2nd-gen Kia Sonet spotted testing in Karnataka

The 2nd-generation Kia Sonet is set to launch in India in early 2027, 3 years after the launch of the previous generation model’s facelift version. The compact has been spotted testing in India on multiple occasions. Last month, it was spotted in Haryana while it was undergoing a road test. The latest crop of spy shots emerges from Karnataka. The test mule was draped in heavy camouflage. The SUV has been internally codenamed QY2E.

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2nd-gen Kia Sonet: What do the new spy shots suggest?

While the Sonet’s test mule was heavily draped in covers, the cutouts along the front fascia hint towards new cosmetic changes. The grille seems to retain the honeycomb pattern from the current model, but it has shrunken in size. The headlamps appear to have been completely revamped, now rocking the split setup. The boomerang-shaped LED DRLs seem to be inspired by the Kia Sorento. While the design of the front bumper still remains a mystery, we expect it to be more muscular than the one on the current-gen Sonet.

The profile of the next-gen Sonet remains mostly unchanged. The test mule was using an older design for its 17-inch alloy wheels. It won’t make it to the production model. The wheel arches appeared chunkier, and the roof rails were sitting flush on the panel. At the back, the taillamps follow the design language of the boomerang DRLs up front. These taillamps are connected by a light bar. The rear bumper has also been reworked.

Not many details are known about the upcoming Kia Sonet. Rumours suggest that it will ditch the K2 platform for the updated K1 architecture. This is the same platform that underpins Kia Syros. The new architecture will expand the compact SUV’s roominess and make more leg space for rear-seat passengers. In terms of instrumentation, the SUV will rock twin 12.3-inch displays for the digital instrument cluster and the touchscreen infotainment system. There will be wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity on board.

The 2nd-gen Sonet will retain the feature list of the current-gen model. This means it will be equipped with a 360-degree camera, a Bose sound system, a sunroof, and more. On the safety front, the SUV will get six airbags, TPMS, ESC, hill-start assist, and more standard features. It remains to be seen whether Kia will upgrade the Level 1 ADAS package to a Level 2 suite. The L1 ADAS offers features like lane keep assist, high beam assist, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and more on the current-gen model.

No changes are expected under the hood of the 2nd-gen Sonet. It will continue to be offered with a trio of engine options – 1.2-litre petrol engine, 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. The petrol engine generates a maximum power output of 83hp and 115Nm of torque. It is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The 1.0-litre turbo petrol unit puts out 120hp and 172Nm. It can be mated to an iMT or DCT gearbox. Lastly, the 1.5-litre diesel engine generates a maximum power output of 116hp and 250Nm of torque. It can be paired with a manual or automatic transmission. It is reported that Kia is developing a strong-hybrid powertrain for the Sonet, based on the 1.2L petrol engine. It will be introduced in 2028 or 2029.

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Final Thoughts

The current-gen Kia Sonet is priced between Rs 7.34 lakh and Rs 14.09 lakh. The next-gen model will demand a small premium. It will continue to rival the Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Nissan Magnite, Tata Nexon, and Renault Kiger upon launch.