Aiming to create another bestseller after Seltos, Kia will be launching Sonet compact SUV on September 18
As may be recalled, Sonet was unveiled on August 7 and official bookings had commenced on August 20 for Rs 25k. Kia would be quite happy with the initial response, as bookings had crossed 6.5k on first day itself. Sonet can be booked either at Kia dealerships or via the company’s official website.
The buzz around Sonet is not only see in the number of bookings generated by the company, but is also noticed in various social media forums and groups. Kia Sonet has made its debut in Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V). The G5 Gamers video shows Kia Sonet in a fast moving sequence.
The basic premise is make off with a brand new Kia Sonet and escape. It is in that escape situation, a high speed sequence is played out. It is here that the Sonet gets in GTA mode. You can also notice realistic damage and HUD view in the video below. Sonet appears in the video at 7 minutes onward.
With so many bookings already, buyers are probably looking at a waiting period. Kia has stated that they will make sure to keep waiting periods at minimum. Ahead of its launch, Sonet’s production is in full swing at Kia’s state-of-the-art Anantpur plant in Andhra Pradesh. The first unit was rolled out on September 4.
Even when the entire auto industry has faced unprecedented challenges on account of Covid-19, Kia has done well to build Sonet in record time. All teams involved in Sonet’s development have been working relentlessly to meet scheduled deadlines. Once Sonet captures the Indian market, Kia will be working to export it to more than 70 international markets.
India-specific enhancements
Even though it’s an entirely new product, customers don’t have to think twice about buying this impressive compact UV. having been extensively tested for more than 1 lakh kilometres, it’s been driven through tough terrains in the country and in varying climatic conditions.
To make it more suitable for Indian conditions, Sonet has been equipped with special features. These include quick cooling of AC to beat the summer heat, best-in-segment fuel efficiency for mileage conscious folks, superior horn performance, brake judder removal, higher clutch durability, and enhanced underbody noise reduction.
Sonet trims
Sonet will be offered in two trims, premium Tech Line and sportier GT Line. The latter is distinguishable with its array of red accents across both exteriors and interiors. In terms of performance, Tech Line will have the option of a 1.2 litre petrol and a 1.5 litre diesel motor.
The petrol engine makes 83 ps / 115 Nm and comes mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The diesel motor outputs 115 ps / 250 Nm and offers a 6-speed manual and 6-speed AT as transmission options. The GT Line is powered by a 1.0 litre turbo motor that delivers 120 ps / 172 Nm. Transmission includes a 6-speed iMT (first in industry) and 7-speed DCT.
With its captivating design, long list of features, and advanced technology integrations, Kia Sonet can be a worry for rivals such as Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport, and Mahindra XUV300. Sonet will also take on its sibling Hyundai Venue. Launch price is expected in the range of Rs 6.6 lakh to Rs 12.9 lakh.
