gross Vehicle Weight: 1,575 kg (LX MT), 1605 kg (LX AT, EX, SX)
- 1.5 DOHC 4-cylinder CVVT
- Displacement: 1,497 cc
- Maximum Output: 115 PS @ 6,300 rpm
- Maximum Torque: 144 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed MT (LX MT), IVT (LX AT, EX, SX)
- Drivetrain & Chassis
- Drive: Front-Wheel Drive
- Front Brakes: Ventilated Disc
- Rear Brakes: Solid Disc
- Front Suspension: MacPherson Strut
- Rear Brakes: Coupled Torsion Beam Axle
- Wheel Type: 16-inch Steel w/ Cover (LX MT), 16-inch Alloy (LX AT, EX, SX)
- Tire Size: 205/55R16
- Halogen Headlights (Star Map LED Multi-Reflector for EX, SX)
- Automatic Headlights
- Daytime Running Lights (Star Map LED Daytime Running Lights for EX, SX)
- LED Fog Lights (for EX, SX)
- Electric Adjustable Side Mirrors (w/ Fold for EX, SX)
- Side Mirror Integrated Turn Signal Indicators LX, EX, SX)
- Fin-Type Antenna
- Sunroof (SX)
- Roof Rails (EX, SX)
- Matte Black Radiator Grille (Glossy Black for EX, SX)
- Chrome Beltline Molding (SX)
- Rear Spoiler (EX, SX)
- Rear Spoiler w/ LED High-Mount Stop Lamp (EX, SX)
- LED Rear Combination Lamp (EX, SX)
- 4.2-inch TFT LCD Display (10.25-inch for SX)
- Passenger Vanity Mirror in Sun Visor
- Day/Night Rear View Mirror
- Overhead Console Lamp
- 3-spoke Urethane Steering Wheel (Leather for SX)
- Tilt Adjustable Steering Column
- Steering Wheel Controls
- Driver’s Side Auto Up/Down for SX
- Center Door Lock
- Smart Entry w/ Push Start Stop (EX, SX)
- Remote Engine Start (EX, SX)
- Wireless Phone Charging (SX)
- Cloth Seats (Leather for SX)
- 4-way Manual Adjust Front Seats (6-way Manual Adjust Driver’s Seat for SX)
- 60/40 Split-Folding Rear Seat (EX, SX)
- Manual Air Conditioning (Automatic for SX)
- Rear AC Vents
- Luggage Compartment Lamp (SX)
- 8-inch Touchscreen with USB Port (10.25-inch for SX)
- Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth w/ Voice Recognition
- 6 Speakers
- Cruise Control (LX AT, EX, SX)
- Lane Keeping Assist (SX)
- Lane Following Assist (SX)
- Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (SX)
- Downhill Brake Control (SX)
- High Beam Assist (SX)
- Driver Attention Warning (SX)
- Dual SRS Airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Control (SX)
- Hill-start Assist Control (SX)
- Rear Camera
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Front Seatbelts: 3-pt ELR w/ Dual Pretensioners x 2
- Rear Seatbelts: 3-pt ELR w/ Pretensioners x 3
- ISOFIX Child Seat Anchor
- Child Lock
Is the Sonet source from China? (Like the Facelift Seltos and Soluto)
ReplyDeleteIt's sourced from China, yes.
DeleteKia should've omitted the sunroof in favor of the side & curtain airbags. Almost but not quite, Kia.
ReplyDeleteagree
DeleteI agree
DeleteBut for me, it's perfect.
DeleteMukhang dead on arrival yung Mitsubishi Xforce ah. Hahaha
ReplyDeleteMitsubishi XForce is bigger,taller and more powerful than the Sonet
DeleteRaize ang kawawa sa Sonet
SX should have 6 airbags, and WTF that only the SX has stabilty control and hill start assist. But anyway SONET will coz very bad headaches for MG3 and geely gx3. Never mind RAIZE, it has solid features and hardcore toyota fans.
ReplyDeleteAdding 4 more airbags to the Sonet SX would jack up its price to 1.2 Million Pesos or more
DeleteRaize E and G are in danger with the great pricing of the Sonet LX and EX
MG3 and GX3 Pro are affordable hatchbacks and they're aimed at a different market and customers
All I wanna know is why is it so hard to put front parking sensors?
ReplyDeleteESC and Hill start assist should have been standard, even the wigo has it. is the Honda WRV coming?
ReplyDeleteStability Control should be a standard already in most, if not all cars, and must be mandated by amending the 60-year old R.A. 4136.
DeleteSaw lots of Wigo the newer ones got into various road accidents and crashes lately
DeleteESC or ADAS are worthless if the driver doesn't follow proper traffic rules
Drive safely all the time
Good job for the pricing of Sonet variants Kia! The SX AT may face a tough competition with the Yaris Cross G though.
ReplyDeleteSonet SX is much cheaper,safer and better than the DNGA Yaris Cross G
DeleteSonet SX only has 2 airbags, pricy made in china and very small compared to yaris cross G which has 6 airbags. Sales ratio could be sonet SX 1 vs yaris cross G 200
DeleteRear ac vents i hope this applies to all grades and not just a typo.. in fairness kia ha.. 6 speed mt like the base brv, that's rare.. good job!
ReplyDeleteNot a typo. Rear AC vents is standard.
DeleteThank u china cars for inspiring these koreans and japs cars to add more features and specs to their cars. They are not as barebones as before.
DeleteIn the end, the consumers win, which ever brand they choose.
Because it's made in China so it has read AC vents without a doubt.
DeleteAre the weight figures a typo? Why is it so heavy?
ReplyDeleteGross Vehicle Weight. It's the Curb Weight + Maximum Payload (and no, they didn't provide the payload nor the curb weight).
DeleteIt has fighting chance to succeed. It has better value than the Raize. However it is in danger from a heavily discounted Xpander being a bigger 7 seater.
ReplyDeleteSonet LX and EX are gonna be the best selling variants of the Kia Sonet
DeleteSX is gonna be available in limited numbers due to its price