Kia Motors had launched the Sonet compact SUV in India as well as in select international markets in 2020. While the India-spec model sits below 4 meters in length, the Sonet sold in other markets measure above 4 meters. A new media report claims that Kia Motors will introduce a three-row Sonet SUV on April 8, 2021.
The Kia Sonet 7-seater is expected to be launched in Indonesia. The 5-seater model is already on sale in Indonesia, which measures 4,120mm in length. As a reference, the India-spec Kia Sonet is 3,995mm long. Both versions are produced at Kia Motors’ Anantapur manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh.
The report further claims that the 7-seater Sonet will measure similar to the 5-seater model. A third row seat will be added behind the second row, which means the boot space will be used for the third row. The third row will be good for kids, and will most likely to be a tight fit for adults.
With all 3-row seat in position, the Kia Sonet 7-seater will have unusable boot space. However, the SUV is most likely to give 50:50 split function for the third row. The Indonesian-spec Kia Sonet 7-seater will be powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine that churns out a maximum power output of 113bhp and a 144Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a CVT automatic.
The 3-row Kia Sonet model will rival the likes of the Toyota Avanza and the Daihatsu Xenia. The MPV will be produced in India; however, it is not likely to arrive in our market anytime soon.
Source – AutoCarIndia
