Unveiled at 2020 Auto Expo as a concept, Kia Sonet compact SUV is expected to be launched in July this year
Ahead of launch, production-spec variant of the Sonet has now been spied on video, which reveals the interiors for the first time. The video is credit to YouTube channel PowerStroke PS. Going by its looks and features, Sonet could be another bestseller from Kia. The company has already tasted success with Seltos that is currently the top selling SUV in the country.
Kia will definitely be planning to achieve something similar with Sonet that will compete with the likes of Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Mahindra XUV300, Ford EcoSport, and Tata Nexon. Compact SUV segment is among the most competitive and fastest growing segments and it would be interesting to see if Kia can disrupt this space as well.
Kia Sonet borrows several of its components and interior features from Hyundai Venue. Launched in May 2019, Venue has emerged as among the top 5 best-selling SUVs in the country. Sonet will be using the same platform, as that of Venue. The SUV’s exteriors are designed to delight, as can be seen in its sleek front grille, LED headlight and DRLs, prominent front bumper, blacked out pillars, 16-inch alloy wheels, and edgy tail lamps. Sonet also gets a sporty feel with its use of contrasting red accents that can be seen on the front grille, front and rear bumper, doors and alloy wheels.
On the inside, Kia Sonet features a range of equipment borrowed from Venue. These include wireless charging system, climate controls, soft leather touch steering wheel, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Some of the equipment is also borrowed from Seltos such as UVO, Kia’s connected tech.
UVO is quite similar to BlueLink system that is being used in Venue and other Hyundai cars. UVO improves ride experience by allowing users to access a range of connected features across safety & security, navigation, remote control, convenience and vehicle management. Some key features include live traffic information, destination sharing, live car tracking, find my car, remote AC and engine start/stop, auto collision notification, and SOS button.
Engine options for Sonet have also been taken from Venue. It includes the 1.0-litre turbo petrol (125ps / 172 Nm) and 1.2 litre Kappa petrol (83ps / 11 Nm) units. Diesel engine has been borrowed from Seltos, the 1.5-litre unit that makes 115 ps and 250 Nm. However, this engine will be offered in a detuned state on Sonet, generating around 100 ps of max power. Transmission options for all three engines will include 6-speed manual and 7-speed dual clutch automatic.
Kia Sonet will be manufactured at the company’s production facility in Anantapur, AP. It is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 7-11 lakh.
