Kia Seltos, Sonet with more features now on sale

Kia has officially introduced the updated Sonet and Seltos SUVs in the market. We had recently reported on the upcoming Sonet and Seltos SUVs with more features. While prices for the new Sonet range between Rs 7.15 lakh and Rs 13.69 lakh, the Seltos is priced between Rs 10.19 lakh to Rs 18.45 lakh (ex-showroom, India). The biggest change to Kia’s popular SUVs include an additional focus on safety and more equipment on lower variants.

• 2022 Kia Seltos, Sonet get four standard airbags 
• Seltos diesel iMT is the only diesel iMT in India 

2022 Seltos, Sonet: More focus on passenger safety  

Kia has updated the safety features on both Seltos and Sonet. The two SUVs now get four airbags as standard across all variants, making them the only models in their respective segments to get more than two standard airbags.

Additionally, the HTX+ variants of both the models get curtain airbags taking the total count to six. These add-ons could be Kia’s attempt to get a step closer to the recent draft notification mandating six airbags from October 1, 2022. 

On the Seltos SUV, Kia has also introduced other safety features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Brake Assist (BA), Hill Assist Control (HAC), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and All-Wheel Disc brakes as standard. 

Meanwhile, on all Sonet variants, a tyre pressure monitoring system will also be standard. Moreover, ESC, VSM, BA and HAC will be offered on all variants of Sonet iMT. Like the Seltos, the curtain airbags will now be offered on the Sonet HTX+ variant.

Here's a price list of the updated Kia Sonet.

2022 Seltos, Sonet: what else is new?  

The Seltos now gets the iMT gearbox with the 115hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine in the HTK+ variant and is priced at Rs 13.99 lakh (ex-showroom, India). This makes the Seltos the only vehicle in India to get the iMT gearbox with a diesel engine.

Additionally, Kia is offering the 6-speed torque converter automatic in the diesel HTX variant. Earlier, it was available only in the HTX+ and GTX+ variants. The carmaker is now also offering paddle shifters along with multi-drive and traction modes for all automatic variants of the midsize SUV. Some minor changes include the addition of a new “Seltos” logo. The 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster will now be available on the HTX trim of the Sonet.

Moreover, the base HTE variant will be equipped with semi-leatherette seats, and, like the Seltos, the Sonet will get new model badging. Both the models will get two new paint shade options – Imperial Blue and Sparkling Silver. 

Here's a price list of the updated Kia seltos

2022 Seltos, Sonet: engine, powertrain options

Apart from the inclusion of the iMT gearbox on the Seltos diesel, there are no other changes to the powertrain options of both the SUVs. The Seltos comes with a 115hp, 1.5-litre petrol engine; a 115hp, 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine; and a 140hp, 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine. 

The Sonet, on the other hand, gets an 83hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine, a 120hp 1.0-litre turbo-petrol or a 1.5-litre diesel engine. 

2022 Kia Sonet: rivals in India 

Kia Sonet rivals other compact SUVs like the Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, Hyundai Venue, Toyota Urban Cruiser and the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. Spec to spec, the Sonet is one of the more expensive contenders in the segment.  

2022 Kia Seltos: Rivals in India

Kia Seltos rivals other midsize SUVs in the market like the Hyundai Creta, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, MG Astor and the Nissan Kicks.