By Otsile Kadiege

The compact SUV segment is quite a competitive segment with automaker’s from Japan, China and Korea pulling all the stops to be better than the rest. One such an automaker is Kia which recently  took the veils off the spruced up version of the popular Sonet thanks to X-Line treatment. This package adds a bunch of cosmetic updates as well as a number of new features.

Sonet X-Line exterior styling

Starting with the Sonet X-Line’s exterior styling. Up front, the Sonet X-Line features a the brand’s signature and distinctive ‘Tiger Nose’ grille which is larger and is finished in Piano Black and knurling patterns. The latter is falnked by Crown Jewel LED headlights with Heartbeat LED daytime running lights. Other telltales which set the Sonet X-Line apart from the rest of the crop is an exclusive front skid plate in Piano Black and exclusive fog lamp garnish in dark chrome.

Apart from a set of newly designed 16-inch (215/60R16) crystal cut alloy wheels with high gloss black accents, much of its side profile remains untouched. Like the front end the rear also gets a Piano Black rear skid plate with Hyper Metal accents. Another exclusive feature is the new Matte Graphite body paint.

Sonet X-Line interior styling and technology

Inside, the Sonet X-Line features dual-tone leatherette seats with orange stitching and ‘X-Line’ lettering for the front seats. It also features a leatherette flat-bottom multifunctional steer wheel with paddle shifters. Other noteworthy features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen with AI voice recognition, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, smartphone wireless charging, ventilated front seats and a Bose 7-speaker sound system.

Sonet X-Line powertrains

Powering the Sonet X-Line is either a 1.0-litre T-GDi petrol engine or a 1.5-litre CRDI engine. The former makes 88kW and 172Nm whilst the latter makes 85kW and 250Nm. The petrol engine is paired to a 7-speed DCT gearbox and the diesel is solely available with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Kia South Africa is yet to confirm local availability.