Kia’s compact SUV, the Sonet, made its global debut in 2020, and though it has received some minor updates and special editions, it is yet to get a major facelift. The Sonet has been the brand's bestseller in India for the first half of 2023.
In April, spy mules of the facelifted Sonet were spotted in South Korea, however, more recently, the SUV has been spotted testing in Hyderabad too. The Sonet facelift is due to launch next year, after making its global debut in India.
- India test mule spotted with an updated exterior design
- Likely to remain mechanically unchanged
- Could get interior updates
Kia Sonet facelift: What’s new on the outside?
The spy shots of the Sonet spotted in India show that it retains the details seen on the South Korean test mule, such as the revised Kia grille, updated headlamp design and even a refreshed alloy wheel design. The front bumper gets a minor nip and tuck, with its marginally larger foglamp housing that is connected to a vertically positioned element that could be a turn indicator or a daytime running light.
In profile, the silhouette of the facelifted model seems to be relatively unchanged. However, we can see that the alloy wheel design is new and not available on the current Sonet. At the rear, the cosmetic changes continue with a revised tail-light design that borrows heavily from the newly launched Seltos facelift. It could also get an LED light bar connecting the tail-lights as seen on the Seltos facelift.
Kia Sonet facelift: interior updates
In terms of updates on the inside, the spy shots don't show the interior of the Sonet facelift, but our earlier story revealed a few details of the model spotted in South Korea. We expect the SUV to get an updated dashboard design and even a new infotainment screen. Kia is not one to usually shy away from equipping their cars with features, with the current Sonet already offering a lot such as ventilated seats, a sunroof, wireless charger, ambient light and even a Bose audio system.
Kia Sonet facelift: engine and gearbox
We expect that Kia will not alter the engine and gearbox combination that is currently offered on the Sonet as the engines were recently updated to comply with the new emissions norms. Kia offers the Sonet with the options of an 83hp, 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, a 120hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, and a 115hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine. Transmission duties are carried out by a variety of gearboxes like a manual transmission, a dual-clutch transmission, a clutchless manual and an AMT.
The diesel engine is a particularly strong selling point as many manufacturers have axed diesel powertrains due to strict emissions regulations.
Kia Sonet facelift: India launch and rivals
The Kia Sonet is due to launch in 2024, and the recent developments with its rivals like the Tata Nexon and Mahindra XUV300 could see the Sonet’s launch timeline sped up to avoid missing out on the market action. The Sonet shares its platform with the Hyundai Venue and also rivals the likes of the Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite and Maruti Suzuki Brezza.
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