The second-generation Kia Sonet (codenamed QY2E) has been spied again, this time offering a clearer view of the exterior changes on the compact SUV. The next-generation Sonet will be built on the enhanced K1 platform that underpins the Syros and Venue and is expected to debut in India sometime in 2027.
- A new strong-hybrid powertrain is expected to be introduced in 2028 or 2029
- Expected to feature a revamped dashboard with curved dual screens
2027 Kia Sonet spied: What could be seen?
Split-style headlights, grille design and slimmer wraparound tail-lights were spotted
The latest spy shots reveal a split-style headlight design resembling that of the Hyundai Venue, with Sorento-like boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lamps (DRLs) up top and the main LED headlight units lower down on the bumper. The grille appears to be slimmer than the one on the current model, but the honeycomb-mesh pattern looks the same.
In the profile, roof rails, camera pods mounted on the outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs) and a shark-fin antenna can be spotted. The spied mule’s windowline looks similar to that of the current Sonet. While the wheel design cannot be spotted, previous spy shots revealed first-generation Seltos-like 17-inch alloys, a size larger than the ones on the current Sonet.
At the rear, the redesigned LED tail-lamps, with a boomerang shape similar to that of the front DRLs, can be seen. These tail-lights appear slimmer than the ones on the current model. The bumper design also seems to be more aggressive.
2027 Kia Sonet: Other expected changes
A revamped dashboard with a curved dual-screen setup expected
Previous spy shots of the second-generation Kia Sonet showed a curved dual-screen setup, which appears to be very similar to the one on the Syros and Seltos. If that is the case, the Sonet could get larger 12.3-inch screens for the infotainment touchscreen and driver’s display. The dashboard itself is expected to look minimalistic, like in the Syros and Seltos.
As mentioned earlier, the second-generation Sonet will be underpinned by the enhanced K1 platform, which is expected to address the compact SUV’s cramped rear space by allowing a longer wheelbase.
A new strong-hybrid powertrain will likely be introduced in 2028 or 2029
At launch, the second-generation Kia Sonet is expected to be offered with the same powertrain options as the current model. These include 83hp 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 120hp 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and 116hp 1.5-litre diesel engines. The manual and automatic transmission options are also likely to be carried over.
That said, a new strong-hybrid powertrain is likely to be introduced a year or two after the compact SUV’s launch, in 2028 or 2029. The technical details of this powertrain are yet to be revealed.
The 2027 Kia Sonet is expected to be priced at a small premium over the current model, which ranges from Rs 7.41 lakh to Rs 14.27 lakh (ex-showroom). It will continue to rival compact SUVs such as the Hyundai Venue, Kia Syros, next-generation Tata Nexon (codenamed Garud), Skoda Kylaq, Mahindra XUV 3XO and Maruti Suzuki Brezza.