It was a full-on Sonet celebration down south as Kia Philippines and the Kia Sonet Pilipinas Club came together for the group’s biggest grand meet so far. Held at Nuvali in Sta. Rosa on June 26, the event brought together more than 60 Sonet units in a convoy that kicked off from Alabang and ended in Laguna with a full day of activities.

The event marked two milestones: the first anniversary of the Kia Sonet’s launch in the Philippines and the continued growth of its enthusiastic community. Since debuting locally in June 2024, the Sonet has quietly become a top pick among Filipino car buyers. According to Kia Philippines Managing Director Jay Lopez, the Sonet now accounts for nearly one out of every four entry-level B-segment SUVs sold in the country.

Lopez credited the car’s popularity to its mix of good looks, practicality, and a solid following among owners. “The Sonet’s success isn’t just about features, it’s about the people who drive it,” he said.

At the heart of the celebration was the Sonet Pilipinas Club, a group of owners who’ve built a tight-knit community over shared road trips, car tips, and plenty of modifications. From exchanging notes on fuel economy to simply hanging out and admiring each other’s rides, the club has become a support system for Sonet owners.

Julienne Bonacua, the club’s president, shared how her white Sonet, affectionately nicknamed “Pogi”, has taken her from Las Piñas to Baguio with no problems at all. “It’s comfortable, reliable, and has enough style for my everyday drives and even photo shoots,” she said.

Another member, Darrenz Genel, talked about how the Sonet played a key role in one of his life’s biggest events: his wedding. “I got the manual variant because I wanted full control and efficiency. But more than that, the car really became part of my story,” he said.

The meet wasn’t just about the cars; it was about the people who drive them. From the convoy to the parking lot chats, it was clear that the Sonet has become more than just a vehicle. It’s something that brings people together.

The Sonet has also earned industry praise. It was named “Underrated Car of the Year” by Top Gear Philippines and “Best First Car” by AutoIndustriya. It’s also the first in its class to offer Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), proving that Kia isn’t holding back when it comes to equipping its vehicles with smart safety tech.

As Lopez put it, “This kind of community, this kind of loyalty—it’s what the Kia brand is all about. It’s not just about selling cars. It’s about creating a sense of belonging.”

For updates on the Kia Sonet and other Kia vehicles, visit www.kia.com/ph or follow Kia Philippines on social media.