Kia Sonet Starts Reaching Dealerships; Test Drives To Begin Soon

With multiple powertrain options and a couple of segment-first features, can the Sonet become the segment leader?

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

• The Sonet marks Kia’s entry into the sub-4m SUV segment.

• Shares its engines with the Hyundai Venue: 1.0-litre turbo-petrol, 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol, and a 1.5-litre diesel.

• To feature a segment-first 6-speed torque converter automatic with the diesel engine.

• Kia is expected to price it from Rs 6.60 lakh to Rs 12.90 lakh (ex-showroom).

Kia’s first sub-4m SUV, the Sonet, will launch around mid-September 2020 while official pre-launch bookings are already underway for Rs 25,000. It has now started reaching dealerships across the country with test drives likely to begin from the first week of September.

Like the Seltos, Kia will offer the Sonet in the GT Line and Tech Line trims with multiple variants under each and 11 exterior shades (including three dual-tone options). It shares its engine options with the Hyundai Venue: 1.0-litre turbo-petrol, 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel.

Kia won’t be offering the turbo-petrol variant with a manual gearbox as seen on the Hyundai sibling. Speaking of transmission options, the Sonet comes with a segment-first 6-speed torque converter unit mated to the diesel engine. To find out how the Sonet stacks up against its rivals in terms of specifications, head here.

The Sonet’s feature list is a step-up from that of the Venue with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well as ventilated front seats. You can check out the detailed variant-wise feature list here.

Here’s a detailed look at the expected variant-wise price list (ex-showroom) of the Kia Sonet:

Apart from the Hyundai Venue, the Kia Sonet will also take on the Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, Ford EcoSport, and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. It will also rival the upcoming Toyota Urban Cruiser, Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite.