Kia Sonet will make its global debut in India on the 7th of August 2020
After making its mark in the mid-size SUV space with Seltos, Kia is keen to achieve similar results in the compact SUV space. The company’s third offering in India will be Sonet, a compact crossover slated to make its global debut on August 7.
Launch is expected soon after, provided that things normalize and there are no curbs imposed due to Covid-19 situation. Sonet launch has already been delayed due to the pandemic. As may be recalled, Sonet was unveiled at 2020 Auto Expo as a concept SUV. Just like Seltos, which was promoted as the Badass SUV, Kia is promoting the Sonet in a similar fashion. Watch the video below.
Kia Sonet SUV First Official Teaser Video
Being a fast-growing segment, the compact SUV space has multiple products such as Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport, Mahindra XUV300, Tata Nexon and upcoming Nissan Magnite. Sonet is unlikely to face any resistance from customers, as Seltos has already turned out to be a runaway success. A few months back, Seltos was the top selling SUV in the country. It is currently at number 2, trailing behind new Creta. Kia Carnival has also emerged as a popular choice in the luxury minivan segment.
Sonet Design
Sonet utilizes the same platform as that of Hyundai Venue and also shares several of its design elements and hardware. As revealed at Auto Expo, Sonet is equipped with a sleek front grille, prominent front bumper, LED headlights and LED DRLs, 16-inch alloy wheels, blacked-out pillars and snazzy tail lamps.
On the inside, Kia Sonet is expected to have features such as 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, sunroof, ambient illumination, wireless charging system, soft leather touch steering wheel and automatic climate control.
Sonet engine options
Kia Sonet will have the same engine options as that of Venue. The 1.2 litre petrol unit makes 82 bhp / 114 Nm and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The 1.0 litre turbo petrol engine churns out 118 bhp / 172 Nm and comes mated to either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT unit. The 1.5 litre diesel motor generates 99 bhp / 240 Nm and comes mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.
Sonet turbo petrol variant will be getting iMT (intelligent Manual Transmission) system, which was recently introduced in Venue. In layman’s terms, iMT can be described as a manual variant that does not have a clutch. In iMT system, the function of the clutch is managed via electronic clutch-actuation.
Connected car tech
Sonet will borrow the UVO connectivity suite from Seltos. UVO offers a range of internet connected smart features spread across safety & security, vehicle management, convenience, remote access, and navigation. Several of these features can be accessed via voice commands.
Sonet price
Kia Sonet is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 7-11 lakh. At this price point, it would emerge as a compelling choice among other rivals in this space.