In Pictures: Kia Sonet HTE(O), The Cheapest Sonet To Get A Sunroof

The Kia Sonet recently got two new optional variants based on the HTE and HTK variants. The Sonet has always been a well-equipped subcompact SUV offered at an attractive price. Moreover, with the launch of the new HTE(O), features like the sunroof have become even more attainable than before. 

Let’s take a look at the HTE (O) variant and what it packs. 

Design 

Coming to the front, you will see a couple of misses here and there, as it is based on the base variant. You get a pair of halogen headlights and miss out on the LED DRLs which are offered on higher variants. It gets the redesigned grille which was offered with the facelift but does not get the piano black finish on it. The aggressively styled front gets a silver skid plate to add a touch of ruggedness to the overall look.

In profile, it sits on 15-inch steel wheels with plastic covers. Also, even though it's the base variant, it gets body-coloured door handles and ORVMs.

The rear features the redesigned halogen taillights which get the connected strip, but without the illumination. It also gets a rear silver skid plate which gives a bit of contrast to the overall look of the car.

Interior  

Enter the Sonet and you will see the all-black cabin with silver inserts on the AC vents, steering wheel and the lower center console for contrast. To compliment the all-black look, you get black fabric upholstery. It misses out on a music system, which you get from the HTK variant onwards. 

Features 

The features listed here are pretty basic as you would expect from a base variant. However, you get a sunroof and a sunglasses holder over the base HTE variant making it the cheapest Kia Sonet to get a sunroof. 

The essential features that it offers are: manual AC, front power windows, central locking, 12V power socket, rear AC vents, and USB Type-C charging outlets for the rear occupants. 

Safety is taken care of by six airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, electronic stability control, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Powertrain 

In the Kia Sonet HTE(O) variant, you get to choose between two engines. You get the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine generating  82 PS and 115 Nm, paired with a 5-speed manual and the diesel engine with the familiar 1.5-litre unit making 116 PS and 250 Nm, teamed with a 6-speed manual.
For more power, the Sonet also gets a 1-litre turbo-petrol engine, but with the higher variants. 

Price and Rivals

Kia Sonet HTE (O) variant is offered at Rs 8.19 lakh for the petrol variant and Rs 10 lakh for the diesel variant (ex-showroom). You end up paying a premium of Rs 20,000 over the base HTE variant of the Sonet. This price addition seems more than justified, especially if you want a sunroof.

The Sonet locks horns with the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Brezza, Mahindra XUV 300 and Renault Kiger.

Image Credits: Vipraajesh (AutoTrend)