10 things you don’t know about the Kia Sonet compact SUV

Kia showcased the all-new Sonet concept sub-4m compact SUV at the 2020 Auto Expo. The vehicle made its world debut in India and will be launched in the market in the coming times. The Kia Sonet looks quite interesting but here are ten facts that will tell you more about the car and ten facts that you did not know about the Sonet.

Will come with a diesel automatic

The automatic transmission is becoming quite popular in India and even the affordable cars are now offering AMT automatics to attract the customers. Well, Kia Sonet will take will cater to the customers who want the high fuel efficiency of a diesel vehicle and leisure of automatic transmission. The all-new Kia Sonet will offer a 1.5-litre diesel engine, which will come with a 6-speed torque convertor. The petrol-powered Sonet is likely to get a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Lanch time revealed

The all-new Kia Sonet will mark its entry in the Indian market soon. Kia announced that the production version of the Sonet will be launched in the Indian market in the coming months. The Sonet is likely to be launched in mid-2020 and it will take on the likes of Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue and more such cars.

First-in-segment features

Kia introduced a slew of first-in-segment features with the all-new Seltos last year and attracted a large chunk of customers. With the Sonet, the brand will do the same. Kia revealed two first-in-segment features during the unveiling of the car but the production version may get more. According to Kia, the Sonet will get an audio system from Bose and will also come with ventilated seats. Both these features are first-in-segment.

Engine options revealed

Kia will power the all-new Sonet with three engine options. There will be a 1.2-litre petrol engine that is available with the likes of Hyundai Venue and Grand i10 NIOS, a 1.5-litre de-tuned diesel engine fr0m the Kia Seltos and a high-performance 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine from the Hyundai Venue.

Same platform as the Hyundai Venue

It should be noted that Kia and Hyundai Motor Company are sister brands and both offer vehicles based on each other’s platform in the global market. The all-new Sonet will utilise the platform of the Hyundai Venue, which was launched last year in the Indian market but both the vehicles look completely different from each other.

First-of-its-kind transmission

Kia announced during the unveiling that the production version of the Sonet will offer iMT or intelligent Manual Transmission. This will be a clutchless manual transmission that will allow drivers to change the gears without using the clutch pedal. It will be quite a relief to drive this vehicle during the peak hour traffic. The iMT will also allow Kia to keep the cost of the vehicle highly competitive.

Largest screen in the segment

The Sonet will come with a massive 10.25-inch measuring infotainment system, which is similar to the Kia Seltos. The display will be biggest in size in the segment and will offer a range of features including the Kia UVO Connect and more.

Sonet Concept is 90% production version

Kia Sonet concept that was showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo is around 90% similar to the production version. Kia did not reveal the interior of the vehicle. However, without the features like flush door handles, massive alloy wheels and aggressive bumper design, the car looks ready for production.

Sportier than Hyundai Venue

Kia will put a sportier suspension set-up in the Sonet compared to the Venue. The production version of the car will be aimed at the youths, which is why it will be much more aggressive to drive and will offer sharp handling and steering feedback.

Most affordable Kia!

The Sonet will become the most affordable vehicle from Kia’s stable in the Indian market. The all-new car will get a price of around Rs 7 lakhs and since Kia is not planning to enter the sedan and the hatchback segment in India, the Sonet will remain the most affordable choice from the brand for a long time.