The viral pictures of the highly anticipated Kia Sonet are doing rounds on the auto forums. Recently, some leaked photos reveal the interior of the Sonet's base variant. Though the car is scheduled to be officially premiered on 7th August, with all the hype that Sonet has been creating and any relevant information linked with the sub-4m SUV does come across as exciting.
Kia Sonet Base Model: What do the leaks show?
Now that the spy shots are out, we know how the base model's dashboard will look like. The leaked images reveal an integrated design setup, as the infotainment system's housing extends all the way to the instrumentation cluster.
Though the base Sonet will miss out on a touchscreen, it will still get a 2-DIN music system, which will come equipped with basic features like Bluetooth and AUX connectivity.
The car will also get a smartly styled digital speedometer and a basic Multi-information display in the instrumentation cluster.
As far as the climate control unit is concerned, the Sonet will come with a manual AC with vertically oriented AC vents on the dashboard. The silver garnish that surrounds these vents is a good inclusion and will render the entry-level Sonet a premium feel.
Other utilitarian inclusions are steering mounted controls for the Audio System, tilt-adjustable steering wheel, chrome surrounds, and manual IRVM.
Features that the top Sonet variants will offer
The creamy Sonet variants will be well equipped and will come packed with a 10.25-inch floating infotainment system, UVO connected technology, auto climate control, rear AC vents and electric sunroof, etc. It will not only put up a great fight against the rivals but will also one-up them with segment-first expected features like an air purifier and a 360-degree camera. Even on the safety front it will be equipped well. It might get upto 6 airbags, front & rear parking sensors and tire pressure monitoring system.
Engine Options
Following its cousin, Hyundai Venue's footsteps, the complete Sonet range will be offered with three engine options which includes 1.2L naturally aspirated (NA) petrol (83 PS/114 Nm), 1.0 L turbocharged petrol (120 PS/171 Nm) and 1.5L naturally aspirated (NA) diesel engine (100 PS/ 240 Nm).
While the 1.2 L petrol will come paired with only a 5-speed manual, the turbocharged engine will come with three transmission options – 6-speed manual, 6-speed iMT, and a 7-speed DCT.
The diesel engine is expected to be offered with a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The concerned base variant, , will not likely to be offered with the turbocharged engine option. Only the NA petrol and diesel engines are expected to be offered with the same.
Author's Take
Kia with successful launches like Seltos and Carnival has been able to develop a great deal of goodwill in the Indian car buyer’s conscious. The upcoming Sonet could get the advantage of the brand's image. Also, there is no doubt in the fact that Sonet is a promising car.
It will surely find many takers, right from the moment it will be first launched in the Indian market. It really seems a car to watch out for, with great engine options and some segment-first feature inclusions. However, it will have to face some tough competition from a long potent list of sub-4-m SUV rivals like Maruti Venue, Brezza, Ford EcoSport, Mahindra XUV300 and Tata Nexon. Hence, the pricing will play an important role. Kia Sonet can be expected to be priced around 7-11 Lakhs (ex-showroom).
