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Kia Sonet SUV Unveiled Globally Ahead Of India Launch: Here Are All The Details
Kia Motors India has just globally unveiled its all-new Sonet SUV in India. The new Kia Sonet is the brand's first sub-4-metre compact-SUV in the country and also the second 'Made-in-India' product as well.
The Sonet SUV was first showcased in its concept form at the 2020 Auto Expo, held earlier this year in February. Since then, the compact-SUV has created quite a buzz, making it one of the most anticipated cars of 2020. The Kia Sonet is based on its cousin, the Hyundai Venue and hence is said to be using the same architecture and platform underneath.
The Kia Sonet also borrows the engines and transmission unit from the Hyundai Venue as well. This includes the 1.2-litre petrol, 1.0-litre T-GDI petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel unit. All three engines are obviously compliant with the latest BS6-emission norms and produce the same power and torque figures as well.
Also, similar to its cousin the Kia Sonet is also offered with a host of transmission options as well. The 1.2-litre petrol comes mated to a five-speed manual, while the 1.5-litre diesel receives a six-speed manual gearbox. The diesel unit also comes with an optional automatic transmission unit as well.
The 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine comes with two gearbox options. This includes the seven-speed dual-clutch (DCT) automatic and the latest six-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT).
In terms of design, the Kia Sonet comes with an extremely sporty, bold and aggressive styling. The SUV features Crown-Jewel LED headlamps with integrated LED DRLs and turn indicators, LED projector fog lamps and ‘heartbeat' LED tail lamps. The tail lights are connected together via a reflector strip, giving it a premium design at the rear.
Other design elements on the Sonet also include the dual muffler design, skid plates at the front and rear bumpers and the diffuser fins on the GT-line. The SUV also comes with stylish dual-tone 16-inch alloy wheels, housed in squarish wheel arches.
Moving inside, the Sonet carries forward a familiar Kia signature design theme. The dashboard and cabin of the compact-SUV feels extremely premium and is packed with a host of segment-first features and equipment.
Some of its include a 4.25-inch instrument cluster, 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the brand's UVO connected technology. The SUV also features ventilated front seats, wireless charging, D-cut steering wheel with mounted controls, rear AC vents, air-purifier, electric sunroof and a host of others.
In terms of safety, the Kia Sonet is said to offer a host of equipment as standard. This includes six airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, HAC, ESC, VSM, brake assist, automatic headlamps, ISOFIX child seat anchors and a host of others.
The Kia Sonet is scheduled to go on sale in the Indian market sometime in the coming weeks. The compact-SUV will be offered in two trims: Tech-Line and GT-Line. Once launched in India, the Sonet will rival the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport, Hyundai Venue and Mahindra XUV300; among others.
Pricing for the Sonet will be announced at the time of launch. However, we expect the SUV to be positioned competitively in the Rs 8 lakh to Rs 12 lakh range, ex-showroom.
Thoughts On The Kia Sonet World Premiere
The Kia Sonet is one of the most-awaited SUVs in the Indian market, ever since its concept was unveiled earlier this year. The South Korean carmaker will be hoping to receive the same level of success for the Sonet, as it did for its Seltos SUV.