Kia Sonet GT Line vs Tech Line: What’s The Difference?

It’s finally here. Kia has taken the wraps off the production-spec Sonet in a virtual event. The Sonet’s design befits its ‘Wild By Design’ tag and is hardly a departure from the concept that was showcased at Auto Expo 2020.   

Just like the Seltos, the Sonet will be offered in two broad trims: GT Line and Tech Line. Both trims take a different approach to styling and probably features as well. We explain the same in this detailed report. 

Exterior

Yes, both variants look quite similar on the outside but they feature minor design elements for distinction.

For starters, the Sonet GT Line packs plenty of red design elements on the front grille and bumper. Even the silver insert in the lower air dam is different. The one in the GT Line suits our tastes better. 

The smattering of red on the GT Line continues on the door skirts, brake calipers, and the alloy wheel hub. The Tech Line features similar design elements but without the colour splash. Both variants come with dual-tone alloy wheels, unlike the Seltos which gets dual-tone alloy wheels only on the GT Line trim. 

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At the rear, the Sonet GT Line gets a blacked-out skid plate with red inserts while the Tech Line features a silver unit. Both variants share the heartbeat LED tail lights which are connected by a reflector stripe. 

Interior

The interior of both the variants also differs, though not as majorly as the exterior.  

While the Sonet GT Line goes with an all-black theme for that added bit of sportiness, the Tech Line utilises a more mature black-beige colour combo. 

The GT Line also differs with the variant insignia on the front seats and steering wheel, contrast red stitching, and sportier pedals. The knurled patterns around the HVAC vents are finished in a darker shade in the GT Line and in a silver finish in the Tech Line. 

Apart from that, the interior of both variants looks quite similar. The two are also expected to differ slightly in terms of the features list. You can read our unveil report for a complete lowdown. 

Engine And Transmission Options

 The Sonet will be offered with three engine options: an 83PS 1.2-litre petrol, 100PS 1.5-litre diesel and 120PS 1.0-litre turbo-petrol unit. The first two could find their way inside the Tech Line variant while the turbo-petrol engine is likely to be exclusive to the GT Line trim. Kia is also likely to offer a diesel-automatic variant in the sportier GT Line trim. 

The Sonet is the only SUV in its segment to offer an automatic torque converter in its diesel variants. All three engines will be offered with a manual gearbox while the turbo-petrol can also be had with either a 7-speed DCT or a clutchless manual.

Verdict

If you ask us which design we prefer, it would be of the GT Line trim. The red elements have been tastefully integrated, enhancing the design when compared to the Tech Line. That said, we’d like to know which variant you prefer. The GT Line or the Tech Line? Let us know in the comments below.