Kia is all set to debut the Sonet facelift in India on December 14, and prices are expected to be announced early next year. This will be the first mid-lifecycle update for the compact SUV since its launch in September 2020, and spy shots of test mules have hinted at notable exterior and interior updates. It will, however, remain mechanically unchanged when compared to the current model.
- Sonet facelift to get updated lighting elements
- Interior to get new switchgear, more features
- Rivals the Nexon, Brezza and Venue
Kia Sonet facelift exterior and interior design
While the fully uncovered images of the Sonet facelift that we published were from China, we understand the India-spec model with have its own unique front and rear bumpers. As such, exterior updates will include a redesigned grille, tweaked headlamps with new drop-down LED Daytime Running Lamp elements, and new alloy wheels. At the rear, the wraparound tail-light set-up will be swapped for new vertical units, which will be connected by an LED light bar like in the new Seltos.
On the inside, it will feature a slightly updated dashboard with new switchgear for the HVAC system, and potentially could also adopt the infotainment and driver screens from the Seltos facelift. There will also be an updated digital instrument cluster borrowed from the likes of Venue and Carens. In addition, we could also see some new upholstery and trim options, along with six airbags being made standard across the range, and the ADAS suite that’s offered on its sibling, the Hyundai Venue.
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Kia Sonet facelift powertrain options
The Sonet facelift is likely to continue with the existing 83hp, 115Nm, 1.2-litre petrol engine; the 120hp, 172Nm, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine; and the 116hp, 250Nm, 1.5-litre diesel engine. The petrol engine is expected to be mated to a 5-speed manual, while the turbo-petrol and diesel engines will retain the 6-speed iMT. Additionally, they will also get a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and a 6-speed automatic, respectively. There are talks of the diesel-manual making a comeback on some trims.
Kia Sonet facelift rivals, expected price
The updated Sonet will continue competing the Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger. Given all the upgrades, expect a slight bump up in the prices. For reference, the Sonet is currently priced between Rs 7.79 lakh-14.89 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
