Kia Sonet has been a hot discussion topic right from the moment it was first showcased at the Auto Expo 2020, though it is all set to be premiere globally on 7th August, some of the viral leaks of the test vehicles have revealed the front end of the car. Since the spied photographs suggest the testing car under minimal camouflage, we now have a clear idea of what it would look like.
In addition to leaks, the company has also released the official teaser sketches of the sub-4m SUV which further helps in getting a better idea of what’s coming ahead.
2020 Kia Sonet: What do the leaked images show?
Exterior
The upcoming Kia Sonet share all the underpinnings with its cousin- Hyundai Venue but Kia deserves a good round of applause for pulling off the unique design.
Every now and then, for every article concerning the expectations from the upcoming Sonet, we have talked about Kia’s signature tiger-nose grille upfront, and the leaks confirm the same.
As the test vehicle was also being tested for the compliance to emission norms, its tailgate was open. A glance at back and you cannot help but notice the striking resemblance with the teased video which mean that the boot will feature a long strip that connects the two taillights on either side.
Features
It is clear from the spy shot that the Sonet will feature a horizontal 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, like the Kia Seltos, which is further coupled with the digital instrument cluster in the same housing unit. It sports vertically accumulated AC vents with the silver highlights on its outer. The steering is a flat bottom unit, having dark leather wrapping. It consists of many control switches on it for audio, telephony and MID.
On the right of the steering wheel, an engine starts/stop button, headlight leveller, traction control switch and park assist switch can also be seen. The gear lever confirms an automatic transmission will be on offer.
In addition to the features mentioned above, Sonet might also get UVO connected technology, 360-degree camera, wireless phone charging, a premium sound system, an electric sunroof and a host of important safety features as well.
Overall, the Sonet's interior looks very premium & pleasant like seltos.
Mechanicals
Sonet will borrow all its mechanicals from its widely selling sub-4m SUV, Hyundai Venue. It essentially means that Sonet will get a couple of petrol engine options, a 1.2 L Naturally aspirated engine (83 PS/114 Nm), a powerful 1.0 L Turbocharged petrol engine (120 PS/171 Nm) and a 1.5 L Naturally aspirated diesel engine that churns out a power output of 100 PS and torque output of 240 Nm.
While both petrol and diesel engines will come with a 6-speed manual gearbox, the 1.5L diesel engine will also get a 6-speed automatic torque converter gearbox.
The 1.0 L turbocharged petrol engine, like the Venue, will be offered with the choice of the 6-speed manual (offered with the naturally aspirated engines as well), In addition to the manual gearbox, it will also come equipped with a clutchless manual transmission (Hyundai’s 6-speed iMT). The turbocharged petrol engine will also get a superior 7-speed DCT transmission.
Author’s Take
Sonet is an eagerly awaited sub-4m SUV, there is no denying the fact that it has some tough competition along its way rivalling the segment toppers Hyundai Venue and Maruti Vitara Brezza and decent offerings like Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport and Mahindra XUV300. The segment will also witness the introduction of exciting offerings like Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite and Toyota Urban Cruiser, which will only make the competition stiffer.
Based on all the information that we have, we expect Sonet to receive a brilliant reception in the Indian market and it even might just go on to top the sales charts.
Image Source 1, Image Source 2
