Take a look at the 2024 Kia Sonet

SUVs and crossovers are plenty in the automotive market, almost every brand has one and they’re the type of car that people go after these days. Why? That’s because people simply prefer the ease of using taller cars than ones that ride low, especially when we take into account the varying road conditions of the Philippines.

As the popularity of crossovers and SUVs rises, automakers are starting to offer more affordable high-riding vehicles. Of course, a majority of people don’t need a large, lumbering SUV and just want a car with a bit of ground clearance and a roomy interior. Here in the Philippines, the only automakers that offer compact, high-riding crossovers are Toyota, Geely, Chery, and Kia.

Among the subcompact crossovers offered by those brands, the Raize from Toyota sits at the throne in terms of popularity. Competitors for the Raize come in the form of the recently introduced Geely GX3 Pro and the Kia Stonic. Those two are the only subcompact crossover that can trade blows with the Raize. But, if we’re being completely honest, the Stonic isn’t really designed to compete with the Raize with its low stance and low roof. 

So, what car should Kia put in the ring with the Raize? Overseas, Kia has a subcompact crossover that is more suited to trade blows with the Toyota Raize called the Kia Sonet. Launched back in 2020 for India, Latin America, and a select Southeast Asian markets, the Sonet is a subcompact crossover SUV based on the Hyundai Venue. Now that we’re in 2024, Kia is refreshing the Sonet with an updated exterior and more tech features. 

On the front, the 2024 Sonet gets an updated version of Kia’s trademark “Tiger Face” grille, a flashier set of headlights, and Kia’s new minimalist badge. Inside, the Sonet’s interior is largely unchanged except for the center console which has been updated along with a fully digital instrument cluster.

Powertrain choices start with a 1.2-liter, four-cylinder engine delivering 82 hp and 115 Nm of torque. Following this is a 1.5-liter turbodiesel variant, generating 115 hp and 250 Nm of torque. Additionally, there is a 1.0-liter, turbocharged three-cylinder option, pumping out 120 hp and 172 Nm of torque. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual, six-speed manual, six-speed automated manual, six-speed automatic, and a seven-speed dual-clutch.

Compared to the Stonic, the Sonet is 105 mm shorter, 55 mm wider, and 78 mm taller. These body dimensions combined with the engine choices make it a perfect candidate as a direct competitor for the Raize. That is, of course, if Kia Philippines decides to bring the Sonet into the country. For now, you can still check out other vehicles on AutoDeal.com.ph while we wait for a car that can rival the legendary Raize.