2021 Kia Sonet To Be Launched In May With New Variants & Features: All You Need To Know

The 2021 Kia Sonet will be made available in two new variants - HTX 1.0 T-GDI turbo-petrol with a 7-speed DCT gearbox, and HTX 1.5L CRDi VGT turbo-diesel with the 6-speed automatic gearbox. Two of the older variants - HTK+ 1.0 T-GDI turbo-petrol with 7-speed DCT, and HTK+ 1.5L CRDi VGT with the 6-speed automatic gearbox - were removed from the list earlier this month.

The Kia Sonet became the best-selling model for Kia India almost immediately after it was launched in September 2020. The model was first displayed at the 2020 Indian Auto Expo as the Kia Sonet Concept. Kia did a brilliant job of launching the SUV with a design that is very similar to the concept it displayed a few months ago.

Kia's sales in India got a massive boost thanks to the affordability of the Sonet and the fact that it came packed with features. Adding to the appeal of the Sonet was the range of engine and transmission choices it was made available with. Now, Kia is all set to launch the updated model nearly eight months after the Kia Sonet first debuted in India.

In terms of design and styling, the 2021 model resembles the outgoing one in many ways. We spotted the car recently and it comes with quite a few differences. However, it takes an eye for detail to spot the differences. The first major difference is a brand new Kia logo. The new, more stylish Logo is prominently displayed at the front-end on the bonnet, and becomes larger in size on the tailgate.

Changes have been made to the front bumper and the headlamp has gone through a slight redesign as well. The 2021 Kia Sonet rides on the same set of dual-tone alloy wheels, while the entire rear-end has been retained from the outgoing model. While the design and styling is similar to the older model, the feature list and trim levels have several changes.

As aforementioned, the Kia Sonet comes in two new variants, and Kia has added a few features across all trim levels. The base variants of the Kia Sonet - HTE, and HTK remain unchanged. The feature revisions start from HTK+ onwards.

The HTK+ variant of the Kia Sonet gets features like keyless entry on the 1.2-litre petrol variant, and smart key with push button start on the 1.0 turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre turbo-diesel models. The HTX variant gets paddle shifters behind the steering wheel for the automatic variant. It gets several. The 2021 Kia Sonet is the first vehicle in its segment to feature paddle shifters.

The HTX variant also gets features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-Start Assist Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Brake Assist, etc. Traction Control Modes - Sand, Mud, and Wet, and Drive Modes - Normal, Eco, and Sports are available in models driven by the automatic gearbox.

The HTX+ trim gets more advanced features like AI Voice Commands. Users can say words like 'Hello Kia' and then give the system a command, which it will follow. This trim now also gets features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-Start Assist Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Brake Assist, etc.

The top-spec GTX+ trim now gets paddle shifters for the automatic gearbox and it also features AI voice commands. In all the variants with the AI voice control feature, users can control the sunroof, power windows, wind direction, defroster, audio system, etc, just by saying the words 'Hello Kia' and followed by the command.

The 2021 Kia Sonet will continue to be powered by the same engines and driven by the same transmission options as the outgoing model. The Smartstream G1.2 naturally-aspirated petrol engine has an output of 84bhp and 115Nm. This engine is available only with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

The Smartstream G1.0 T-GDI turbo-petrol engine that powers the HTK+, HTX, HTX+, and GTX+ variants boasts of an output of 119bhp and 172Nm. This turbo-petrol engine is available either with a 7-speed DCT gearbox or a 6-speed iMT gearbox.

The 1.5-litre diesel engine is available in two configurations: one with a (WGT) Waste-Gate Turbo and another one with a (VGT) Variable Geometry Turbo. The 1.5-litre WGT produces 99bhp/240Nm of torque, while the superior VGT-equipped engine produces 114bhp and a peak torque of 250Nm.

The 1.5 WGT engine is available with a 6-speed manual gearbox only, while the 1.5 VGT engine comes mated to a 6-speed torque convertor automatic only. The WGT is available across all variants of the Kia Sonet while the VGT is available only in the HTX and GTX+ trims. The 2021 Kia Seltos will also be launched in the Indian market in May 2021.

Thoughts On 2021 Kia Sonet Features Being Revealed Ahead Of Its Launch In May

The Kia Sonet was already a brilliant vehicle that offered the best of everything in its segment. Now, in its 2021 model update, the Kia Sonet has become more enticing thanks to its lengthy list of features. The mid-range variants of the Kia Sonet were the best-sellers so far, and Kia has now expanded on just that with the decision to launch new mid-range variants.