Recently, we did a story on the spied snaps of the Sonet's base variant, while it gives a fair bit of idea about how would Sonet’s cabin be laid out, the latest official teaser sketches released by the Kia gives us the maiden sneak peek at the interiors and a detailed description of the exteriors.
The teased images only add to the excitement that has been piling up ahead of the global reveal scheduled on 7th August.
2020 Kia Sonet: Interior
As suggested by the leaked images of the Sonet, the large 10.25 infotainment will straightaway grab attention. The infotainment housing extends all the way to the instrumentation cluster and the floating integrated housing does look similar to Kia Seltos. However, the instrument cluster is distinct. The Seltos sourced infotainment display will come equipped with the convenience of UVO connected car tech. Apart from the floating touchscreen, the vertically oriented AC vents come with a subtle chrome garnish.
The controls for the auto AC, as seen in the teased images will be slotted between the central AC vents. This unorthodox configuration looks premium and upmarket. Kia has also confirmed that Sonet will get different drive and traction modes.
Segment first feature inclusions
Apart from the largest touchscreen infotainment system in this segment, the sub-4m SUV will also get an electric sunroof, rear AC vents, automatic headlamp, and some segment-first features like an air purifier and a 360-degree camera.
Sonet will also be one of the safest sub-4m SUVs with six airbags (front, side, and curtain) on offer with the top variant. The car will also get front & rear parking sensors and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Bits about exterior design
The exterior details revealed in the teased sketches, for sure contain beefed-up design elements, the large-sized alloys, flared wheel arches, prominently placed faux plates while are definitely exaggerated. They will surely be toned down in the production-spec Sonet.
Kia’s signature tiger-nose grille at the face will remind one of the elder Kia siblings. On the rear, a LED beam joins the taillights on either side and it definitely accentuates Sonet’s width.
Mechanicals
The Kia Sonet is likely to get all the engine-gearbox combinations available with the Hyundai Venue which includes a 1.2-liter petrol engine with manual, a 1.5-liter diesel motor with manual and torque-converter automatic choices and a 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine with manual, iMT (clutchless manual gearbox) and DCT options.
Price and Launch date
The 2020 Sonet can be expected to be retailed in the price range of Rs 7-11 Lakhs. The production-spec Sonet is supposed to arrive at Indian dealerships sometime around September.
In the Indian SUV space, Sonet will lock horns with some promising players like Hyundai Venue, Maruti Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport, Tata Nexon, and the Mahindra XUV 300. The competition is also all set to spice up with the upcoming launches like Nissan Magnite, Toyota Urban Cruiser, and Renault Kiger.
