Kia Sonet: A Guide to the Best Variants Under Rs 14 Lakh for the Performance Enthusiast

Looking for the best performance cars in India? Wondering what are some of the high-performance car models in the market? Today, we take a look at the compact SUV, Kia Sonet, and find out which of its variants will appeal to performance enthusiasts.

In this guide, we will share

• What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
• Kia Sonet – A comprehensive analysis of its variants, performance, style & features
• How to pick the right car for you

The Kia Sonet is among the best-equipped cars in the compact SUV segment, and offers a choice of engine and gearbox combinations, which a performance enthusiast appreciates. What else does it have to offer? Read on.

What a Performance Enthusiast Looks for in a Car

Here’s what to look for in a car as a performance enthusiast:

• Acceleration and Speed – How quickly a car accelerates, what is its top speed
• Power – How it pulls weight, how is its high speed stability, does it feel strained while going up the hills, or with AC on
• Agility – How it behaves while turning at speeds
• Driving Experience/Handling – Is the gearbox smooth and responsive, how is its steering/braking performance

Performance enthusiasts seek vehicles that deliver impressive acceleration, responsive engines, and superior handling abilities. They prioritize features such as engine power and torque, high-speed stability, braking performance, and the type of transmission.

Furthermore, agility, ground clearance, and power delivery play significant roles. A quality audio system for a captivating driving experience and innovative features and gadgets for a touch of luxury and convenience are also important.

Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500

Why Kia Sonet is Popular

Kia Sonet appeals to performance enthusiasts due to its powerful engines, excellent handling, and the ability to deliver high performance across various terrains. It provides impressive acceleration, making it a suitable choice for enthusiasts who love speed.

The advanced transmission systems, such as DCT and iMT, offer smooth and responsive driving experiences. Its stability at high speeds, agile nature, and minimal turbo lag, ensure a thrilling drive.

Furthermore, the Sonet features high-end Bose audio systems in certain variants, providing superior sound quality for an enhanced driving experience.

Kia Sonet Variants Shortlist in Rs 12-14 Lakh Range

Variant	Price (INR) as on 2 August 2023
GTX Plus Turbo iMT	₹ 1,309,000
HTX Anniversary Edition AT	₹ 1,345,000
1.5 HTX Plus Diesel	₹ 1,355,000
GTX Plus Turbo DCT	₹ 1,369,000
1.5 GTX Plus Diesel	₹ 1,389,000

Kia Sonet GTX Plus Turbo iMT

The GTX Plus Turbo iMT offers agility and a quick engine response with a petrol engine and manual transmission, suiting enthusiasts who prefer control over their driving. If you’re a long-distance road trip lover, you can read our comparison of the Kia Sonet with Maruti Suzuki Brezza.

Kia Sonet HTX Anniversary Edition AT

The HTX Anniversary Edition AT boasts an impressive DCT transmission and comes with peaky power delivery, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer automatics without compromising on the thrill.

Kia Sonet HTX Plus Diesel

The 1.5 HTX Plus Diesel, with its diesel engine, offers high torque, minimal turbo lag, and responsive handling, suiting enthusiasts who desire power with fuel efficiency. We also have our comparison of the Kia Sonet with Hyundai Venue for style-conscious buyers.

Kia Sonet GTX Plus Turbo DCT

The GTX Plus Turbo DCT offers an agile drive with fast power delivery and minimal turbo lag due to its advanced DCT transmission, ensuring an exhilarating driving experience.

Kia Sonet GTX Plus Diesel

Finally, the 1.5 GTX Plus Diesel, with its diesel engine and linear power delivery, suits enthusiasts looking for torquey performance and superior fuel efficiency. You can also check out how the Kia Sonet stacks up against Maruti Suzuki Fronx in terms of performance.

Our Pick for the Best Kia Sonet Variant for Performance Enthusiasts

The GTX Plus Turbo DCT emerges as the best option for performance enthusiasts. The variant delivers a seamless blend of performance, control, and convenience.

Its petrol engine, along with a 7-gear DCT, ensures fast and responsive power delivery. The advanced features such as steering-mounted controls, alloy wheels, and wireless charging add to the overall driving experience.

The variant also provides impressive agility, stability, and quick engine responsiveness, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who love a thrilling drive.

The Top 3 Choices

The Kia Sonet GTX Plus Turbo DCT, 1.5 GTX Plus Diesel, and HTX Anniversary Edition AT emerge as the top three choices.

Variant	Price (INR)	Agility	Audio System	Engine – power (BHP)	Engine – Torque (Nm)	Transmission – Auto Type	Turbo lag	Wheel Type
GTX Plus Turbo DCT	1,369,000	Yes	Bose	118.36	172	DCT	Minimal	Alloy
1.5 GTX Plus Diesel	1,389,000	Yes	Bose	98.63	240	None	Minimal	Alloy
HTX Anniversary Edition AT	1,345,000	Yes	Arkamys	118.36	172	DCT	Noticeable	Alloy

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• Kia Sonet GTX Plus Turbo DCT delivers a seamless blend of performance, control, and convenience. It has a petrol engine with a 7-gear DCT, and minimal turbo lag.
• The 1.5 GTX Plus Diesel has a lower BHP figure than the GTX Plus Turbo DCT, but stands out with its high torque delivery.
• The HTX Anniversary Edition AT comes with a DCT transmission but is priced lower. However, it has a noticeable turbo lag.

These variants provide a perfect mix of power, agility, and features. They offer a robust and quick engine response, minimal turbo lag, alloy wheels, and advanced audio systems. They make for excellent choices for any performance enthusiast seeking an exhilarating driving experience.

If you’re interested in reading more such guides to popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.

Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered