Kia Sonet Anniversary Edition launched at Rs 10.79 lakh

Kia has launched the limited-run Sonet Anniversary Edition in India to mark the compact SUV completing one year on sale. Based on the mid-spec HTX trim, prices for the Sonet Anniversary Edition start from Rs 10.79 lakh and go up to Rs 11.89 lakh (ex-showroom) – about Rs 40,000 more. The special edition Sonet is available with both the turbo-petrol and diesel engines and manual (iMT for the petrol) and automatic gearbox options.

• Sonet Anniversary Edition will be sold only for a limited period
• Based on the mid-spec HTX trim
• Priced about Rs 40,000 more than the Sonet HTX
• Available with 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines

Kia Sonet Anniversary Edition: what’s new?

Just like the Seltos Anniversary Edition from 2020, updates to the Sonet’s First Anniversary Edition model are only cosmetic in nature. The most distinctive update is the beefier looking skid plates on the front and rear bumper and new skid plates along the sides as well. These are further complimented by tangerine accents on the bumpers, along the doors and centre wheel caps.

The Sonet Anniversary Edition also gets a revised grille with more orange accents and an Anniversary Edition emblem.

Kia Sonet Anniversary Edition: features

As mentioned previously, the updates to the Anniversary Edition are purely cosmetic with the equipment list unchanged from the standard Sonet HTX. That means you get features such as auto LED headlamps, a single-pane sunroof, keyless entry and go, remote engine start, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, drive modes (automatics only), automatic climate control, cruise control and much more.

Compared to the higher-spec HTX+, you miss out on bits like a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, connected car tech, Bose sound system and an air purifier.

Safety features will include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and camera, ESC, hill-start assist, traction control and more.

Kia Sonet Anniversary Edition: powertrain options

The Sonet Anniversary Edition comes with two engine options – 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel – same as the regular HTX variant. The 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine produces 120hp and 172Nm of torque and comes mated to either a 6-speed iMT or 7-speed DCT gearbox.

Meanwhile, the 1.5-litre diesel engine produces 100hp and 240Nm of peak torque with a 6-speed manual transmission. The same engine, when paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, produces 115hp and 250Nm.

 Kia Sonet Anniversary Edition: availability and rivals

The Sonet Anniversary Edition model is a limited-run model and will be sold only till March 2022. It rivals the likes of Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300 and others.

Sonet's importance for Kia India 

The Kia Sonet has played a key role in the company's success in India, contributing almost 17 percent to the segment and 32 percent to Kia India’s overall sales, as of September 2021. In the past 12 months, it has also become the fourth highest-selling SUV in India.

Upcoming Kia launches in India

Following the Sonet Anniversary Edition, the South Korean carmaker does not have any major launches coming up this year. However, Kia is gearing up to introduce an all-new MPV. This new model (Codename: KY) will see a market launch sometime in early 2022.