Kia Motors India has finally introduced the Sonet subcompact SUV in the country. Prices of the new compact SUV start from Rs 6.71 lakh and go up to Rs 11.99 lakh (all, ex-showroom). In this price range, it locks horns with cars like Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Ford EcoSport, Mahindra XUV300 and Tata Nexon. Let’s see where the new Kia subcompact SUV stands against one of its arch rival and segment-leader – Maruti Vitara Brezza.
Kia Sonet Vs Maruti Vitara Brezza – Price
Maruti Suzuki’s compact SUV comes in four trims – LXi, VXi, ZXi and ZXi+ – packed with a 105bhp, 1.5L petrol engine. The entry-level variant is currently available at Rs 7.34 lakh and the top-end model costs Rs 11.40 lakh (all, ex-showroom).
Kia’s new small SUV has been made available in 17 variants spread across two trims – Tech Line and GT Line – and with multiple engine and gearbox options. The 1.2L petrol variants are priced from Rs 6.71 lakh to Rs 10.49 lakh and the turbo petrol models cost between Rs 9.49 lakh – Rs 11.99 lakh. The Sonet diesel is available in the price range of Rs 8.05 lakh – Rs 11.99 lakh.
Kia Sonet Vs Vitara Brezza – Design
Maruti Vitara Brezza received a mid-life update early this year. Minor cosmetic changes have been made to the vehicle. It gets headlamps with chrome surround, large DRLs and turn indicators, wider chin, revised front bumper, larger fog lamp housings, a new set of 16-inch alloy wheels and updated rear bumper.
The all-new Kia Sonet has a modern and sporty design. Upfront, the compact SUV features Kia’s signature Tiger Nose grille with a knurled and chrome finished lower edge, slim headlamps with ‘heartbeat’ DRLs, sharply cut bumpers with fog lamp assembly, large air intake below which is a hexagonal mesh and silver finished garnish. The GT Line trim has sporty red highlights on the grille. The bulged bonnet looks muscular. Some of its other design highlights include 16-inch alloy wheels, ‘heartbeat’ signature LED taillamps connected via a reflector strip, rear bumper with sliver finish faux skid plate and faux twin exhaust trims. Read – Kia Sonet Vs Hyundai Venue
Kia Sonet Vs Maruti Vitara Brezza – Dimensions
In terms of length and width, the Kia Sonet and Maruti Vitara Brezza are same measuring 3995mm long and 1770mm wide. In fact, both models sit on a 2500mm long wheelbase. Compared to the Vitara Brezza, the Sonet is slightly taller (7mm) and offers 5mm higher ground clearance. Its overall height stands at 1647mm against 1640mm of the Vitara Brezza.
Kia Sonet Vs Maruti Vitara Brezza – Interior/Features
The updated Vitara Brezza comes with a new SmarPlay Studio 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The model also receives sporty all black interior theme, automatic wipers and cruise control. Features such as front centre armrest, leather wrapped steering wheel, height adjustable front seatbelts, 4 speakers with 2 tweeters, auto folding ORVMs and reverse parking camera are reserved for the top end trim. The standard kit includes tilt adjustable steering, multi information display, audio system with Bluetooth, AUX and USB support, manual AC unit, dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, front seatbelt pretensioner and Isofix child seat mounts. Read – Kia Sonet Vs Tata Nexon
The Kia Sonet, on the other hand, comes loaded with several segment-first features including the massive 10.25-inch infotainment system. It also offers wireless charging with cooling function, UVO connected car technology, LED sound mood lighting, drive and traction models, air purifier with virus protection, tyre pressure monitoring system, front parking sensors and many more.
Kia Sonet Vs Vitara Brezza – Engine Specs
The Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza shares its 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine with the Ciaz sedan, Ertiga and XL6 MPVs. The motor pushes out a peak power of 105hp against 138Nm of torque. The SUV can be had either with a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic gearbox. Suzuki’s SHVS mild-hybrid technology is available with automatic variants only.
Engine setup of the Sonet is similar to the Hyundai Venue. It comes with the 1.2L petrol, 1.0L direct-injection turbo-petrol and the 1.5L turbo-diesel options. Kia’s new compact SUV is available with as many as five gearbox options – a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual, a clutchless manual (or iMT), a torque-convertor automatic and dual-clutch auto.
Kia Sonet Vs Maruti Vitara Brezza – Mileage
The Indo-Japanese carmaker claims that the Vitara Brezza petrol-manual version offers an ARAI-rated fuel economy of 17.03kpl and the petrol-automatic promises 18.76kpl.
On the other hand, the Kia Sonet 1.2 delivers an ARAI certified fuel efficiency of 18.4kmpl. The 1.0L turbo petrol returns 18.2kmpl with iMT gearbox and 18.3kmpl with DCT automatic transmission. Mileage figures of the diesel engine stand at 24.1kmpl (MT) and 19kmpl (AT).
