Finally, Kia Motors has taken the wraps off from its upcoming sub-4m SUV, the Sonet. The Sonet will be the third product from the Korean makers in India since the company made its first debut with Seltos SUV in August 2019.
Just like its elder sibling, the Sonet will be offered in two variants: GT Line and HT Line.
2020 Kia Sonet: Design
Exterior
In terms of design, the Sonet looks very similar to its concept model that was showcased at Auto Expo 2020. It is important to mention that the Sonet shares its underpinnings with Hyundai Venue but Kia has managed to extract a unique design.
The new sub-4m SUV gets a signature tiger-nose grille like other Kia models. However, it sports a stepwell inspired pattern on the grille. The tiger-nose design can also be seen on the upper part of the windscreen. The headlamps units are LEDs. It also features integrated canines (Vampire's teeth) inspired LED DRLs which adds the complementary touch to the aggressively designed bumpers.
It gets 16-inch machine-cut alloy wheels, which are quite similar to Hyundai Venue. The side profile is very fine and impressive. It gets heavy cladding on a flared wheel arch which grants it a SUVish feel.
Other notable on the exterior includes roof rails, sharkfin antenna, and black color finished roof & ORVM.
At the rear, it highlights LED taillamps, connected by a reflector strip. Like the front bumper, the rear too gets silver finishing. It also sports fake faux exhaust tips on each side of the rear bumper.
For added sportiness, the GT line variants get additional red color highlights on both the bumpers, alloys, front brake calipers, side strip, and front grille with GT line badging
Interior
Inside, the Kia Sonet sports a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, like the Kia Seltos, which is further connected to the digital instrument cluster in the same housing section. The infotainment system comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity as well as the UVO connected car technology.
Below the infotainment unit, it features vertically-oriented AC vents with the golden highlights on its outward. Between these central AC vents, it consists of a hazard lamp & climate control panel which is an automatic unit. The bottom flat steering having dark leather wrapping around it. It consists of many control switches on it for audio, telephony, cruise control, and MID.
The instrumentation cluster gets a digital readout for the speedometer and an LCD MID (multi-information display) which displays various important driving information like gear position indicator, readouts from tire pressure monitoring system, various fuel economy info, compass and many more. It also gets an analog tachometer, engine temperature & fuel gauge as well.
Other important features include remote engine start, an air purifier, perfume dispenser, cruise control, engine start/stop button with smart keyless entry, 7-speaker premium sound system from Bose with mood lighting, front ventilated seats (segment-first), rear AC vents, electrically operatable ORVMs, auto-dimming IRVM, ventilation function for front seats, front & rear armrest & adjustable headrests.
Last but not the least, it comes with a black-beige interior theme in HT line variants and an all-black cabin with red highlights in the GT Line variant, alongside GT badging on steering & seats.
Safety Features
On the safety front, Seltos gets 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, front & rear parking sensors, speed alert system, seatbelt reminder, tire pressure monitoring system, etc.
Engine & Gearbox Options
The Kia Sonet gets all the three engine options available with Hyundai Venue. It includes 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5-liter diesel, and a 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol unit. While both petrol and diesel engines will come with a manual gearbox, the 1.5L diesel engine will also get a 6-speed automatic torque converter automatic gearbox. On the other hand, Kia has offered the turbo-petrol engine with three transmission choices: 6-speed manual, 6-speed iMT, and 7-speed DCT.
Engine | Petrol
| Diesel | |
Displacement | 1.2 liter NA | 1.0 liter turbocharged | 1.5 liter |
| No Of Cylinders | 4 | 3 | 4 |
Max Power | 83PS | 120PS | 100PS |
Max Torque | 115Nm | 172Nm | 240Nm |
Gearbox Options | 5-speed manual | 6-speed manual, 6-speed iMT, 7-speed DCT automatic | 6-speed manual, 6-speed torque converter automatic |
Expected launch date & Pricing
It is likely to go on sale next month. Pre-booking of the SUV is now officially opened. Its ex-showroom prices are expected to be between Rs 7- 12 lakh.
Rivals
The Sonet will lock horns with the Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, Ford Ecosport, Maruti Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon, and Honda WR-V.
