The Kia Sonet subcompact crossover is offered in 10 colour choices (three dual-tones and seven single-tones)
Kia Motors India is ready to launch its all-new sub-four-metre subcompact crossover (or “compact SUV”), Sonet as a compelling option in one of the most active segments on the Indian automotive market. The South Korean automaker plans to launch the Kia Sonet next month after unveiling it in full about a week ago. Clearly, Kia Motors India has applied some winning formula as in the bigger compact crossover, Seltos.
It is no secret that the all-new Kia Sonet shares platform and internals with Hyundai Motor India’s Venue. Prices for the 2020MY Hyundai Venue BS6 start at Rs 6.50 lakh. Hence, we can expect the Sonet to arrive at a ballpark starting price of Rs 7.00 lakh. Figures mentioned here are ex-showroom.
Trims & Colours
Like the Kia Seltos, the Sonet will be available in two trim packages: Tech Line and GT Line. Sources suggest that there will be seven trims in total: HTE, HTK, HTX, HTX+, GTK, GTX and GTX+. Exterior differences between either trim package are rather subtle. Inside, Tech Line trims get a black/beige dual-tone theme while GT Line models boast of an all-black layout with red accents. Plastic or fibre panel textures are also different between the two.
Colour choices remain common. In the dual-tone palette, there are three options: Red + Black, White Pearl + Black and Beige Gold + Black. Meanwhile, the Kia Sonet’s single-tone colour portfolio has seven choices: Glacier White Pearl, Steel Silver, Gravity Grey, Intense Red, Aurora Black Pearl, ‘Intelligency’ Blue and Beige Gold.
Over the months, we have shared several spy shots of Kia Motors’ third product in India. In fact, we have even shared a few images of an undisguised market-ready ‘GT Line’ example. Interestingly, it was finished in Punchy Orange (available for the Kia Seltos).
Notable features and equipment of the new Kia Sonet include a 10.25-inch touchscreen, UVO connectivity suite, 7-speaker Bose audio, 4.2-inch semi-digital instrument console, sunroof, ventilated front seats, Smart Pure air purifier, wireless charging and more. In terms of safety, the crossover packs six airbags, TPMS, ESC, VSM, HAC, etc.
Engine & specs
The Kia Sonet comes with three engine choices: 82bhp/114Nm 1.2-litre NA petrol (5-speed manual), 99bhp/240Nm 1.5-litre diesel (6-speed manual or 6-speed TC) and 118bhp/172Nm 1.0-litre turbo petrol (6-speed manual, 6-speed iMT or 7-speed DCT). The Hyundai Venue does not come in diesel-automatic format.
It was only recently that Hyundai Motor India introduced iMT or intelligent Manual Transmission; a system which is operated like a traditional manual gearbox, but without a clutch pedal — learn more.
