Kia Sonet Unveiled In Sketches; Looks More Butch Than Hyundai Venue

Kia’s sub-4 metre SUV will pack a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a digital speed readout

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

• New sketches give us our first official look at the interior of the upcoming Kia Sonet.

• Cabin features a clean, premium dashboard design with a 10.25-inch central display integrated with the instrument cluster.

• It gets vertical AC vents and a two-tier centre console storage area.

• The exterior design is a lot like the Sonet concept showcased at Auto Expo 2020.

• Kia will debut the new Sonet in the metal on August 7.

• The Sonet is expected to be launched around September.

The Kia Sonet sub-4 metre SUV has been unveiled in a series of sketches. While the actual car will make its debut on August 7, this is our first official look at the Sonet’s exterior and interior design.

The Sonet’s interior has been spied on numerous occasions through a few test mules but various details have now been confirmed by these interior sketches. The Sonet features a Seltos-like dashboard with the instrument cluster extending till the centre of the dash to merge with the integrated central display. The 10.25-inch touchscreen display for the infotainment system will be the biggest in the segment and offer UVO Connect tech and related features. It also has a digital speedometer in the instrument cluster next to what will likely be an LCD multi-information display. The centre console seems slightly angled towards the driver for easier access while on the move.

The Sonet gets distinctive vertically aligned aircon vents with the central ones flanking the climate controls. For added premiumness, the air vents feature a metallic, diamond-knurled pattern surround. Under the climate controls and central air vents, the Sonet has a two-tier storage tray with the top one likely to act as a wireless charging pad. Even the dials on the steering mounted controls feature a knurled finish as per the sketches. It will also feature sound mood lighting like the Seltos and pack driving and traction modes as well. 

In terms of the exterior design, the Sonet’s front end looks a lot like the pre-production concept showcased at Auto Expo 2020. It has LED DRLs integrated into the projector headlamps that are connected by silver cladding that outlines the tiger nose grille with geometric mesh pattern. Meanwhile, the fog lamps are housed in vent-like designs on either side of the bumper. The sculpted bonnet and cladding seen on the air dam that integrates into the front skid plate adds to the sporty appeal of the Sonet’s front end. A telltale design element on the front grille is the GT badge which confirms that Kia will be offering the Sonet in two lines of variants, just like the Seltos. 

While the car’s exact proportions are hard to decipher from these design sketches, we can expect the Sonet to have a tall rear bumper. It will feature a connected taillamp design as seen on the concept with a roof spoiler and roof rails. The design seems to be a dual-tone version of the Sonet with a blacked out roof. The chunky bumper features faux exhaust tip design and reflectors that mirror the design of the connected tail lamps.

Along with the interior design, Kia has revealed that the Sonet will be offered with upto 6 airbags like the Hyundai Venue. Other common bits shared with the Venue include the three engines that will be on offer: 1.0-litre turbo-petrol, 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel. The turbo-petrol will be available with three transmission options: 6-speed manual, 6-speed iMT (clutchless manual) and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. The naturally-aspirated petrol engine will only get a 5-speed manual while the diesel engine is expected to offer a choice between a 6-speed manual and a segment first 6-speed torque converter automatic. Kia has also confirmed that the Sonet will feature traction modes and driving modes which also puts it ahead of its Hyundai sibling.

The Kia Sonet is likely to be launched in India around September with prices ranging between Rs 7 lakh and Rs 11.5 lakh. Unofficial bookings for the new sub-4m SUV are already underway. The Sonet will take on the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, Ford EcoSport, Tata Nexon and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza.