Today, Kia premiered their exciting new Sonet compact SUV which has been teased for a while now and kept us all intrigued. Complete with optional powertrains, intimidating looks and a range of features, Kia has set the sales goal to 1,00,000 units in the first year. Seems pretty confident on Kia’s part. The Sonet, which is similar to the Hyundai Venue, was first seen at the Delhi auto expo 2020 as a concept car.
Sonet’s interior
The Sonet offers a sophisticated interior with a modern, flowing design. The dash sports a 10.25-inch HD touchscreen with infotainment and SAT-NAV that happems to be the largest in its segment. Additionally, the Sonet is also equipped with features such as Kia’s Smart Pure Air Purifier with virus protection, a Bose 7-speaker audio system, LED Sound Mood Lighting, remote engine start for automatic and manual transmission via UVO Connect and Smart Key, and Multi-drive & traction modes (auto transmission).
Outer package
The Sonet’s outer looks are just as impressive an the insides. The front displays the brand’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille with 3-D geometric mesh design and ‘heart beat’ LED DRLs on either side. Along with its sporty bumper, ‘Jewel-like’ LED headlamps, and sharp 16-inch crystal -cut alloys, the Sonet takes a formidable stance.
Kia is offering a pretty wide of range of powertrains for the new release that includes two petrol engines -a Smartstream 1.2-liter four-cylinder and a 1.0-litre T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection). The diesel vairant comes with a 1.5-liter CRDi diesel engine and choice of five transmissions- 5 and 6-speed manuals, an intuitive 7-speed DCT, 6-speed automatic, and Kia’s revolutionary new 6-speed Smartstream intelligent manual transmission (iMT). Considering that iMT is fairly new to the Indian market, that should provide an advantage over its rivals.
Speaking on the occassion, MD and CEO at Kia Motors India, Kookhyun Shim said: “The Kia Sonet is designed and developed to deliver a best-in-class experience in quality, design, technology, features and drivability to attract a wide spectrum of customers across segments. The Sonet will be produced at our state-of-the-art Anantapur plant to Kia’s exacting global standards, and we are sure it will be received with enthusiasm by new customers and existing fans of the brand alike.”
Topped off with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Hill-start Assist Control, front and rear parking sensors and Highline tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), the Sonet is all geared up for the market launch. Following in the tracks of the previously successful Seltos, the Sonet also seems promising. Pricing is yet to be announced, though we can expect some tight competition between Kia, Nissan and Toyota as they all have have upcoming releases in this segement.
