Kia Sonet Long Term Review, February 2025 Report

‘So, why would anyone buy a diesel engine now?’ asked a friend of mine after I drove him around in our Kia Sonet long-term. He had a fair point. Diesel engines are on their way out, and with the increasingly stricter emission norms, they may not last for very long on the market. So, circling back to the original question, why would someone in their right mind buy a diesel car? Efficiency and performance. As simple as that. This became quite evident to me when I took the Sonet out on a long trip last month.

There’s no fuel type that can match the efficiency and ease-of-use factor of diesel. The Sonet’s 1.5 diesel AT, for instance, is an absolute peach when you’re doing long distances. It returned a spectacular 15km/l on an approximately 500km road trip to the hills in mixed driving conditions. This included cruising at triple-digit speeds on highways, spirited driving in the mountains, getting stuck in towns, etc. What’s more, the performance isn’t a letdown in any way. The diesel engine is frugal and offers strong performance in all driving conditions. Whether it’s petrol, hybrid, or electric – none can match the range of abilities that diesel offers on long journeys.

That said, in some areas, diesel isn’t perfect. The refinement levels aren’t as good – especially in the Sonet – and when pushed hard, the engine feels a bit strained. Plus, with strict emission norms, the low- and mid-range punch that older diesel engines were known for has somewhat dulled. That said, a diesel vehicle still makes a lot of sense for long-distance trips.

Also Read: Kia Sonet Long Term Review, January 2025 Report

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