The launch of the Kia Sonet was met with much anticipation. The model was Kia Philippines’ latest foray into the segment of subcompact crossovers targeted at the youth and first-time buyers.

As with every model in that segment, it promises to be practical, stylish, tech-loaded, and affordable. But does it deliver? To find out, we took the top-of-the-line SX variant on a day trip to Tagaytay.

At first glance, the Sonet looks distinctively Kia with resemblance to the Sorento. The front features the signature Tiger Nose grille with the Star Map Signature LED headlights (for the EX and SX variants).

The black wheel arches combined with the 205mm ground clearance give the vehicle an elevated stance that complements the tough and rugged look befitting a subcompact crossover.

The car measures 4,110mm long, 1,790mm wide, and 1,642mm high with a wheelbase of 2,500mm. Compared to a hatchback, the Sonet looks bigger, yet it isn’t bulky or cumbersome to maneuver.

Step inside and you’ll be greeted by an interior that has the right balance of simplicity, ergonomics, and style. The seats are upholstered in leather, and the knurled air-conditioning vents give the cabin some character.

The 10.25-inch infotainment system is a breath of fresh air being legible but not distracting. The same could be said for the physical switches and buttons below it, which are becoming a rarity in this day and age.

In case you were wondering about the name, Kia said that Sonet stands for “social network” (and not a form of poetry), as a reference to its target market—young millennials and Gen Zs who grew up in the age of social media.

This is apparent with the phone holder slotted between the two cupholders up front, a wireless charger in addition to the USB A and C ports, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The infotainment even has a “Sounds of Nature” app that plays chimes, which, according to my car-mate, are more appropriate for sleeping rather than driving.

The trip began at the ACMo Hub (formerly known as AC Motors Centrale) in Bonifacio Global City. I drove the first leg until Petron Km 44 along SLEX, so I was able to experience it in the city and the expressway. Despite its rugged appearance, the Sonet is easy to drive. The throttle and the brakes are smooth, while the steering is light without being numb.

One of the main selling points of the SX variant is that it comes with the Kia DriveWise suite of safety features. This includes cruise control, forward-collision avoidance, downhill brake control, high-beam assist, and driver attention warning.

The lane-keep assist stands out, and not in a good way as I had to contend with it in the presence of inconsistent lane markings. It can be turned off, but the setting will reset every time the car starts up.

Under the hood of the Sonet is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with 113hp and 144Nm. Though moderate, the power was enough to go up to Tagaytay. And during the trip, second-row passengers didn’t have to worry about a lack of amenities thanks to the presence of dual USB-C charging ports, a central armrest with two cupholders, and bottle holders by the doors.

With a price of P1,158,000, new drivers will appreciate the Kia Sonet SX as a city car that can be taken on the occasional weekend getaway. Its features put the vehicle a step above for its class, without overcomplicating the user experience.

Is the Sonet worthy of its poetic-sounding name? Yes. But it’s more like a pleasant breeze on a summer’s day, rather than a tempest that will blow you away.