NAZA Kia has been the brand guardian for Kia vehicles in Malaysia since the first ever Kia arrived in Malaysia. This was the first generation Sportage SUV and it was launched way back in 1997. Since then, Kia vehicles have seen good growth in Malaysia until the last few years when demand started faltering in Malaysia due to the lack of new exciting products being launched and the lack of branding against new emerging brands like Subaru and Mazda.
Now there is news that Kia in Malaysia will soon have a new brand guardian as Naza Kia has handed the brand guardianship over to BAuto (who is the brand guardian of Mazda in Malaysia under Bermaz) and with this we will see new Kia models being launched to keep Malaysian car buyers interested in the brand. One possible new product that might arrive is the all new compact crossover called Sonet.
With dimensions and cabin features to challenge the current segment favorite (Proton X50), the Sonet could be the product to boost Kia’s image in Malaysia.
Made where?
The Kia Sonet is the third product offering from Kia Motors in India. Yes, this is a Kia crossover that is designed and built in India and it will be exported to countries in the region in stages. Targeted at a demographic that is always connected to the world in more ways than one, the Sonet is designed to exceed customers' lifestyle and technology expectations.
With a modern, dynamic and bold design, the Sonet is equipped with several first-in-class features. These include head-turning looks, Kia's signature 'tiger-nose' grille, stepwell geometry within the grille mesh, 'tiger-eyeline' daytime running lights, and wide rear signature lighting.
Connected cabin
Inside, Kia Sonet is made for the young, social, connected, tech-savvy Indian. The cabin is fitted with a 10.25-inch infotainment and navigation system with UVO Connect, a Bose premium audio system, and an intelligent manual transmission (iMT).
Class best safety
Customer safety is well looked after with this compact crossover. More than two thirds of the Sonet’s body is made up of high strength and advanced high strength steel, creating a lightweight yet robust structure. Furthermore, Kia has ensured that every drive in the Sonet is as relaxing and safe as possible thanks to an array of safety measures, created in line with Kia’s own five pillars of safety: Active, Passive, Health, Security and Maintenance.
Among the Sonet’s key safety features are:
- Six airbags
- ABS (anti-lock braking system) with EBD (electronic brake force distribution)
- ESC (electronic stability control), HAC (hill-start assist control), VSM (vehicle stability management) and BA (brake assist)
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Projector fog lamps
- Highline tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
- Auto headlamps
- Isofix child-seat anchoring points
Powering the Sonet
With a choice of three engines and five transmissions, there is an engine-transmission combination for virtually every customer need in this segment. Two petrol engines which are a versatile Smartstream 1.2-liter four-cylinder and powerful 1.0 T-GDi and an efficient 1.5-liter CRDi diesel engine are offered.
The Kia Sonet comes with five transmission options: five and six-speed manuals, an intuitive seven-speed DCT, six-speed automatic, and Kia’s revolutionary new six-speed Smartstream intelligent manual transmission. Additionally, automatic variants of the Sonet offer Multi-Drive and Traction Modes for added convenience, driver-confidence and safety.
The Sonet is testament to Kia's focus on consumer insight-driven product innovation and orientation. We wait patiently for the re-emergence of the Kia brand in Malaysia with some familiar faces taking full charge of the brand. – The VIbes, November 30, 2020
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