One for Everyone
There are many ways in which the Kia Sonet has set itself apart in its segment, but one of its biggest draws is how many drivetrains the compact-SUV is offered with – there’s one for almost every taste and requirement. Let’s have quick look at the varied drivetrains the Kia Sonet is offered with:
Smartstream G 1.2 5-MT: No-nonsense Spec
For those not worried about how powerful the engine is or how quick and convenient the gearbox is – there are three variants of the Sonet available with this simple recipe of a drivetrain. This combination is for those who reminisce of the good old uncomplicated days where a car’s job was to take one and their family from place to another, sheltered from the elements.
The 1.2-litre, four-cylinder Smartstream Gasoline engine develops an adequate 82bhp of maximum power and 115Nm of peak torque – not mind numbing performance numbers, but the unstressed motor returns an ARAI-certified fuel-efficiency of 18.4kmpl. Combine the easy nature of the drivetrain with features (in the HTK Plus variant) like 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, projector fog lamps, automatic climate control with rear A/C vents, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with 6-speaker Arkamys surround sounds system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and you have a VFM family car.
1.0 T-GDi 6-iMT: Power, Control, Convenience
So you like sporty cars but do not always drive in the sportiest of settings, and absolutely loathe traffic (how are there traffic jams when a lot of people are supposed to be working from home?). The 1.0 Turbocharged Gasoline Direct-injection motor in the Kia Sonet matches your need for a performance-oriented engine and the unique intelligent manual transmission gives you control while saving you from the trouble of pressing the clutch pedal in traffic.
With 119bhp of maximum power and 172Nm of peak torque on tap, the Kia Sonet feels as sporty to drive as its Tiger Nose Grille makes it look. The intelligent six-speed manual transmission automatically engages the clutch with seamless, engaging shifts via the manual gearstick. With a well-tuned creep function, the Sonet T-GDi feels natural to drive in bumper to bumper traffic too. Even better news? It returns an ARAI-certified fuel-efficiency of 18.2kmpl!
Available with four variants, the drivetrain is combined with the best features the Sonet lineup has to offer – including ‘Crown Jewel’ LED Headlamps, ‘Heartbeat’ LED DRLs / integrated turn indicators and taillamps, leatherette interior upholstery, remote engine start functionality, tyre pressure monitor, ambient lighting with ‘Sound Mood’ functionality, Bose seven-speaker surround-sound system, air purifier and ‘UVO’ connected car tech.
1.0 T-GDi 7-DCT: The Sportiest Sonet
This drivetrain is for the performance fanatics, combining a powerful petrol engine and the quickest shifting transmission type possible – a dual-clutch transmission. The aforementioned 119bhp and 172Nm now make their way to the road via a lightning fast transmission with enough gear ratios to be quick off the line as well hold higher speeds with ease. Combine the potent drivetrain with the sporty exterior and interior highlights of the GTX Plus trim and you get a pocket rocket like no other.
Selectable drive modes, additional safety equipment like electronic stability control, vehicle stability management and traction control offer a layer of safety necessary when there is so much performance on tap. Features (in the GTX Plus variant) like a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 4.2-inch colour driver display, wireless charger, ventilated front seats add a premium factor to the package.
1.5 CRDi WGT 6-MT: For the Longer Drives
Just like the 1.2-litre petrol+manual transmission combination, this 1.5-litre diesel+manual combination is for those looking for a simple drivetrain. With an ARAI-certified fuel-efficiency of 24.1kmpl, this drivetrain offers more savings for those who drive a lot (ideally more than 2500km a month).
With 240Nm of peak torque available from a low 1500rpm, this engine is at home in the city – and with a six-speed gearbox, it is also in its element out on the highway. The drivetrain really shines on the highway where the tall sixth gear keeps it rolling effortlessly, the oodles of torque available at the tap of the accelerator to make that overtaking manoeuvre easy. Combine the torquey motor with typical SUV-like high ground clearance, supple suspension and a 45-litre tank you have mile muncher perfect for those long cross-state drives.
Available with all six trim levels, this drivetrain can be enjoyed by those looking for value as well those looking for a fully-loaded, premium compact-SUV.
1.5 CRDi VGT 6-AT: The Ultimate Combination
Performance, efficiency and convenience – you get the perfect balance with this drivetrain. A variable geometry turbo extracts even more performance from the 1.5-litre diesel engine, delivering an additional 14bhp and 10Nm while still returning close to 20kmpl of fuel-efficiency.
Couple this with the ultra-smooth six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission and the Kia Sonet is calming to drive in bumper-to-bumper traffic and fun to drive when the traffic disappears. Available with the HTK Plus and GTX Plus trims, this drivetrain complements the brilliant features the Kia Sonet range has to offer.
Now, you should have a good idea of which Kia Sonet drivetrain suits your needs and wants the best, contact your nearest Kia Dealership or click here to book one now!
Also Read: Want to know more about the premium features offered on the Kia Sonet? Click here.