ROTIMI ASHER
The much-anticipated compact SUV, Kia Sonet is now available to customers in Nigeria, following its introduction to the nation’s motoring journalists on Friday in the company of its sibling, the all-new Seltos SUV.
Developed ground-up to set new benchmarks in design, technology, dynamics and safety, the new Sonet offers a first-in-class six-speed automatic, alongside a wide choice of powertrains
Commenting on the relevance of the vehicle to Kia’s vision, the Group Managing Director, Dana Motors and Kia Nigeria, Jacky Hathiramani said: “For Sonet, Kia had manufactured a vision inspired by our young, ingenious customers who crave simplicity and seamlessness in their lives.
“The Sonet delivers on features that are simply not found in models belonging to the same compact SUV category. Packed with first-in-class, purposeful features and technologies, Our Nigeria customers will find in the Sonet a smart companion to navigate the needs of life.”
Addressing the newsmen before the unveiling, the Assistant Vice President, Sales, Debanjan Paul, described the Sonet as a car that parades all the features and specifications that auto lovers and enthusiasts are looking for.
He said: “All over the world, the trend is that people have started accepting this entry-level SUV. Basically, the target customer for entry-level is a small family probably having their first car.
“Like you may know, nowadays, people love to do off-roading and go for a long drive and they look for safe vehicles with high ground clearance along with comfort. The Sonet has been built to deliver that. It is a 1.5L engine assembled in our plant.
“The review we receive about the vehicle is that the engine is punchy with a lot of torque and power. The driving pleasure is beautiful. The reason why we bring this vehicle is because it is something our customers will like to see. At the end of the day, after buying the vehicle, you know you have spent your hard-earned money wisely at this crisis period.”
“With this car, we have tried to bring the best possible features with leather seat, camera at the backside, sensor apart from the normal features you see in modern SUV,’’ he added.
Styling
Boasting of key features that place it in a league of its own within the compact SUV segment, The new Kia Sonet comes with a dynamic stance in a confident and compact body, including a fresh interpretation of Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose grille, ‘heartbeat’ LED DRLs (daytime running lights), and a stylish front skid plate beneath.
First unveiled as a concept in Delhi, India, during the Auto Expo 2020, Kia Sonet has, within a year, metamorphosed to reality, incorporating Kia’s DNA of emotive styling along with a premium appeal, which creates a strong presence on road.
Equipment
Fitted with the largest and the best in class 10.25-inch (26.03 cm) HD, the Sonet also comes with other smart features such as multi-drive & traction modes, and grip control for automatic models.
Designed around the driver with a well laid-out, intuitive infotainment and cluster interface, the Sonet was built taking into consideration the end user’s experience, harboring functional qualities in every inch of its ergonomic space.
Power
Powered by a 1.5-liter MPI engine with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Sonet comes with multiple powertrain options which can be customized to suit the requirements of the driver.
Safety
In line with Kia Motors’ safety tradition, more than two-thirds of the Sonet’s body consists of high strength and advanced high strength steel, which creates a robust yet lightweight structure.
To match the needs of a wide array of customer preferences, the Sonet will be available in a dual trim concept that includes a sporty GT-Line trim. Enhancing the Sonet’s athletic and energetic appeal, the GT-Line models offer sportiness both inside and out. Customers who are looking for a sharp, dynamic road presence have the choice to opt for this trim.
Also adding his voice to the positive characters of the car, the Marketing Manager, Kia Nigeria, Olawale Jimoh described Sonet as an SUV built to the world-leading standards, pioneering segment-leading features, and design that naturally nestles itself into the increasingly demanding urban lives of individuals.
His words: “Kia has formulated the Sonet, using a Kia technology, which gives you the best in the segment. It comes with a fuel economy 1.5L injection engine. Sonet is impressive. Though a small SUV, it is very roomy and gives the best driving experience while driving. It gives you what you want to do in terms of legroom.
“The Sonet is now available in Nigeria at all Kia Showrooms. Customers can contact their nearest Kia outlet to know more about the Sonet.”
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