In January 2024, Kia launched the Sonet facelift in India and the brand has now launched two new trims. The HTE(O) trim sits just above the base HTE trim is priced at Rs 8.19 lakh (ex-showroom) for the petrol engine , while the diesel HTE(O) is priced at Rs 10.00 lakh.
The HTK(O) trim sits in between the HTK and HTK+ trims and is priced at Rs 9.25 lakh and Rs 10.85 lakh for the petrol and diesel engines, respectively. While there are no mechanical changes made to the vehicle, it gets additional features and we explain what’s new.
Kia Sonet HTE(O), HTK(O) features
The main talking point about both variants is the addition of the sunroof, making the feature much more affordable to buyers looking for it in a Sonet. Upon launch, only the HTK+ and higher variants were available with a sunroof, however, it has now been spread across the range. Additionally, the HTK(O) gets features such as automatic climate control and connected taillamps.
Kia Sonet HTE(O), HTK(O) powertrains
The variants are available with the option of a petrol or diesel powertrain. The 83hp, 1.2-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and has an ARAI mileage of 18.83kmpl. The diesel diesel powertrain is a 116hp, 1.5-litre, four-cylinder engine which is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. These new variants get no automatic gearbox options as they are entry-level variants.
Kia Sonet rivals
The Sonet rivals other compact SUVs in the segment like the popular Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Brezza. The Mahindra XUV300, which the Sonet also rivals, is receiving a facelift, which will be launched in the coming months. It has been reported that Mahindra is planning to equip the XUV300 with a panoramic sunroof, which could make it the first vehicle in this segment to get it.
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