Kia Sonet Global Debut Tomorrow: Here Is A Memory Refresher

UPDATE: Kia Motors India has revealed the production-spec Sonet. 

Kia Motors India is all set to take the wraps off the production-spec Sonet tomorrow. The Sonet, which debuted at Auto Expo 2020, has a lot riding on its shoulders as Kia’s third model in the country after the Seltos and Carnival. So here are five important things you need to know about the Sonet ahead of its debut:

Snazzy Exterior

Kia has maintained the buzz around Sonet with plenty of teasers and videos. We also managed to capture a few pictures of a test mule and we must say it looks quite similar to the concept. Elements like the tiger-nose grille, sleek LED headlamps, and the connected tail lamps have been retained. There will also be a sportier GT Line variant with plenty of red elements and sportier dual-tone alloy wheels.

Premium Interior

Official sketches reveal a premium interior with several design elements similar to the Seltos. The large floating touchscreen infotainment system and the three-spoke steering wheel are a straight lift from the Seltos while the digital instrument cluster looks premium. The only major differentiating factor between both the SUVs is the redesigned central console.

Feature Loaded

The Sonet will feature a 10.25-inch infotainment system, a Bose sound system, and Kia’s UVO connected car technology. Other expected features include climate control, cruise control, a wireless phone charger, automatic headlamps, steering-mounted audio controls, and a multi-info display. Safety is likely to be taken care of by six airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera. 

Expected Powertrains

The Kia Sonet will most probably utilise the Venue’s BS6-compliant engines. One can expect the 83PS 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine, 120PS 1.0-litre turbo-petrol, and 100PS 1.5-litre diesel motor. All three engines are likely to utilise a manual gearbox, while the turbo-petrol motor could be offered with a 7-speed DCT and the recently introduced 6-speed iMT. A diesel automatic is likely to be on the cards as well.   

Price And Rivals

The Kia Sonet is expected to be priced from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom). This puts it right in the ballpark of the Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport, and the Mahindra XUV300.