Kia Sonet Diesel Automatic Will Be As Powerful As Seltos Diesel

You’ll not only get more comfort but also more performance with the Sonet’s diesel engine

Update (18/09/2020): Kia has launched the Sonet with prices beginning from Rs 6.71 lakh (ex-showroom). Read more about it here.

• Sonet will come with three engine options, same as the Hyundai Venue.

• The 1.5-litre diesel engine in the Sonet will also be offered with a 6-speed torque convertor, same as the Seltos.

• Diesel-manual will be detuned (as in Venue) to make 100PS and 240Nm.

• But the diesel-automatic option will have the same output as the Seltos, at 115PS and 250Nm.

• Kia will offer the diesel-automatic in both Tech and GT Line variants of the Sonet.

• Sonet is expected to launch in coming weeks with prices likely to range from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 12.50 lakh.

The upcoming Kia Sonet sub-4m SUV is due to be launched soon and many details have already been revealed. It was widely known that it would get the same engine options as its Hyundai Venue sibling: 1.0-litre turbo-petrol, 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel. In addition, the diesel unit will get the same 6-speed automatic as the Seltos and Creta. Now, we know that the same powertrain option will also offer the same grunt. 

When the BS6 1.5-litre diesel engine found in the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta was added to the Venue with the 6-speed manual, it was slightly detuned to offer 100PS of power and 240Nm of torque. The diesel-manual option for the Sonet is the same as the Venue. Meanwhile, the diesel-automatic option for the Kia sub-4m SUV offers 115PS and 250Nm. It uses the same 6-speed torque convertor setup as offered in the Seltos and Creta which is a first for the segment.

Even with the higher output, the Sonet’s diesel-automatic option is slightly short of the Mahindra XUV300 diesel which offers 116.6PS and 300Nm and is the most powerful diesel option in the segment. However, the Sonet’s torque convertor transmission is more refined than the XUV300’s AMT and will also attract a significant premium. Based on the leaked brochure details, Kia will offer the diesel-automatic in only two variants: the mid-spec HTK+ and the top-spec GTX+.

Also read: Kia Sonet: Variant-wise Features Leaked

The Kia Sonet is a well-equipped offering with features like ventilated seats, built-in air purifier, climate control, connected car technology, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It is expected to launch around late-August or early-September and will likely be priced between Rs 7 lakh and Rs 12.50 lakh. The Sonet will compete against the likes of the Mahindra XUV300, Hyundai Venue, Ford EcoSport, Tata Nexon and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza.