Driving the KIA Sonet 2024
Driving the KIA Sonet 2024: A Cross Over Full of Safety Technology a First in Class.
Just a brief background for those asking why we were invited to the KIA Sonet test drive. Before I did techbeatph.com I was part of the motoring media, that being said this feature will be different from you normal car review. I will be discussing the technology that the KIA Sonet had such as it’s Advance Drive-Assistance System (ADAS). Let’s now dive into our drive to Tagaytay from BGC in Taguig.
The day started out very early as we gathered very early at KIA BGC for breakfast and drive briefing. we were once again reintroduced to the KIA Sonet which was launched last June. We were reintroduced to the key features of the KIA Sonet. We were very interested in the Advance Drive-Assistance System (ADAS).
Safety First: Kia Sonet Prioritizes Driver Protection
The Kia Sonet is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect you and your passengers. The 1.5 SX variant boasts Kia Drive Wise advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) including Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), Downhill Brake Control (DBC), and High Beam Assist (HBA).
All Sonet variants come standard with essential safety features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), driver and front passenger airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), and an immobilizer. Rear parking sensors and a rear-camera display provide added convenience and safety during parking maneuvers.
We will be driving the SX Variant going to Tagaytay and the EX variant going down back to BGC.
Setting Off: Putting the KIA Sonet Thru it’s paces
OK we were handed the keys to the car, before we even entered the car we asked for the remote engine start using the key. This is a first in class feature which we were taught on how to do it. This will be useful later when we park the car.
Ok now we enter the car, but before launching into the drive, we turned on every safety feature of ADAS, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), Downhill Brake Control (DBC), and High Beam Assist (HBA) to try to put them to the test.
Away we go…
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The Drive Expereince: The KIA Sonet and the great drive
Ok, the two man team of techbeatph.com took turns in driving. Right off the bat we can actually feel the Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA) kick in. The front facing sensor is amazing in tracking the road lanes. You can feel the micro adjustments in the steering, trying to stay in between the lanes. But when you engage the turn signals the LKA and LFA will disengage until you turn off you turn signal. For the uninitiated this will get some getting used to as you might fight or over compensate when you are driving. The Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) was also triggered when you get too close to the car in front while driving at speed in the highway.
The steep and twisty road going up to Tagaytay. I have had experiences going up the steep road before, it can be challenging for the uninitiated. The KIA Sonet just gobbled it up very easily. The 1.5 Liter engine was powerful enough to not struggle in the climb. the FCA was detecting the motorcycles that we jumping in and out of you lane. The twisty road is where the LKA and the LFA struggled a bit due to the lack of lane markers. But in now time we were in Tagaytay, having lunch at Sinta.
The Ride Back to BGC
The ride back to BGC was a bit uneventful, and that is in no small part due to the ADAS feature of the car. we took the road going to Silangan, then to Nuvali and finally crossing to CALAX to SLEX. The down hill twisty road was fun to drive. The handling in suspension handled it pretty good. we were not able to fully test out the Downhill Brake Control (DBC) since we were in and EX going down. But still the car performed admirably.
So what do we think?
So after driving the car around in what we can call a mid range distance, we can say that the car has amazing first in class features. The top of our list will be the ADAS, KIA has really prioritize driver and passenger safety. The Driver assistance is also an excellent feature in this class. the sub Php 1.2 Million peso range. The KIA Sonet is definitely punching above it’s class.
This little cross over is nimble and powerful enough to get you into trouble but with ADAS it can also get you out of trouble. A fun car to drive in the open highway roads, twist country roads and the urban traffic of the metro.
If we were in the market for a new car, this will be at the top of our list.
