Drive Review: The 2024 Kia Sonet GTX+ Delivers Everyday Versatility with a Dash of Wild
Over nine days, the 2024 Kia Sonet GTX+ was our trusted companion across Delhi NCR’s vibrant streets and sprawling suburbs. And this compact SUV proved to be more than just a stylish addition to our garage. It’s a well-rounded package that blends style, performance, and technology, with a sharp focus on creature comfort and on-road safety. However, like every automobile, it has its strengths and areas for improvement. That said, this offering ranks high on the satisfaction scale for young, upwardly mobile users and their nuclear families, proving equally adept in both metros and smaller towns across India.
Design: A Bold First Impression
The Kia Sonet GTX+ demands attention with its sporty, modern, and slightly aggressive design. Upfront, Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille, flanked by sharp LED headlamps and DRLs, commands road presence. The blacked-out grille with red accents on the GTX+ trim adds an edgy, youthful vibe. Its profile is well-proportioned for a compact SUV, featuring roof rails, muscular wheel arches housing 16-inch alloys, and a near-perfect stance.
At the rear, wraparound LED connected tail lamps, a high-mounted stop lamp, shark-fin antenna, spoiler, and faux skid plate complete the design elegantly.
Cabin & Interiors: Tech Meets Comfort
Step inside, and the Sonet GTX+ welcomes you with a tech-forward, well-appointed cabin. Dual-tone black and beige interiors with chrome accents lend a premium yet practical feel. While some features might seem excessive for everyday use, the satisfaction of having them is undeniable. The 10.25″ HD touchscreen infotainment system serves as the centrepiece, seamlessly integrated into the dashboard. However, the absence of wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is noticeable. Thankfully, a USB-A and C-Type charger in the front and two C-Type ports in the rear ensure passengers stay connected.
Creature comforts include ventilated front seats, a 4-way powered driver seat, rear sunshade curtains, wireless phone charging, and a premium 7-speaker Bose sound system that elevates the driving experience. Rear passengers get dedicated AC vents and adjustable headrests, but legroom feels slightly restrictive for taller individuals.
The tubular inserts and seat patterns have a bit of an aftermarket vibe, which may not appeal to everyone. Additionally, rear seat cushioning feels firm for long journeys, and the limited under-thigh support doesn’t help matters.
Features & Technology: Packing A Punch
The Sonet GTX+ is loaded with tech. The driver benefits from a crisp digital instrument cluster with integrated turn-by-turn navigation. A standout feature is the turn-view cameras mounted on the outer rearview mirrors. These provide a live feed on the driver display when signalling a turn, significantly reducing the risk of collisions by revealing overtaking vehicles. Kia’s UVO connected car features enhance convenience, offering remote start, climate control, and live location tracking via a smartphone app. While impressive, the tech suite does have a learning curve, especially for first-time users; and nine days didn’t feel like enough to fully explore its potential.
Performance & Driving Pleasure
The 2024 Kia Sonet GTX+ comes in two engine choices – a 1.0L turbocharged petrol engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), and a fairly refined 1.5 CRDi VGT Diesel Engine mated to a 6-speed AT. There is also a Smartstream 1.2L Petrol Engine available at the entry level. The engine offers brisk acceleration once the turbo spools up, though there’s a mild lag at lower RPMs. Drive modes – Eco, Normal, and Sport – add a layer of personalisation, allowing you to tailor performance to different road conditions or driving moods. Features like cruise control with manual speed limit assist and paddle shifters further enhance adaptability, whether you’re in the mood for a relaxed cruise or a spirited drive.
In Delhi’s stop-and-go traffic, the transmission impressed with quick shifts, though occasional jerkiness at crawling speeds is a common trade-off that one has to live with. On open roads, Sport mode comes alive, delivering eager performance and sharp handling, while Eco and Normal modes prioritise efficiency. During our test drive, we achieved an average fuel efficiency of 15.2 km/l, which is reasonable considering the mixed driving conditions.
The Sonet GTX+ offers confident driving dynamics across terrains. Its compact dimensions make navigating tight urban spaces effortless, while its nimble handling inspires confidence in city traffic. On highways, the SUV remains planted even at higher speeds, with minimal body roll during cornering. The suspension strikes a commendable balance between comfort and control, effectively absorbing bumps and potholes while maintaining stability. However, the steering, while light and easy to maneuver in urban conditions, could benefit from more feedback to enhance engagement on spirited drives. Overall, the Sonet GTX+ delivers a predictable and composed ride, whether for daily commutes or weekend road trips.
Passenger Comfort & Practicality
Passenger comfort gets attention with features like ventilated front seats, while the Bose sound system provides a quality listening experience (though not the best in Bose’s lineup). The rear seats are firm but stable, and three adults can manage short journeys with moderate comfort.
The 392L boot space is generous for weekend trips, accommodating family luggage and gear with ease. Practical storage spaces, including cup holders and door bins, make everyday usability seamless.
While the Sonet comes with a mini sunroof, a panoramic option would make the cabin feel more spacious and airy.
Safety: A Confident Package
The Sonet GTX+ doesn’t compromise on safety, featuring six airbags, ABS with EBD, hill-start assist, and electronic stability control as standard. The braking performance was predictable and confidence-inspiring, even during sudden stops. Features like a 360-degree camera and blind-view monitor in the cluster enhance safety and convenience, further solidifying its position as one of the safest compact SUVs in its segment.
The Verdict
The 2024 Kia Sonet GTX+ is smooth, stable, and responsive, offering balanced performance and a rich feature set. Built for the young and the restless, it’s ideal for urban professionals, nuclear families, and anyone seeking a stylish, tech-laden compact SUV. A significant step up from regular hatchbacks or entry-level SUVs, the Sonet GTX+ packs aspirational features into a practical and affordable package.
Its compact dimensions and tight turning radius make it perfect for city traffic, while its confident highway performance adds versatility. At INR 14.71 lacs (ex-showroom), it delivers good value for first-time SUV buyers or as a second car for urban use. While there’s room for improvement in rear-seat comfort and certain features, the Sonet GTX+ offers a refined driving experience that strikes a fine balance between aspiration and practicality.
With its stylish design, robust feature set, and dependable performance, the Sonet GTX+ is well-suited to a diverse audience, reinforcing its position as a vehicle of choice in the compact SUV segment.
