Kia Sonet iMT Clutchless Manual Spied Ahead Of Launch

The Sonet gets the same engine options as the Hyundai Venue

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 spied with the clutchless manual setup for the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine.

• The iMT system will likely attract a premium of around Rs 20,000 over the manual transmission as seen with the Venue.

• Other transmission options for the turbo-petrol engine will be a 6-speed manual and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.

• Sonet is expected to launch in late-August with prices starting from Rs 7 lakh.

The Kia Sonet recently made its global premiere in the final production-spec avatar. Its powertrain options were among the official details revealed and now we’ve spied the clutchless manual variant of the new sub-4m SUV ahead of its expected launch in late-August.

Also read: Kia Sonet: First Look

Dubbed as the intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT), it is a 6-speed manual shifter without a clutch pedal, same as the one recently introduced in the Hyundai Venue. It is the mid-way point between a manual transmission and a conventional automatic while also being more affordable than an AMT setup. This transmission option will only be offered with the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine along with the normal 6-speed manual and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. Find out more about how the iMT works here.

Hyundai put the Venue ahead of its Kia sibling by launching the iMT first. In the Venue, the iMT adds a premium of up to Rs 24,000 over the corresponding manual transmission option. Meanwhile, the DCT automatic costs over Rs 50,000 more than the manual and even misses out on features like side and curtain airbags, split-folding rear seat, rear foldout armrest, and leatherette in the upholstery. We can expect a similar price difference between the Sonet’s variants with the turbo-petrol engine that will get a choice of manual, iMT and DCT.

The other engine options for the Sonet are a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel. As a segment-first, the Sonet’s diesel engine will also get the option of a 6-speed torque convertor from the Seltos.

The Sonet spied also gives us our first look at the Punchy Orange paint option seen in the Seltos. It is a GT Line variant, probably in the top-spec with ventilated front seats, 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and front parking sensors. The Sonet will also feature UVO Connect connected car technology, auto AC, semi-digital instrument cluster and driving modes too.

Related: Kia Sonet Interior Detailed In Pics

Kia is expected to launch the Sonet in late-August or early-September for a likely price of Rs 7 lakh to Rs 12.5 lakh. It will take on the Hyundai Venue, Ford EcoSport, Mahindra XUV300, Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza as well as the upcoming Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger.