The 2021 Kia Sonet And Seltos Will Go On Sale In India In May

• The two SUVs will get paddle shifters, with the Sonet also getting sun shades for rear occupants.

• A few features from the top-spec variants will trickle down the lineup.

• The Sonet HTX will be the new entry-level variant to get DCT and automatic gearbox options.

• The Seltos’s 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine will get an optional 6-speed iMT.

• Expect select variants to retail at a premium. 

At its ‘Big Event’, Kia debuted the new logo in India, which was already introduced globally in January this year. We also expected the carmaker to launch the 2021 Sonet and Seltos. But, as it turns out, you will have to wait a little longer for that; the two SUVs will be going on sale in the first week of May.  

While Kia hasn’t officially divulged any details about the updates, a few leaks have surfaced, hinting at various changes apart from the new monogram. 

First up is Kia’s sub-4 metre SUV. The Sonet will get paddle shifters and sun shades for rear occupants. Kia will also take some features from the top-spec variants and introduce them lower down the lineup. These will likely be sunroof, 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, keyless entry, and some safety features.  

Also, the HTX will be the new entry-level automatic variant, replacing the HTK+. The HTX will be offered with turbo-petrol-DCT and diesel-automatic options in addition to the existing turbo-petrol-iMT and diesel-manual combinations. You can read about it in detail here. 

 

Now, to the Seltos. Paddle shifters are the only addition to the SUV, but like its smaller sibling, various top-spec features will be carried lower down the order. These include a sunroof, climate control, remote engine start (with the key fob), electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, hill start assist, and brake assist. 

Under the hood, the Seltos’s 115PS 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine will be paired with Hyundai’s 6-speed iMT. For reference, this is the first time that a naturally aspirated petrol will get the clutchless manual. However, it will be limited to the mid-spec HTK+. Know all the changes to the 2021 Seltos.  

Currently, Kia retails the Sonet between Rs 6.79 lakh and Rs 13.09 lakh (ex-showroom) and the Seltos between Rs 9.89 lakh and Rs 17.45 lakh (ex-showroom). However, considering all these updates, don’t be surprised if there’s a price hike for select variants. 

The 2021 Sonet will continue to rival the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. Whereas the 2021 Seltos will rekindle rivalries with the Hyundai Creta, Tata Harrier, MG Hector, Mahindra XUV500, and the upcoming Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun.