In India, the Kia Sonet classifies as a sub-compact SUV as it measures under 4 meters in length to take advantage of the tax relaxations for vehicles under 4 meters. However, in Indonesia, the Sonet measures slightly longer than the India-spec model. And that has allowed Kia to add a third row of seats to the Sonet in Indonesia. The Korean carmaker teased the seven-seater version of the Sonet for the Indonesian market a few days ago, and now, they have debuted the SUV as the Sonet 7.
In Indonesia, the Kia Sonet measures 4,120
mm in length, 1,790 mm in width and 1,642 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of
2,500 mm. While the width, height and wheelbase are exactly identical to the
India-spec Sonet, the Indonesian-spec Sonet is 125mm longer. And that has given
Kia enough room to add a third row of seats without making absolutely any
design change. The Kia Sonet 7 looks exactly identical to the five-seater model
from every angle.
It is on the inside where the most notable
update has been brought. The Kia Sonet 7 comes equipped with a two small seats
that have been added to the boot, taking up the entire boot space. That means
if you have to use the boot, you will have to fold down the third row of seats.
You can access the third-row of seats by folding folding down the second row
which has a 60:40 split. That said, space on the third row wouldn't be generous
by any means given that the wheelbase hasn't increased. It will only be best
suited for kids. It also does not serve the purpose of practicality as you'll
have to choose between either the boot or the third-row of seats.
The interior of the Kia
Sonet 7 is absolutely identical to the standard 5-seater model. The dashboard
design is exactly identical and so is the equipment list. That means the Sonet
7 gets features such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple
CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, UVO Connect in-car connective features,
coloured digital instrument cluster, seven-speaker Bose audio, wireless
smartphone charging facility and LED ambient lighting.
The other big difference on the
Indonesian-spec Sonet is that it solely comes powered by a 1.5L, four-cylinder,
naturally aspirated petrol engine. This engine develops 115 hp and 144 Nm of peak
torque and comes mated to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or an IVT automatic
transmission. This engine is actually offered on the Kia Seltos and Hyundai
Creta in India. The Kia Sonet 7 is being manufactured here in India at the
company's plant in Anantapur and then sent to Indonesia.
