The 2021 Kia Sonet is set to launch soon. The Korean carmaker has confirmed its arrival in the first week of May. We take a look at what all will be new.
- Sonet will get an automatic gearbox on HTX trim
- HTX variants to get added safety features
- Sunroof to be available from HTK+ trim
2021 Kia Sonet: New HTX automatic variant will be introduced
As reported by us earlier, Kia has discontinued the mid-spec HTK+ petrol and diesel-automatic variants of the Sonet. While this could mean that the petrol-DCT or diesel-AT will only be available with the Sonet GTX+, as revealed by a handful of dealers we spoke to, Kia will re-introduce the mid-spec automatic variants on the 2021 model, though in the higher HTX variant.
The Sonet HTX is currently available with the 1.0-litre T-GDi turbo-petrol engine paired with an iMT gearbox and a 100hp and 240Nm, 1.5-litre diesel paired to a 6-speed manual. The new addition means that the turbo-petrol will become available with the 7-speed DCT gearbox option while the diesel SUV will be available with the stronger 115hp and 250Nm, 1.5-litre diesel paired to a 6-speed torque converter automatic.
2021 Kia Sonet: More safety features on mid-spec variants
There will also be a few updates to the existing variants of the Kia Sonet in the safety department. The updated Sonet will now come with ESC, hill-start assist, vehicle stability management and brake assist as standard from the HTX variant onwards. These safety features were only available on the HTK+ petrol DCT and the fully-loaded GTX+.
Additionally the HTX automatic (petrol and diesel) variants will also pack in selectable traction and drive modes – again features currently limited to the GTX+ automatics and the now discontinued HTK+ DCT.
2021 Kia Sonet: Other feature updates
Moving to the comfort and convenience features, a notable addition to the Sonet line-up will be the inclusion of a sunroof of the HTK+ turbo-petrol iMT trim. Other updates to the HTK+ trim will include keyless entry and go and remote engine-start on the turbo-petrol and diesel model.
Aside from the safety updates, the HTX trim will also now come with the dual-tone 16-inch alloys seen on the HTX+ and GTX+ trims. Additionally, the automatic variants will also get steering-mounted paddles – the GTX+ automatics will also get paddle shifters.
Onto the fully-loaded trims, the HTX+ and GTX+ are also expected to get an updated version of Kia’s UVO Connect connected car tech.
2021 Kia Sonet: Engine and powertrain options
Under the hood, there will be no changes to the 2021 Sonet. As before, the Kia’s compact SUV will be available with two petrol engine options - a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated unit producing 83hp and 115Nm of torque, along with a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine developing 120hp and 175Nm of peak torque. The 1.2-litre can only be had with a 5-speed manual gearbox, while the 1.0-litre comes with either a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox.
The diesel engine is a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged unit that churns out 100hp and 240Nm in combination with a 6-speed manual gearbox, or 115hp and 250Nm (up by 15hp and 10Nm) when paired to the 6-speed automatic.
2021 Kia Sonet: rivals in India
The Sonet will go up against the likes of the Maruti Vitara Brezza, Toyota Urban Cruiser, Hyundai Venue, Ford EcoSport, Nissan Magnite and the Renault Kiger.
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