Any and all practical advice from real-world experience is most welcome!
BHPian bearded_monster recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
Hey everyone,
I have recently purchased a Kia Sonet 2025 facelift HTK+ diesel manual (my first car purchase, though not my first time behind the wheel—been at it for 15 years now). Always been a car guy but this is finally my own set of wheels to play with, and I’d love some advice from people who know their stuff or have been down this road before.
Instrument Cluster Swap
– Has anyone here actually swapped the analog cluster for the digital one in the latest Sonet facelift?
– I’m guessing the wiring and all that isn’t just plug and play. Does the HTK+ wiring harness even support the digital cluster, or is this a much bigger job?
– Can our usual ECU in the HTK+ handle this or are extra modules, coding, or sensors needed? Heard there could be some tech headaches—errors, warning lights, incomplete functions.
– If it’s doable, does it wreck the warranty or cause long-term issues? Would be great to know what I’m signing up for.
– If there’s a trustworthy aftermarket alternative that actually works and doesn’t look cheap, open to that too.
Small Practical Mods
– I’m keen on just subtle stuff—nothing flashy. Planning to start with damping the doors for some better music quality and low road noise and maybe look at speakers after that (or is stock good enough post-damping?).
– The headlights are decent bright but honestly, doesn’t have a good throw. As my car has stock LED lights i can’t change the lights inside. Looking for ideas that actually improve reach (heard of so-called “azoom lights” alot or would appreciate anything with better spread).
– Want to put UV film on all windows, any recommendations?
– Thinking of alloys and slightly thicker tires for a bit more comfort and maybe better looks (want to stick to what’s safe and won’t mess up ride). Brands and sizes that work well for Sonet?
Open to Other Suggestions
– This is the first car I’m really planning to put my own touch on. Been obsessing over what else makes sense—stuff you wish you’d done, or something that adds comfort or practicality. Would love to hear anything you found genuinely worth it, or things first-timers usually miss or regret later.
– Tips on where to get this kind of work done in a clean, reliable way (especially if anyone’s used a shop that gets Kia’s electricals)? Also, I live in Delhi NCR and also travel to Lucknow frequently.
Any and all practical advice from real-world experience is most welcome! Don’t want to bite off more than I can chew, so just want to do this right and enjoy the car as much as possible.
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