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
2024 Kia Sonet Philippine Specifications
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)
Engine & Transmission
- 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
Exterior Features
- 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)
Interior Features
- 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)
Infotainment Features
- 8-inch Touchscreen with USB Port (10.25-inch for SX)
- Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth w/ Voice Recognition
- 6 Speakers
Kia DriveWise ADAS Features
- 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)
Safety & Security Features
- 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