Kia

Kia Sonet Compact SUV Gets Intelligent Manual Transmission

Kia Sonet India Launch Price

Korean automaker, Kia unveiled the much-awaited Sonet sub-4 meter SUV in the concept avatar at the 2020 Auto Expo. The production version of the Kia Sonet will share 90% of the design with the concept model. Scheduled to be launched in the second half of this year, around Diwali, the new sub-4 meter SUV will challenge the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Maruti Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport and the Mahindra XUV300.

The Kia Sonet is based on the Venue’s platform. Not just platform, the sub-4 meter SUV also shares the mechanics with the Korean cousin. The sub-4 meter SUV will be offered with 3 engine options – a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol, a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder diesel. The SUV will get a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. Instead of dual-clutch automatic, the Sonet will get the new intelligent manual transmission (iMT).

Kia Sonet Launch

The iMT gearbox comes with auto-rev matching function. This gearbox makes manual driving easy as driver don’t need to use the clutch while shifting gears. While Venue misses out on diesel automatic gearbox option, the Sonet diesel will receive the 6-speed torque convertor automatic unit. The company is aiming to offer multiple engine-gearbox combinations to its buyers. Also See – Kia Seltos X-Line Unveiled

The Kia Sonet looks completely different from the Hyundai Venue, featuring trademark Kia’s styling. It looks more compact with sloping roof and has chunkier design than the upright SUV-ish profile. Upfront is a signature Tiger Nose grille with mesh treatment, LED headlamps with DRLs and sculpted bonnet. The SUV gets wider-airdam, dual-tone bumper with red accents and faux skid plates. At the back, the Sonet gets large tail-lights with LED light bar and uniquely designed C-pillar.

Kia Sonet Compact SUV Specs

The concept was equipped big 18-inch wheels wrapped with 255-section tyres; however, the production model will have smaller wheels. According to the Kia, the Sonet’s production model will retain the 90% of the concept’s design.

The Kia Sonet will also share interior design and features from the bigger Seltos. It will be fitted with segment-largest 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Adding to it, the small SUV will also get UVO Connect connected car technology and a Bose sound system. Other features will include multi-functional steering wheel, powered ORVMs, automatic climate control, wireless phone charger, keyless entry with push start button.

Kia Sonet First Look Video

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