The vertically oriented dash design is another way in which Kia has mixed things up with the Sonet.
But the layout feels slightly disjointed, especially against the straightforward dials in the Carnival and Seltos. The large LCD speedo and MID between the vertical dials are equally eye-catching and legible.
KELEMAHAN KIA CARNIVAL DIESEL MANUAL DRIVER
The instrument cluster in front of the driver is a big departure from the one in the Seltos.
KELEMAHAN KIA CARNIVAL DIESEL MANUAL MANUAL
The UVO system can now remote start a manual car, same as what was seen on the Creta, although new are voice commands to operate windows, the air purifier and even the climate control modes, among other things. So you get navigation and an even more expanded list of connected car features. It's a straight lift from the Seltos and brings with it all of its functionality and ease of use. The segment-leading 10.25-inch touchscreen seen on top-spec cars catches your eye first. The interiors of the Sonet break away from convention as well. Sure, there have been other, boxier cars in this segment that have as much or more cohesion to their look, but the Sonet brings a sense of richness and complexity that is missing elsewhere. The ornamental exhaust tips and diffuser spruce this part of the Sonet up further. Similarly at the rear, the distinctive full-width strip between the blocky LED taillamps and the concave treatment of the boot lid below that, cover what would otherwise have been masses of flat sheet metal. The unique treatment to the C-Pillar with the functional, ridged gloss-black inserts removes a lot of visual bulk from the top of the car, as do those prominent haunches over the rear wheels. In profile, the Sonet makes good work of bringing the traditional long bonnet and squat rear-end look to an SUV, especially commendable given the length constraints in this segment. The red and gloss black highlights and red-highlighted 205/60 R16 dual-tone wheels on the GT Line seen here adds another layer to this sense of purpose. This sense becomes accentuated by details like the knurled chrome strip cradling the grille, the sculpted edges to the bonnet and the large air dam(which handles most of the airflow into the engine) with those silver-finished knuckles and the deep-set fog-lamp inserts. These traditionally-placed, crisp, segmented LED units are refreshing after the recent wave of split-headlamp SUVs. It's more deep-set and condensed in this form, and in conjunction with the compact headlamps creates a very athletic face.
Another interpretation of the Tiger Nose grille continues to be front and centre. The Sonet's look is a more extroverted take on Kia's design concept but developed keeping in mind what Indian customers expect. The question is though, is the Sonet a worthy follow-up to the segment-busting Seltos and Carnival? And can it fully capitalize on the brand value that these two cars have generated so far, and turn it into truly mainstream success? Some time behind the wheel should answer that. But that's not really surprising, is it? The Sonet promises all the qualities that Kia has very quickly become known for - great looks, thoughtful packaging and a nice drive - in a more compact and consequently at a more affordable price point. At least that's what it feels like whenever we speak about it or are even seen in one.
As far as big cars go, there seems to be nothing bigger at the moment than the fairly diminutive Kia Sonet.