Kia Sonet is surely one of the much-anticipated car launches of this year. The carmaker has confirmed that the subcompact SUV will arrive in August-October period. The model made its public debut in its close-to-production concept (90%) guise at the 2020 Auto Expo. Speaking to FE Auto, Manohar Bhat, Head, Sales and Marketing, Kia Motors India, has confirmed that the Sonet will come with several segment-first features including the clutchless manual gearbox.
The clutchless manual gear system will ensure “an engaging driving experience, high fuel-efficiency” with less stress in heavy traffic situation. There will be a manual gear shifter similar to the regular manual cars, but no clutch to engage a gear. The Sonet’s clutchless manual gearbox will be different than the existing AMT (automated manual transmission) system.
Engine setup of the Kia Sonet will include a 1.2L petrol, a 1.0L GDi turbo-petrol and a 1.5L diesel unit. While the diesel model will come with a 6-speed torque convertor automatic transmission, the 1.2L petrol variant will have iMT (intelligent manual transmission) unit with an auto rev-matching function. The latter one is the clutchless manual gear system. Check Out – 2021 Kia Carnival Renderings Show Sharper Design
Official details of the new Kia subcompact SUV are yet to be revealed by the carmaker. It’s reported to offer the segment’s largest 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The same unit is offered on the Kia Seltos. For entertainment purpose, the Sonet will have the Bose sound system. The feature list will also include an electric sunroof, Kia’s UVO connected car technology, a multi information display, auto climate control and push-button start-stop.
Once launched, the Kia Sonet will take on cars like Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport and Tata Nexon. It’s estimated to be priced between Rs 8 lakh – Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom). If launched in the price range, it will become the most affordable Kia SUV in the country.
