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Introduction -The first love

I've always been a car guy. As a kid, I remember visiting Bangalore and naming most cars on the street to the awe of my parents and relatives. I still have a car collection (photos) from newspapers and magazines neatly stickered into a notebook last updated in the mid-2000s. I would bug a particular relative at family events about his then-Mahindra 540 and ask questions to no end, but he was patient enough to answer my questions. Buying car toys was a ritual, and I still have a small collection of hot wheels and other car toys.

However, we never had a car in the family, only 2 wheelers. It wasn't until 2018 that I set out to buy a pre-owned first gen Baleno sedan. After trying a lot and eventually failing to find a decent example, I ended up getting a pre-owned Ikon 1.6.


Nothing quite like a Ford!

I had a short stint of ownership with the car, but it was a pure driving pleasure.

Pros:
• Solid low-end torque for an NA engine. Just release the clutch & the car jumped ahead eagerly. The 1.6 petrol engine had a diesel-like low-end nature
• Telepathic hydraulic steering. Fantastic feel and feedback paired with point-and-shoot capability was a dream combo that impressed me every time I took her out
• Great handling. No surprises here, given the Ikon is a low-slung sedan from the Ford stable. The car had zero body roll & felt like it was on rails


Cons:
• My car was a 2001 model meaning it had a handful of niggles. I knew this going into the purchase, but the low purchase cost and the thirst to own a driver’s car & my first car made me overlook these concerns. The steering column had leaks despite multiple services and the brief upkeep burnt a hole in my pocket. My FNG at the time also proved to be untrustworthy and a greedy fellow
• For how good a driver's car the Ikon 1.6 is, the brakes are its Achilles heels, and that's an understatement. I experienced a heart-in-my-mouth moment on a highway during an abrupt braking scenario
• Power tapers off at higher RPMs making for an average top-end. I believe this is a trade-off for the superb low-end torque of the NA engine
• While approaching speed breakers (Bangalore, duh) fully pressing the clutch would lead to the car switching off. No amount of rectification from my FNG solved this issue. I trusted this FNG too much while he just wanted to make a quick buck, so I ended up ditching him later
• Mileage was around 10-11 kmpl(city) which wasn't a deal breaker for me then

After 3-4 months of ownership, my Ikon was lying around driven very rarely. Due to changes in my work schedule, I couldn't find time to drive the car often. After some contemplation, I posted an ad in OLX and sold the car.

Here is the list of cars that I've driven over the years, just to give you an idea of what I'm accustomed to (in no particular order)
• 1987 Maruti 800, Alto, Stingray, Figo 1st gen diesel, Swift 1.3 DDIS, I20 1.4 CRDI, Vento 1.6 TDI, Polo 1.0 TSI & even an Audi A4 recently, thanks to friends.

The itch to get a new car was always there. Once you drive a Ford, nothing comes close to the driving experience. So the first option was naturally something from that stable. I generally prefer petrol, but having heard good things about the Ford's TDCI engine (and experiencing many fun diesels myself), I wanted to go with diesel this time.
I chose the Freestyle, considering the limited budget, but the family preferred Ecosport. During this phase, Ford abruptly announced they'd be leaving India. Although the idea of a discounted Ecosport was alluring, I quickly dismissed the idea.

Heartbreak-The XUV 300 saga

Next in line was Nexon. Everyone at home liked it, and the looks of the second-gen had grown on me, albeit the rear design. I registered for a test drive. While waiting, I also considered XUV300. I had my eyes set on this car for some time and read good reviews from enthusiasts. A test drive wouldn't hurt, eh?

I get a call from Mahindra within an hour confirming a test drive. Boy, my excitement levels spiked! As promised, the Mahindra executive arrived shortly at my home with a White XUV 300 W8(O) Diesel.

XUV 300 Test drive impressions:

Pros:
• The superb pull of the 1.5 diesel, thanks to the 300NM of torque
• The refined diesel motor was a pleasant surprise. Diesels were supposed to be cluttery(from my driving experience with Volkswagen, Ford & Skoda)
• Sorted driving dynamics for the body type. Coming from something like Ikon I didn't expect an apples-to-apples comparison but the handling was balanced & body roll minimal
• Spacious, airy interiors meant comfortable long drives with the family. The white/beige interiors gave it a breathable ambiance
• Solid feel, 5-star crash rating, and 7 airbags provided a feel-good safety factor

Cons:
• Abysmal boot space. Long drives to native and outstations needed planning for luggage placement
• Annoyingly Long clutch travel paired with a weird actuation point. I noticed RPM automatically rise at the said actuation point while shifting gears. I overlooked this then, but I am thankful I don't have to deal with it now
• The rear reverse camera was just okay. Infotainment and dash buttons looked basic, though these weren't deal breakers
• Turbo lag was evident, especially during the power buildup in the first gear
• Mahindra was not known for its excellent service pedigree. I overlooked this since we were impressed with the car and believed having a good relationship with the service advisor would help

2 weeks had passed since the XUV 300 test drive, and despite multiple calls, we couldn't avail a test drive of the Nexon. Meanwhile, the Mahindra executive was very proactive & followed up regularly and even brought a petrol XUV 300 for a test drive. I found the petrol underpowered compared to the diesel and the three-cylinder thrum was pronounced. We took a couple more days and went ahead with XUV 300 booking. I booked the white W8(O) diesel variant.

The wait began. The standard waiting period was 45 days. Tata reached out to me during this period, but I was quite busy and couldn't find time for a test drive, so I gave up on the Nexon. Meanwhile, I arranged finances.

There was a rumored deletion of the 7th airbag from the W8(O) variant. I immediately contact my executive, and he dismisses the rumor. I am a bit concerned but hope for the best.
Around 40 days after booking, I got the call that the vehicle was dispatched and expected to arrive at the dealership over the week. The airbag question was still in the back of my mind, and I got no clarity from Mahindra. The executive who I dealt with had quit owing to personal reasons. I was now dealing with his manager.

I got notified once the vehicle reached the yard & requested a PDI, informing the manager that I'd arranged for the down payment, and if all goes well with the PDI, I would visit the dealership and begin with the financial formalities. He isn't too excited and tells me we need to discuss something before that. Red flag, right? I didn't think too much of it due to the 'new car' fever!
During the PDI, I didn't find any issues with the car. The ODO read 5kms; there were a few grease marks on the white interior, which was common (I checked a few other cars). But the airbag rumor turned out to be true. The 7th airbag had been deleted. Additionally, front door hazard lights were also gone, and in their place were reflectors.

Despite all these, I decided to proceed because we loved the car. Dad was quite impressed with it. It was fun to drive, which met my requirement. The family loved the looks and interior space. This was a small compromise, I thought. I thought wrong.

Intending to make the down payment, My dad and I reach the dealership with my checkbook, where a nasty surprise awaits me. The manager greets us, scribbles something in the quotation sheet, and tells me that the vehicle price has increased the very next day after I made the booking. I was kept in the dark this whole time. The feature removal, the audacity to hike the price and delete features & the lack of communication from the dealership didn't sit right with me. I bring up the feature removal, and the failure to inform me of any price hike; I told him I would still go ahead with the purchase, provided I get the old price(the price hike was around 16k if I remember correctly). He tells me the vehicle has already been billed with the new price, & can't do anything. My dad, still wanted to proceed with the purchase, but I'd had enough. I was hoping for some negotiation from the manager (I know there are rules in place, but I was hoping for some accessories or any initiative from the dealership side). To my surprise, he isn't bothered and says it is what it is.

I walked away from the deal, a bit disheartened but now with a newfound zeal. There is plenty of fish in the sea. I made the mistake of driving just one car. There were no comparisons, no options to consider, or no parameters set in place. My mistake was apparent too. I'd put all my eggs in one basket.
The family didn't take this as well as I did. This was going to be our first new car, and it was a car everyone liked. The anticipation had played its role, and now disappointment ensued. For them, it was emotional.

I wrote a mail to Mahindra leadership about the incident and my disappointment with the experience. The next day I got a call from the branch manager profusely apologizing for the incident and he wanted me to retain my booking. He mentions since the vehicle has already been billed with the new price, he can deduct half the amount from the price increase and could throw in a few accessories. He gave me a day to decide. Too little, too late. The excitement had waned off, the experience had been muddied and wasn't the same anymore. It was as if a desperate ex was trying to crawl back into your life

After some discussion with my family, who still wanted to go ahead, I decided not to proceed with the purchase. For starters I'd be the one driving, and I was sure there were other good cars. It was now time to explore, test drive, and compare cars. The emotional route had ended up in heartbreak; it was time for logical decision-making.

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Rebound - Test drive phase

Thus began the test drive frenzy!

MG ZS EV
A friend who owns an Audi A4 2.0 TDI had booked this and recommended it to me after singing praises about the car. Even though it was out of my budget, I booked a test drive.

Pros:
• Mad pull from the electric motor is ridiculously fun! Oodles of torque right from the get-go, is addictive. Puts a wide grin on your face- sports mode is mental!
• Spacious interiors and quality in the materials used compared to the XUV 300(yes, this is a segment higher). The 2022 model had a grill which gave it an ICE car character from the outside, which I, like many, found appealing
• The running cost savings sounded amazing, provided I primarily charge this at home
• The panoramic sunroof provided a permeable aesthetic to the passengers and a sense of airiness
• Regen works superbly. Level 3 can almost substitute casual braking

Cons:
• Expensive. You pay an upfront premium and an early EV adopter tax. The top-end variant easily went 10 lakhs above my budget
• The lower variant lacked a sunroof, connected car tech, and other features. Despite this, I couldn't justify the cost
• Zero steering feel. I felt like I was playing NFS game on a computer connected to a steering controller
• Long-term ownership was a question mark. Service costs, battery, and reliability weighed heavily towards the cons
• No estimated delivery date. 5 months waiting period quoted, and I was told I'd be getting the new model

For 2 days I couldn't get the car off my mind. This is a model car for the EV gang. After two days, logic kicked in and I dismissed the idea of buying an expensive electric car during the infant EV phase.

Kia Seltos
Kia was not even on my list initially. But I thought why not. I requested the diesel automatic. The service executive from PPS Kia promptly brought the vehicle within an hour.

Pros:
• The automatic gearbox was a pleasant surprise. As someone who’s used to the DSGs from the VW and Skodas, the Torque Converter unit in Kia wasn't bad at all. Gear changes were almost unnoticeable
• Excellent handling. The stiff suspension meant minimal body roll for the body type & I loved this
• Great insulation. It was hard to believe we were inside a diesel car. The extremely refined CRDI motor is also a major factor here
• Seltos is quite the looker. The LED grille lights were attractive and overall the car scored high in the looks department
• The interiors felt classy and gave a lounge-like feeling. The ambient lighting and the all-black upholstery were excellent. The family loved it
• Paddle Shifters is a welcome add-on. Acche din for aam-aadmis!
• Ventilated seats, electronically adjustable driver seats, tilt and telescopic steering adjustment, and a plethora of features gave a premium feel unlike before. These were only available in luxury brands, right?

Cons:
• Average power. I was expecting a torque rush, but my friend had warned me about the power, or the lack of it. This was a letdown. The fact that I drove the MG ZS electric a few days before made matters worse
• I have a liking for top-end variants, and the GTX variant with all the goodies was beyond my budget
• The 3-star crash rating bugged me

Toyota Urban Cruiser
What a surprising entry. At some point, I was disconnected from the car hunt and just gave up. The family members suggested getting a reasonably priced car for the time being. We needed a vehicle when traveling to native as last last-mile connectivity was a royal pain. Enter the reliable Urban Cruiser.
The car didn't stand out in any aspect. Acceptable looks, boring to drive paired with basic interior and features.
My brain somehow came to its senses, and I dismissed this car. This wasn't something I could live with.

Duster 1.2 Turbo
After some online research, I came to know about this beast. A 1.2-liter four-cylinder turbo, in a sea of 3 pots? Sign me up, I thought. While the engine was a cracker, it suffered from major turbo lag and a heavy clutch that was a deal breaker. The gears were clunky to shift and ruined the experience. Moreover, the interiors felt ancient after experiencing the likes of Seltos & ZS. The hydraulic steering had an intrusive kickback that I was fighting at every possibility and was unacceptable.

Sonet 1.0 DCT
My dad got into researching cars after the XUV300 debacle and suggested Sonet to me as a budget choice (the 1.2 NA petrol). I quickly dismissed it, but while researching, discovered the 1.0 DCT petrol variant and was interested, even though it was a 3-cylinder engine. The executive who brought over the Seltos was more than happy to bring the vehicle for a test drive. Good power, and decent dynamics, and the HTX variant fell right into our budget. The family loved the car. So I made a booking immediately.

Sonet 1.5 D AT
Snooping around Team-BHP, I discovered the existence of a 1.5 Diesel automatic variant with the same tune as Seltos and Creta. GTO's approval for the diesel auto variant urged me to go for a test drive. One test drive and I was hooked. This was way more powerful and refined than the petrol variant and the engine pulled better than it did in Seltos owing to the compact size and weight of Sonet. It made a world of difference to me. So, I changed my booking to the HTX D AT variant, and eventually to the GTX variant. Because the safety aspect was a bit unnerving, and the fact that GT line variants came loaded with safety features and 6 airbags, with connected car tech and extra features helped justify the extra price. I intend to keep this car for a while.

A standard 3-month waiting period was quoted, and I was getting restless. During this period I test-drove a few more cars.

XUV700
The petrol manual basic variant fell into our budget so I thought why not? I requested a petrol manual test drive.

Pros:
• Gem of an engine with plenty of power. The petrol NVH is commendable.
• Spacious and imposing as a true SUV.
• Easily maneuverable for a big vehicle. I got used to the vehicle's dimensions within a kilometer.
• The family felt at home and was super comfortable at the rear seat.

Cons:
• I didn't need a >4M SUV as an only car, especially in Bangalore
• Crazy waiting periods
• Barebones basic variant, only pro was the powerful motor
• I was not looking forward to yet another Mahindra experience

Honda City

Pros:
• Refined engine, creamy and musical at high RPMs
• Butter smooth, light clutch in a sea of hard clutches. It was fun to switch gears and let the motor scream
• Handling was on another level compared to CSUVs and SUVs. It reminded me of my Ikon
• Acres of rear space, family loved it. Comfortable ride and a practical big boot
• Immediate availability within a week/10 days

Cons:
• The NA engine was not exactly fun to drive. Exciting only at the high end of the power-band. The turbos had ruined me
• Okayish infotainment system and interiors for the price
• Low ground clearance. Even the test drive stretch didn't inspire confidence, so tackling the rural outskirts would be a big concern on a fully loaded car

Kushaq and Taigun
Having driven a friend's Polo and Vento, I knew of Volkswagen's pedigree but had heard horror tales about the infamous fuel pump issue of Kushaq and hence had stayed away. Now that I'd driven so many cars, what's another two on the list?

I drove the 1.0 variant and wasn't impressed. It had enough power but I was aware of the better 1.5 four-cylinder pot and I knew for a fact that it would be a better driver's car. However, the Volkswagen executive was more interested in pushing the 1-liter variant and took a long time to arrange the 1.5 variant's test drive.
Volkswagen/Skoda 1.5 Twins

Pros:
• The engine is a gem. What a hoot to drive. Tons of power, fun all the way
• Best handling of the lot. Though steering feedback is lacking compared to previous gen VW/Skoda
• Quite the looker, particularly the Kushaq in the red shade. Taigun looked a bit more mature, while Kushaq - was a bit flashy
• Stopping power from the brakes is confidence-inspiring despite the drums at the rear
• Telepathic DSG complements the jewel of a motor
• The 1.5 manual had mad torque steer, absolutely nuts. Grinned to oblivion

Cons:
• Doesn't look like a >20 lac car from the inside. Tacky interiors, switchgear, rough edges, and the infamous roof upholstery were an eyesore
• AC is ineffective and takes too long to cool the cabin. Ventilated seats have a pronounced hiss and aren't as effective as the ones in Kia twins
• Taigun 1.5 GT missed out on some important features like ventilated seats. Also, the Taigun 1.5 manual had a hard clutch with long travel, an impending literal pain point in the long run. I assume the Kushaq manual to have the same character
• Horror stories about the DSG and the service experience raised concerns, as this would be our only car

I still couldn't get over the prospect of owning a Kushaq 1.5 manual. The Taigun 1.5 manual was so much fun to drive. Skoda didn't have a 1.5 test drive vehicle but I guessed they drove pretty similarly. It retailed close to 20 lacss on road, 3 lakhs more than the top-end Sonet 1.5 D AT. But there were trade-offs on both ends. As a gatekeeper of the manual gearbox, I started changing my tune, having driven some great automatics. But the Kushaq 1.5 manual had been discounted as a late 2021 model.

During this dilemma, my Kia executive calls me out of the blue and tells me about a black Sonet GTX D AT readily available due to a last-minute cancellation. In what I would call a head-over-heart decision, I chose to go ahead with Sonet.

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Sonet - The chosen one

First glimpse

• PDI was done, and no issues were found in the car. The VIN corresponded to the manufacturing date as a February 2022 model
• I made the down payment after completing PDI, and the loan process came through within 2 days
• Nothing to complain regarding the delivery experience, usual reveal, and key handover followed by a small demo from the sales person. Kia dealerships are swarming with deliveries throughout the day
• Decided to go with Kia insurance for the first year for a hassle-free experience. I opted for a 5 year warranty considering Torque Converters are pretty robust and reliable. No discounts on anything from the dealership quoting the high demand as the excuse
• 5d mats, Bumper protectors, Door scratch protectors, chrome covers for ORVMs(dad requested this, I'm hell-bent against chrome) car cover, and key cover were the accessories I chose


Delivery shenanigans!


First tankful. Look at that range!

Within 3 months, the car had done a drive to Kerala during monsoon and had minor scratches. It's painful to see your brand new car get small dents from stone chips and stray plants leaving scratches. After some contemplation, I decided to get a full-body PPF. I chose Autorush Car Care, owned by Rakshith.
NOTE: I’m not promoting Rakshith or his business; I’m just jotting down my experience.

Rakshith, for one, gave us the option of ceramic coating or PPF but recommended PPF if the purpose was paint protection. He even gave quotes for different films, and different car coverage(areas) but I decided to go with a full-body PPF with Stek. I would highly recommend Rakshith and Autocare owing to my pleasant experience. His work on my car exudes professionalism and even a Kia manager couldn't believe my car had PPF due to the highly professional tuck in process!





Pampered and ready to roll!

It's been a year and almost 9k kilometers of joyful ownership experience with the Sonet for me. PPS Kia's dealership experience also has been hassle free. They exude professionalism and I'm yet to face a negative experience in this particular dealership.

1 year ownership observations:

The good:

• The 250NM of torque is addictive and justifies the purchase with every throttle input. Commendable power to weight ratio! Almost no turbo lag. Eager from the get go but the magic happens close to 2k rpm with the mad pull! Top end is satisfactory. I've come to appreciate torque a bit more than horsepower. The auto gearbox and the engine are mated exceptionally well. Drive modes are distinctive, although normal mode holds gears and gets used to driving patterns will suffice for 95% of usage. Eco mode tames the engine and makes it a bit smoother with earlier gear shifts; Sports mode unleashes the beast and is fun to use in short bursts, to the surprise of unsuspecting onlookers & some ‘big cars’ in traffic! Fun to drive indeed! Would I have preferred more power? After an year of driving - definitely. The thing is you get used to the power and always want more. I'm sure many agree. I always imagine the 2.0 diesel heart from Tucson with 400NM torque implanted in the Sonet! I know, crazy!

• Torque Converter gearbox is great and drops a gear or 2 when power is demanded. Kickdown time is good, may not be as great as the DCTs and DSGs. City drives are crisp, can easily catch up thanks to the eager engine. Highway drives are fun, and the Sonet is in its natural habitat with the powerful diesel mill. In the multiple 400+ kms of outstation drives, I've rarely felt fatigue.

• The ride is balanced. The suspension feels stiff at times but is well-tuned for all-rounder use. Stable at 3-digit speeds on highways, not in the Ford/VW league however. In city drives, while encountering speed breakers, I feel the cabin gets a bit busy. Fair for a car with high ground clearance and a tight suspension setting, I presume. The likes of Duster and XUV 300 have better suspension in my opinion

• Braking inspires confidence, although I've had better braking feel in other cars. It should've gotten all disc brakes

• NVH is very good. The engine refinement deserves a special mention. Almost every person who's been in the car was surprised when I told them this was a diesel!

• Storage space is adequate. Enough charging ports in the front and back. I though I'd lost my sunglasses for a few months only to find it tucked in neatly inside the sunglass holder inside my car!

• Ingress-Egress is perfect for our family. Zero problems there. I also feel the ergonomics are covered quite well. Rear view mirrors are very good and the live rear view is an added advantage. Auto dimming IRVM works perfectly. Would've preferred a better placement for the engine start/stop button. On rare occasions I accidentally switched off traction control instead!

• Loaded with features that grow on you. Ventilated seats are an absolute bliss in summer in coastal regions. AC is a chiller. Connected Car tech will spoil you. Once, I used the remote unlocking via mobile app to help the family get into the car in a far away parking lot! Sunroof & voice commands end up being more of a vanity

• Interiors feel premium compared to the competition. This is one place where KIA scores. No complaints here. The 'D' cut steering is nice to hold, feels sporty and is finger flickable

• Fuel economy also spikes on the highways due to lower gear changes and decreased braking. The best I got was around 23.5 km/l(ODO) on the highway. Worst 12kmpl(my calculation) in the city. I have a heavy right foot

• The interior space and legroom were a concern in the beginning. But owing to average-sized family members, Sonet turned out to be perfect. Boot space has served us well and was sufficient for outstation drives, gladly accommodating the coconuts, jackfruits & other goodies our relatives bestowed upon us

• Infotainment is crisp and responsive. It's almost like using a smartphone, with no lag and great touch response. The live rear view is a lifesaver in the barbarian Bangalore traffic

• I found the Bose sound system to be good enough. Nothing out of the ordinary, but it plays music just fine

• TPMS is brilliant. I've had one puncture till now, which I recognized seeing a constant dip in the TPMS reading even after filing air multiple times. This is a lifesaver!

The Bad:

• Expensive! Crosses 17 lacs OTR in Bangalore thanks to the ridiculous road tax. Some features are missed in the GT line. All disc brakes and reach adjustment for steering should've been provided at this price point

• Handling is good, not great. I prefer the handling of Seltos. Kushaq and Taigun also have better handling. Can't help that I'm used to the handling of the almighty Ikon

• Manual mode for the gearbox is meh. The TC shifts aren't as quick as DCT/DSG, meaning you are better off in the auto mode 99.99% of the time. It's good to feel the manual mode once in a while

• Chilled glovebox would have been nice at this price point. Other than that the glovebox size is pretty good

• No wireless Android Auto. Android Auto is glitchy and disconnects often. It is a pain when I need to use maps inside the city. I prefer Bluetooth audio for music

• Rear view quality is acceptable at night and low lighting conditions. It is great during day driving. During monsoons, sometimes a stray drop sometimes ruins visibility

• Compromised overall visibility at times owing to the tall boy stance, particularly in city conditions in Bangalore where everyone is driving everywhere and potholes and surprise speed breakers appear after a sharp turn. The infotainment unit has a weird placement and is a menace to average-height drivers. Extra precaution is needed during sudden maneuvers and blind spot monitoring. All black interiors are great but can be claustrophobic at times

• Dad feels the rear seats should recline a bit more. He loved this feature in Seltos and says it would make long distance runs a bit more comfortable for the rear passengers

• I'm not a fan of the rear design. This is a segment wide issue I guess. Nexon has the same problem. Even the XUV 300 has an awkward looking rear

• No insulation under the bonnet. Even though the CRDI is famous for its refinement; If Seltos gets it, why not Sonet, at least the top-end variant? At high speeds on highways, wind, road and tyre noises creep up

• Steering feedback is adequate. I'm used to the telepathic hydraulic steering of the Ikon, but the EPS on the Sonet is friendlier to live with. Sports mode stiffens the steering feel but it comes as a package and changes the engine and gearbox nature too. It would have been nice if it had a sports mode unique to steering feedback

• Headlight throw is acceptable. Night runs on highways and dimly lit areas don't inspire confidence. May upgrade this in the future. Fog lamps don't make a significant difference in my opinion. Maybe LEDs will make the difference?

• Wiper performance is decent. I feel the quality of the wiper to be a bit lacking. Absence of Rain sensing wiper is not something I miss. However the water spraying mechanism comes with a delay initially meaning the wiper swipes the dry and dirty glass without lubrication. Rear wiper is a nice addon and is helpful during rains and dusty conditions

• Only driver's window gets auto up and down & lack of illumination on window buttons is a major con considering the price

• The armrest should have been adjustable. Although I've gotten used to its placement, this is a con in my book

• Front passenger seat can't be adjusted for height. I hear complaints about this quite often from short passengers. Rear seats should've been 60:40 at this day and age

• Dad hates the AC design, although I'm indifferent(he prefers the dashboard design of Kushaq). I prefer the Seltos unit, it looks more mature and timeless

• Stock MRF wanderers are noisy, but I've had instances of running into impromptu potholes and speed-breakers at reasonable speeds where the hard compound desi tires have performed. This is perfect for Indian road conditions, even though I feel better ride, cornering grip and low noise can be achieved with an upgrade

• While it's filled with bells and whistles and safety features, the absence of crash rating and the crash test results of Seltos is a concern indeed. I sincerely hope Hyundai/Kia address this at the earliest

Cooling off between mile munching!

The first year service is complete and included:
• Engine oil change
• Oil filter change
• Wheel balancing
• AC cleaning/sanitization(was unsure If this was needed, but though of getting it done)
• Refused rodent spray as I already have an ultrasound anti rat device and have protected electricals with mesh installation from a trusted FNG





The bill was around 5k INR. My ODO was around 8000 kms at the time of servicing. I'm not your typical diesel mile muncher, since it's Work From Home. Weekend outings tend to be maximum around 50kms within city limits.


Other observations:

• The Engine and gearbox combo was the biggest buying factor for me. In a market filled with AMTs and questionable DSGs/DCTs, buying this as an only car was as much of a practical choice as it was an enthusiast's

• No DPF issues faced so far, which was a concern while choosing diesel. My normal usage involves ~20kms within the city 3-4 times a week max. Since I've regularly taken her out on highways, I seem to have dodged this bullet. I also have 2 regular fuel stations, to ensure fuel quality is consistent. Even on highway trips, I make sure not to fill up at small or shady fuel stations

• I switch to Eco mode in bumper to bumper Bangalore traffic to tame the throttle input, it's noticeably safer this way

• I used to have difficulty engaging from Park to Drive during cold starts. There would be a vehicle jerk and a pronounced sound. I observed that I would reverse into the parking space and then engage PARK and switch off the ignition the previous night. I started engaging to DRIVE after I reverse parked and crawl ahead a little before engaging PARK. This solved the issue!

• Hill hold works great at inclines, and I can't stress the importance of this in Bangalore where there are bumper sniffers quite often. My trips maneuvering ghat sections of Shirady and Charmady have been a fun driving experience. The handling holds up with minimal body roll although rear passengers end up paying the price in ghat sections. As a driver, ghat sections are enjoyable and the vehicle corresponds very well

• On bad roads, braking would result in a weird metal grinding sound and vibration from brakes, only momentary though. The brakes function normally afterwards. I see many people have experienced this with Sonet

• Crawl mode is sweet! Again, makes life easy in city traffic and tricky parking spots

• TPMS readings are a little higher than the portable air compressor readings. 32-33 PSI seems to be the sweet spot for city driving. Any higher and a harsher ride is imminent

• There is a fart sound(from the HVAC unit) when switching off the vehicle when AC is engaged. I see this is a common quirk after I snooped around a few T-BHP forums

• The Kia app sometimes falsely notifies about the car not being locked. On refreshing, this is rectified though. The app is pretty useful, from showing trips to remote start in summers. I've even done this a few times to surprise people passing close-by who were flabbergasted!

• Paint quality is decent. The PPF guy said the same thing- it is in the middle of the spectrum-not too bad, but not too great either

• Front and rear parking sensors are lifesavers throughout the city. Be it tight parking places, narrow roads or crazy traffic, you are extra aware of your surroundings

• High ground clearance is practical in Speed-breaker city and rural roads. What a safe feeling not having to scrape the underbelly!

• DTE is all over the place and changes according to driving conditions. It is better to calculate average by yourself if you are doing long trips. I'm now fairly aware of the fuel capacity and the doable range

• I've installed a front dashcam(DDPAI MOLA N3) as a practical common sense choice. The PPF has given me a peace of mind, and I would consider it a worthy investment



Mileage on a recent highway run with a 60/40 mix of sedate and spirited driving


Tackling the Charmady ghat


Perfectly aligned!

In the multiple outstation trips, Sonet has made our journey memorable, not having to use public transport or rely on others at ungodly hours. Family is comfortable in the car and enjoys its features to the fullest, while I'm always raring to take her for a drive!
In the city, Sonet has grown on me, due to its compact yet imposing stance. It is easily maneuverable even on tight roads. It is bliss, not having to constantly use your left foot in this forsaken Bangalore traffic, all the while bobbing my head to my favorite tracks as the ventilated seat chills me.

When the usual annoying motorist in the traffic signal behind me keeps honking just as the signal turns green, I mostly let him pass, but sometimes it's pedal to the metal leaving him in the dust. As he wonders what just happened, I gloat in the almighty diesel torque's prowess! However we meet shortly at the next signal

Easy to live with, and fun to drive. Its a win-win in my books!

I look forward to more happy miles with this mean machine! Will keep penning my experiences here.


A break again? At least give me a challenge!


Badge of honor!

[Aditya]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[ArijitGupte]

Originally Posted by SoupRaw

Headlight throw is acceptable. Night runs on highways and dimly lit areas don't inspire confidence. May upgrade this in the future. Fog lamps don't make a significant difference in my opinion. Maybe LEDs will make the difference?

I agree the LED headlight setup on GTX are pathetic. Am also thinking of changing the fog lamp bulbs to LED, i don't have much fog issue so white LED shouldn't be an issue

[rGT]

Congratulations on the buy! The Sonet is a well rounded vehicle, which feels premium and sophisticated enough for the segment.

I also agree with you on it's exteriors. While it looks handsome from the front, I can't digest it's rear and rear ¾ looks.

Basic LEDs can never match the performance of halogens or projector setups. The Sonet comes with LED reflectors, if I'm not wrong, which are even more inferior, compared to LED projectors. My father's colleague owns a 2018 Tuscon, with the double barrel LED headlamps. They often go on road trips together, and have experienced diverse weather while driving. And dad has nothing, but praise for every aspect of the Tuscon, except for it's headlamps performance. He always heaves a sigh of relief that our Creta comes with halogen projectors (which are actually pretty strong), and not the fancy LEDs.

[Stranger2106]

Hi SoupRaw,

It seems our cars are from around the same time period. I too own a Sonet GTXplus imt (petrol) from March 2022 ( mfg. Month Feb). It has covered 12k kilometres now and have taken it on many road trips across KL, TN and KA.

As you mentioned, the headlight isn't impressive. Apart from that I am happy with the car as an overall package.

My shortlisting was somewhat similar to yours. I was sold on the Ford Ecosport TDCi and even booked one. But later THE NEWS came out regarding Ford's exit and the dealership returned my booking amount.

The next in line was Tata Nexon, but somehow I didn't like the AMT transmission not the overall performance of the petrol motor in the test drive car. XUV 3OO was rejected primarily because of the lack of not space and secondly I'm still not convinced about Mahindra petrol engines after having heard many stories about poor FE and other issues from a friend who used to work with Mahindra dealership.

Between Venue and Sonet, I picked the latter because it provided much more features in the top end at that time.

[SoupRaw]

Originally Posted by ArijitGupte

Am also thinking of changing the fog lamp bulbs to LED, i don't have much fog issue so white LED shouldn't be an issue

Do provide an update if you manage to upgrade. Make, price and if you choose dealership or aftermarket option. That would be helpful

Originally Posted by rGT

Congratulations on the buy!
I also agree with you on it's exteriors. While it looks handsome from the front, I can't digest it's rear and rear ¾ looks.

He always heaves a sigh of relief that our Creta comes with halogen projectors (which are actually pretty strong), and not the fancy LEDs.

Thanks! Glad we agree on the quirky rear design!

Outstation trips, particularly outside cities at night provide the real test for the headlights in my opinion. Sonet has some features that are form over function and the headlight is one amongst them. Hoping the next gen solves this issue.

Originally Posted by Stranger2106

As you mentioned, the headlight isn't impressive. Apart from that I am happy with the car as an overall package.

Yes, it impresses as a package, and a valid choice in this segment.

Originally Posted by Stranger2106

I was sold on the Ford Ecosport TDCi and even booked one.

Yea, Ford is something else indeed!

Originally Posted by Stranger2106

The next in line was Tata Nexon, XUV 3OO was rejected primarily because of the lack of not space and secondly I'm still not convinced about Mahindra petrol engines after having heard many stories about poor FE and other issues from a friend who used to work with Mahindra dealership.

Yea, AMTs for sedate driving is fine. I drove a friend's XUV 300 petrol AMT within the city and it's actually okay. No highway experience though.

Mahindra closed the door themselves and did me a solid favor. Now that I'm used to the Automatic, I can't imagine dealing with that long travel clutch

[shabeermohamed]

I had a Sonet Diesel AT GTX that I recently upgraded to a Tucson. You are spot on. It's a pretty good car that is enjoyable to drive and easy to maintain.
In fact, the reason I upgraded to Tucson is because once you drive a Sonet with its TC AT gearbox, you always long for something bigger and better.
The cherry on the cake is excellent price I got when I sold it.

[SoupRaw]

Originally Posted by shabeermohamed

I had a Sonet Diesel AT GTX that I recently upgraded to a Tucson. You are spot on. It's a pretty good car that is enjoyable to drive and easy to maintain.
In fact, the reason I upgraded to Tucson is because once you drive a Sonet with its TC AT gearbox, you always long for something bigger and better.
The cherry on the cake is excellent price I got when I sold it.

Congrats on getting that excellent resale value!

That Tucson powertrain is scrumptious! Enjoy the torque

[gaurav_3000ad]

Thanks for a detailed feedback on the Sonet. This is a car which has, for me at least, always flown under the radar. Probably it just feels easy to pummel Hyundai/Kia on the safety aspect.

It is a pleasant surprise to know that it delivers punchy performance while delivering excellent FE.

Wish you many miles of enjoyment. Cheers!

[aeeshaan007]

Great review.
This review summarizes my 1.5 years ownership of Sonet GTX AT as well
My only gripe recently is that the fuel economy in city goes below 10 on the MID.

[SoupRaw]

Originally Posted by aeeshaan007

Great review.
This review summarizes my 1.5 years ownership of Sonet GTX AT as well
My only gripe recently is that the fuel economy in city goes below 10 on the MID.

What distance do you usually cover in these runs? I've seen single digit too, if its a kilometer or two covered. Under heavy traffic mileage can be less owing to the constant braking.

Also, I've got used to the car and my throttle inputs and braking have vastly improved over the year meaning I constantly see a double digit FE even in short distances.

[aeeshaan007]

Originally Posted by SoupRaw

What distance do you usually cover in these runs? I've seen single digit too, if its a kilometer or two covered. Under heavy traffic mileage can be less owing to the constant braking.

Also, I've got used to the car and my throttle inputs and braking have vastly improved over the year meaning I constantly see a double digit FE even in short distances.

Usually around 5 km. But even during bumper to bumper for longer distances. Maybe that is expected.
I agree that better throttle inputs give better economy.