Kia Sonet: Here’s What To Expect?

Another carmaker is poised to enter the sub-4m SUV segment in India soon

Update (07/08/2020): Kia has officially unveiled the Sonet. You can read more about it here.

The sub-compact SUV market is gearing up for a few new entrants in 2020, starting with the Kia Sonet. Following the success of the Seltos, the Sonet will be another new global model that will be locally manufactured for the Indian market. The sub-4m SUV segment is still among the most popular and Kia can easily make a name for itself in this space. The Sonet will be making its world premiere on August 7 in India and here’s what you can expect from it:

Premium design

The Sonet was previewed as a pre-production concept at Auto Expo 2020. Even though the final version is yet to be unveiled, we’ve had a few teasers and spied some test mules that confirm that various design elements from the concept have made their way to the production model. Kia’s sub-4m SUV has a premium look in terms of the front fascia, LED headlamps with integrated LED DRLs and a rear end design with connected taillamps.

Range of powertrains

The Kia Sonet will be sharing its engine options with its cousin, the Hyundai Venue. That means the Sonet will be offered with a choice of three engines: 1.2-litre petrol unit (83PS/114Nm), 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine (120PS/171Nm) and the 1.5-litre diesel from the Seltos detuned to make 100PS/240Nm). The naturally-aspirated petrol will only be offered with a manual gearbox while the turbo-petrol engine will have a choice of three transmission options: 6-speed manual, 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and the newly introduced 6-speed iMT (clutchless manual). Kia is expected to offer the diesel engine with a 6-speed manual and introduce a 6-speed automatic option (from the Seltos) which is missing from the Venue.

Here’s a table of the expected powertrains and their performance ratings:

Loaded with features

Kia’s offerings are positioned as the premium choice in their segments and the same can be expected from the Sonet. It is expected to be equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, UVO connected car technology, sunroof, air purifier, wireless phone charger and a Bose premium sound system. The Sonet might also be the first in its segment to offer a 360-degree camera. Like the Venue, it will also get similar safety features like rear parking camera and sensors, upto 6 airbags, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, and tyre pressure monitoring system.

Launch Likely In September 2020

The launch date for the Kia Sonet is yet to be confirmed but the carmaker has stated that it will arrive during the festive season. Kia is expected to price the Sonet between Rs 7 lakh and Rs 11.5 lakh.

Tough competition

The sub-4m SUV segment is a hotly contested one in the Indian automotive space. Kia’s Sonet will be taking on the likes of the aforementioned Hyundai Venue along with Mahindra XUV300, Ford EcoSport, Tata Nexon and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and other upcoming models like the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger.

Prices

(all prices are ex-showroom Delhi)