Kia Motors India is all set to launch its first sub-4m SUV called "Sonet". It was officially revealed some days ago. By that time, the specifications and variant-wise features detailed were not shared. But now these squads have been leaked.
Here have a look at its spec and the variant's details:-
Kia Sonet: Dimensions
As mentioned in earlier stories, the Kia Sonet is underpinned on the same platform on which the Hyundai Venue is based on.
| Parameters | Kia Sonet | Hyundai Venue | Differences |
| Length (mm) | 3995 | 3995 | – |
| Width (mm) | 1790 | 1770 | +20 (Sonet is wider) |
| Height (mm) | 1647 | 1605 | +42 (Sonet is taller) |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2500 | 2500 | – |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | – | 195 | – |
| Wheel/Tire size (mm) | 195/65 R15 (lower variants) 215/60 R16 (Higher variants) | 195/ 65 R15 (lower variants) 215/ 60 R16 (Higher variants) | – |
| Boot space (liters) | 392 | 350 | +42 (Sonet has more space) |
| Fuel Tank (liters) | 45 | 45 | – |
The length, wheelbase, and fuel tank capacity of Kia Sonet are identical to the Venue. However, the Kia offering is more spacious, wider, and taller than its cousin.
Variant Line-up
- Like the Kia Seltos, the Sonet will also be offered in two trims: GT Line (top-spec) and Tech Line (HT Line).
- The HT line will be having five sub-variants: HTE, HTK, HTK+, HTX, HTX+
- The GT Line sporty variant will be available only in single-loaded trim called "GTX+"
Engine & Gearbox Options
Like its cousin, Hyundai Venue, the Sonet will be offered in three engine options: 1.2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol engine, 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, and 1.5-litre diesel engine. Their specifications and gearbox options are as follows:-
1.2-litre NA petrol | 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol | 1.5-litre diesel | |
| Displacement (cc) | 1197 | 998 | 1493 |
| No of Cylinders | 4 | 4 | 3 |
Max Power (PS) | 83PS | 120PS | 100PS / 115PS |
Peak Torque (Nm) | 115Nm | 172Nm | 240Nm / 250Nm |
Gearbox Options | 5-speed MT | 6-speed iMT or 7-speed DCT | 6-speed MT / 6-speed AT (torque converter) |
- Similar to the Venue, the 1.2-litre petrol engine will only be available with a manual transmission in Sonet as well.
- The 1.0-litre turbocharged variants can be had either with the iMT (clutch pedal-less Manual Gearbox) or with DCT (dual-clutch automatic transmission).
- The diesel engine in Sonet will be available in two different power tunings: 100PS/240Nm (similar to Venue) and 115PS/250Nm (Similar to Seltos and Creta).
- The 100PS version of the diesel engine will only be available with a manual gearbox while the 115PS version will be offered with torque converter automatic transmission only.
Also Read: FAQs on Clutchless manual Transmission or Hyundai kia's iMT
Which powertrain option will be available with which variant?
As stated above, the 2020 Kia Sonet will be available in 6 variants. Here look at its variant-wise powertrain options:-
| Kia Seltos Variants | HTE | HTK | HTK+ | HTX | HTX+ | GTX+ |
| 1.2-litre NA petrol with manual | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| 1.0-litre Turbo Petrol with iMT | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| 1.0-litre Turbo Petrol with DCT automatic | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| 1.5-litre diesel with manual | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| 1.5-litre diesel with torque converter automatic | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
Colour Options
The Kia Sonet will be available in 8 monotones / single tone and 3 dual-tone color schemes.
- Monotone paint scheme: Red, gold, black, grey, silver, blue, pearl white, and clear white.
- Dual-tone paint schemes: Red and black, gold and black, & pearl white and black.
Variant-wise features
1. Kia Sonet HTE
The base HTE variant will be available with 1.2 petrol-manual and 1.5 diesel engine-manual combination. It will get some very basic features such as 15-inch alloy wheels with wheel covers, all-black cabin, 3.5-inch MID, front power windows, USB charging ports for both rows, electrically adjustable ORVMs, manual AC with rear AC vents, front adjustable headrests, dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, etc.
2. Kia Sonet HTK
The HTK variant will be available with 1.2-liter petrol-manual and the 1.5-liter diesel-manual powertrain options. Over the features of the HTE variant, it will additionally get a 16-inch metallic finished steel wheel, follow-me-home function in headlamps, height-adjustable driver seat, keyless entry, semi-leatherette upholstery, rear power windows, 2-DIN audio system, Bluetooth remote control app, steering-mounted audio controls, and 4 speakers.
3. Kia Sonet HTK+
It will be the only variant that will get all powertrain options. Over the features of HTK variant it will receive some more comfort and convenience features like auto headlamps (automatic variants only), power-folding wing mirrors with LED turn signals, sharkfin antenna, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ARKAMYS sound system, auto climate control, leather wrapping on gear knob (automatic only), driver-side auto up/down window with anti-pinch, rear defogger, a rearview camera with guidelines, etc.
The DCT variant will also get safety features such as ESC, hill start assist, brake assist, traction control, and multiple driving modes.
4. Kia Sonet HTX
In addition to the HTK Plus variant features, it will offer auto LED headlamps, LED DRLs (with integrated indicators), protector fog lamps, skid plates on both bumpers, dual-tone beige-black interior, a sunroof, leather rapping on steering and gearknob, smart entry with engine start/stop button, cruise control, remote engine start via the car’s key, ISOFIX mounts, and rear seat armrest, etc.
This variant can only be had with 1.5-litre diesel-manual or the 1.0-liter turbo-petrol-iMT powertrain.
5. Kia Sonet HTX+
The powertrain option for the HTX+ variant is the same as the previous variant. It will get additional equipment like 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, UVO connected car technology with Over-the-air update support, BOSE 7-speaker sound system, smartwatch connectivity, AI compatibility, LED sound mood lights, ventilated front seats, leather wrapping on door trims, air purifier, 4.2-inch color MID, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), rear wiper and washer, etc.
6. Kia Sonet GTX+
Except for the 1.2 NA petrol-manual combination, it will get all other powertrain options.
As the name suggests, this GT variant will feature some sporty cosmetic enhancement to give it a different identity. It includes red brake calipers at the front, red highlights on alloy wheels, red accents on the front bumper, front grille and rear bumpers, all-black cabin, GT Line logo on the steering wheel, red color stitching on upholstery and steering wheel, metal finished pedals and glossy black finishing for the AC vents., etc.
In addition to the features of HTX+, it will feature more techs such as 6 airbags, front parking sensors, ESC, hill start assist, a wireless phone charger, etc.
Launch Date
Kia Motor hasn't shared any specific date regarding the same. But it is likely to be launched in the starting weeks of September months.
Competitors
The Sonet will lock horns with the Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, Ford Ecosport, Maruti Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon, and Honda WR-V. Soon the segment will be more heated with the launch of Toyota's Urban Cruiser, Nissan Magnite, and Renault Kiger.
Author's Take
According to the variants arrangements and features on offers, it really gonna give tough competition to its rivals. Undoubtedly, it has the potential to become a segment-leader like the Hyundai Venue. Also, it seems to be setting a new benchmark for upcoming cars.
