Key Highlights
- The new Kia Sonet facelift gets important cosmetic and feature upgrades.
- The diesel engine on the facelift now gets the option of a 6-speed manual transmission.
- A new Level 1 ADAS package is a nice addition to the safety features of the SUV.
Kia has finally taken the wraps off the new Sonet facelift. The compact SUV gets some interesting cosmetic and feature upgrades but remains mechanically unchanged. Bookings for the Kia Sonet facelift will begin on December 20. The automaker will officially launch the SUV in India in January 2024. Kia also plans on re-introducing the Carnival MPV in India next year.
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Table of Contents
Kia Sonet facelift: Everything you need to know
The front fascia of the Sonet facelift is marked by larger LED headlamps which are now integrated with LED DRLs on three sides. These DRLs run across the width of the headlamps and then extend downwards, giving off a fierce look. The front bumper and skid plates get significant design tweaks as well. Things remain the same along the sides of the SUV, apart from a new design for the 16-inch alloy wheels. At the back, the new LED tail lamps are now connected by a light bar.
The new Kia Sonet facelift is available in three major variants, just like its outgoing counterpart – Tech Line, GT Line, and X-Line. These variants are further divided into 7 trims – HTE, HTK, HTK+, HTX, HTX+, GTX, and X-Line. The first three trims also get the option of a 1.2-litre petrol engine. However, only the top three trims are offered with an automatic transmission.
Talking about the features, the new Kia Sonet facelift gets the all-important ADAS package. This is a Level 1 package with features like lane keep assist, high beam assist, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and more. Another big upgrade to the interior of the Sonet is the new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. This instrument cluster is also found on Kia Seltos. The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system has been retained from the outgoing model. Under this infotainment system is a small display that showcases the climate control information along with other things.
As far as safety features are concerned, the new Kia Sonet facelift gets a 360-degree camera, six airbags, a hill start assist, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and electronic stability control. The 360-degree camera is only available on the higher variants but the other features are available as standard across the lineup.
Things remain the same under the hood for the Kia Sonet facelift as it continues to be offered with three engine options. The 1.2-litre petrol engine produces a maximum power output of 83hp and 115Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine on the Sonet churns out 120hp and 172Nm. Lastly, the 1.5-litre diesel engine generates a maximum power output of 116hp and 250Nm of torque. The turbo petrol and diesel engines get the option of a 6-speed manual gearbox on top of the existing 6-speed iMT transmission. Buyers also get to choose between a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and 6-speed torque converter automatic gearboxes for the turbo-petrol and diesel engines.
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Conclusion
The new Kia Sonet facelift is available in eight single-tone, two dual-tone, and one matte-finish colour options. Kia will announce the prices for the SUV next month. Prices for the outgoing Sonet currently start at Rs 7.79 lakh and go up to Rs 14.89 lakh. Once the facelift launches in India, it will rival Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Nissan Magnite, Tata Nexon, and Renault Kiger.
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