KIA Sonet

• The 1.5L petrol 4-cylinder, which is quite efficient for the size of the SUV, produces 115 hp of power and 144 Nm of torque. It's competent but not quick. The engine feels responsive in city traffic, handling stop-and-go without any issue at all. On the highway with higher speeds, it works just fine.
• The CVT transmission is the real standout here, which is extremely smooth. Unlike some CVTs that feel rubber-banded, the Sonet's version feels linear and natural. In city driving, this smoothness is genuinely noticeable.
• Real-world fuel economy sits around 17.3 km/litre, which is excellent for a compact SUV. Highway driving with steady speeds can approach 20 km/litre. Even in heavy stop-and-go traffic, you'll see 16+ km/litre.
• Dimensions are 4,120mm long, 1,790mm wide, 1,610mm tall, with a 2,500mm wheelbase. The compact footprint makes parking straightforward. 
• The high ground clearance of 205mm is useful for potholes and rough surfaces without being serious off-road capability.
• The 45-litre fuel tank is quite enough for city use and weekend drives.

Some limitations:

• The engine sounds strained when pushed hard. It's not designed for spirited acceleration.
• At sustained high speeds, you may experience wind noise
• The CVT has limits, pushes hard and it feels okay, not sporty.
• Body roll in corners is present. It prioritises comfort over sporty handling.

• The Sonet has a clear priority, which is smooth, comfortable city driving over sportiness.
• Suspension tuning is soft. On smooth roads, the ride is genuinely comfortable. Small bumps are absorbed well. Highway cruising is relaxed and pleasant.
• Over rough pavement or severe speed bumps, you feel impacts more than in more expensive cars. The soft tuning has limits.
• Steering is light and responsive. Easy to park and manoeuvre through traffic. It lacks weight and feedback, but that's not the Sonet's purpose. At low speeds, it feels effortless. At highway speeds, it feels adequate but not engaging.
• The CVT keeps the engine at optimal efficiency. You rarely hear it working hard.
• Road noise is present at highway speeds, especially at high speeds.  The engine noise during acceleration is noticeable but not excessive.
• The compact wheelbase makes the Sonet nimble in city traffic. Threading through congested streets is genuinely easy. The short turning radius helps with tight parking.

Honest compromises:

• Extended highway drives reveal the modest insulation. Plan for background noise.
• The suspension, while comfortable, isn't refined enough for ultimate smoothness.
• Poor road surfaces will be felt in the cabin more than in premium vehicles.

• The 10.25-inch touchscreen on higher trims is impressive at this price. The interface is seamless and easy to adopt, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto working perfectly. The USB-C charging ports are practical for daily needs. Lower trims get an 8-inch screen, which is still decent but noticeably smaller.
• Climate control is automatic on most trims. Rear AC vents cool the back seats. The system handles Saudi heat adequately, though full cabin load on extreme days will test it.
• Seating comfort is solid, and the premium leatherette (which is not genuine leather) is durable and looks intentional, doesn’t feel cheap. Front seats have ventilation on higher trims, useful in summer. Rear legroom is better than you'd expect for a compact SUV. Two adults fit comfortably; three will be tighter.
• The 385-litre boot is spacious with 60/40 split-folding rear seats, and you get flexibility for cargo scenarios. The interior storage includes practical cup holders, door pockets, and centre console space.
• Ambient interior lighting with multiple colour options adds modern appeal without being gimmicky.
• Power windows are automatic all around. Smart entry and push-button start are standard on most trims. Keyless entry is intuitive.

Honest observations:

• The leatherette, while durable, doesn't feel premium. It's an honest material choice at this price.
• The 8-inch touchscreen on base models feels cramped after experiencing the 10.25-inch display.
• Rear legroom, while good, shows limitations with three full-size adults.

• Six airbags are standard for the driver, front passenger, side-impact, and curtain. ABS with electronic brake-force distribution prevents lockup. Electronic stability control aids traction, Hill-Start Assist handles inclines.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System alerts you to underinflation, quite important in Saudi heat.
• Rear camera and parking sensors are standard on most trims, and 360-degree camera systems are available on higher variants.
• Higher trims add ADAS features: front collision warning, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, and blind spot detection. These perfectly work and provide real peace of mind in traffic.

What's standard:

• Stability control, ABS and dual airbags across all trims. Pre-tensioning seatbelts. Electronic parking brake.

What to watch out for:

• The Sonet hasn't received independent crash testing from Euro NCAP yet for the current generation.