Kia to Launch Sonet Compact SUV, 7-Seater MPV in India
Buoyed by huge success for the Seltos and the Carnival MPV, Kia is now gearing up for the launch of the much-awaited Sonet sub-4 meter SUV. Unveiled at the 2020 Auto Expo, the Kia Sonet compact SUV will be launched in India in August 2020. Adding to it, the company is also working on an all-new mid-size MPV.
The mid-sized MPV is expected to be launched in the country in 2021. The new model is rumoured to be based on the Seltos platform, which also underpins the new-gen Hyundai Creta. This platform is compatible enough to accommodate different body styles, including 7-seater SUVs and MPVs. In fact, Hyundai is also testing the 7-seater version of the new Creta SUV in South Korea.
The Kia mid-sized MPV will be longer than the Seltos and will offer seat for 6- and 7-adults. The new model will be positioned slightly premium over the Ertiga and will also challenge the Mahindra Marazzo. This segment will also witness the arrival of Hyundai’s new MPV and the Maruti-Toyota’s C-MPV. The new Kia MPV will also be exported to select International markets. The Korean brand is planning to make India an export hub for its products.
Talking about the specifications, the new MPV is likely to be offered with 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol and 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engines. While the former is good for 113bhp and 140Nm of torque, the oil burner offers 113bhp and 250Nm of torque. Both manual and automatic transmission options will be on offer.
The Kia Sonet, on the other hand, is based on the Hyundai Venue’s platform. It will directly rival the likes of the Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport, Mahindra XUV300 and the Maruti Vitara Brezza. The small SUV will be equipped with several segment-first features like 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with connectivity options, UVO Connect, electric sunroof, wireless charging, automatic AC, etc. Also See – 10 Things to know about Kia Sonet
The Sonet will be offered with 3 engine options – a 82bhp, 1.2-litre petrol with 5MT and IMT, a 118bhp, 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol with 6MT and 7-speed DCT and a 99bhp, 1.5-litre diesel with 6MT and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
