Kia’s latest Sonet crossover launched in Singapore, priced at S$109,999 with COE; first to offer new Kia Connect Lite connectivity service

Photos: Kia and Derryn Wong

SINGAPORE

Kia has launched its new Sonet crossover in Singapore, with the model retailing for S$109,999 inclusive of COE. The Sonet slots in between the Stonic and Seltos in Kia’s local SUV lineup, but more significantly, it also introduces Kia’s new Connect Lite connectivity service in Singapore for the first time.

Kia Connected Lite offers mobile connected car services, accessible through a mobile app on the owner’s smartphone. Such services are already being offered by premium carmakers such as BMW and Audi, but this is the first time that a mainstream Asian brand is offering a similar feature for customers in this segment in Singapore.

The Kia Connected Lite app allows owners to remotely start and stop the car’s engine, lock and unlock the car, and pre-set the car’s climate control system before entering the vehicle. It also displays the car’s various diagnostic data, including tyre pressure, fuel level, battery status and mileage, as well as alert the owner to any faults that the car may have.

Kia’s other compact crossover features a mild hybrid drivetrain that promise excellent efficiency

In addition, the Kia Connected Lite app is connected to the myC&C app from official Kia distributor Cycle & Carriage, which means that owners can book servicing appointments seamlessly, and track their vehicle’s maintenance status from their phone.

Other information that Kia Connected Lite can display include real time driving logs and information, as well as an emergency assist feature that can alert a pre-registered contact when the car’s airbags are activated in the event of an emergency.

The Kia Connected Lite service will be rolled out on the Sonet first, and gradually introduced onto selected Kia models from the second quarter of 2022 on a subscription basis. The pricing scheme for the service is illustrated in the table below, with a subsidised rate available for owners who take up Kia’s Care Plan servicing package. But Kia is also offering a complimentary two-year subscription to the service with the purchase of a new Sonet, subject to terms and conditions, with the offer valid till 31 March 2022.

As for the car itself, the Sonet is a compact crossover that’s similar in general dimensions to the Stonic, but with a taller stance, more akin to the Hyundai Venue. The Sonet measures in at 4,120mm long, 1,790mm wide and 1,642mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,500mm long. In comparison, the Stonic is 4,140mm long, 1,760mm wide and 1,500mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,580mm long

Power comes from a 1.5-litre petrol engine that produces 115hp and 144Nm of torque, allowing it to go from 0-100km/h in 11 seconds. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.4L/100km, and the car sits in the neutral B band under the Vehicular Emissions Scheme (VES).

Just one trim level will be available for now, the Sonet SX, and it comes standard with features such as LED headlights and daytime running lights, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a wireless smartphone charger, ventilated front seats, and a sunroof.

As mentioned above, the Sonet retails for S$109,999 inclusive of COE, which puts it slightly above its similarly-sized Stonic sibling. The price tag however undercuts a significant number of its other competitors like the Hyundai Venue and Suzuki Ignis, and with the availability of the Kia Connect Lite feature, the Sonet looks set to steal a march on its rivals with its segment-first tech.

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