Kia Sonet 7-seater SUV was recently unveiled for the Indonesian market. The Indonesia-spec Sonet (both 5 and 7-seater) is being manufactured and exported from Kia’s Anantapur based plant in Andhra Pradesh. However, the South Korean carmaker has no plan to bring in the three-row SUV to the Indian market.
One must note that the India-spec Sonet (5-seater) is shorter than the model sold in Indonesia. Therefore, it’s not feasible to add three row seats without increasing length of the vehicle. And even if Kia increases its length, the Sonet will lose on tax benefits which are being offered on sub-4-metre SUVs. The carmaker might introduce a compact MPV with 7-seats configuration in the same price range. Read – Kia To Focus On SUVs In India
Dimensionally, the 7-seats Kia Sonet measures 4120mm in length, 1790mm in width and 1615mm in height. It’s exactly similar to its 5-seater model. In fact, the wheelbase remains unchanged – i.e. 2500mm.
The SUV comes with 2+3+2 seating configuration with split folding for the middle row and a one-touch tumble mechanism for the third row. The second row can be slide forward or backward for adjusting legroom for the middle row and third row occupants. There will be no boot space with the third row seats in place.
Most of the design elements and features are carried over from the 5-seater model. On the exterior, the Kia Sonet 7-seater features chrome radiator grille, full LED headlamps with LED DRLs, projector fog lamp assembly, R16 alloy wheels, electric body-coloured ORMVs and LED rear combination lamps.
Inside, there is a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. For entertainment purpose, the SUV has a premium 7-speaker Bose audio system with mood lights. Read – Kia KY (Ertiga Rival) To Get Electric Button Access To 3rd Row Seat
The list of features also includes wireless smartphone charger, a 4.2-inch LCD colour instrument cluster, leather wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio controls, roof mounted AC blower for third row passengers, ventilated front seats, automatic temperature control, an electric sunroof and more.
Unlike the India-spec model that comes with 1.2L petrol, 1.0L turbo petrol and 1.5L diesel engine options, the Indonesia-spec Sonet is available with a single 1.5L petrol motor. The Kia Sonet 7-seater uses the same 1.5L, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that’s good enough for 115bhp and 144Nm. The SUV can be had with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a CVT automatic transmission.
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