Kia Motors is gearing up for the global unveiling of the much-awaited Sonet compact SUV, which will be launched in our market in September-October 2020. The new model has been spotted testing multiple times in India. Interestingly, Kia Motors is also testing the new sub-4 meter SUV in Indonesia.
Set to be Kia’s smallest SUV, the Sonet will take on the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport, Mahindra XUV300 and the Maruti Brezza. In international markets, the Kia Sonet will directly rival the Toyota Raize and the Daihatsu Rocky. Similar to the Seltos, the upcoming Kia Sonet will be exported to close to 40 nations. It is expected that the Kia Sonet will be exported to the South American and South Asian countries including Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and others.
The Indonesian-spec Kia Sonet is rumoured to be offered in petrol version only. It is likely to receive the 82bhp, 1.2L naturally-aspirated petrol and the 118bhp, 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines. Indonesian media reports that the small SUV could also receive the 1.4L turbocharged or the 1.5L naturally-aspirated petrol engines, which also powers the Seltos.
The Kia Sonet will be offered with 3 engine options – 82bhp, 1.2L naturally-aspirated petrol, 118bhp, 1.0L turbocharged petrol and 99bhp, 1.5L turbo-diesel. Transmission options will include a 5-speed MT (1.2L Petrol), a 6-speed MT (1.0L Turbo Petrol & 1.5L Turbo Diesel) and a 7-speed DCT (1.0L Turbo Petrol). The diesel version is also likely to receive a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
For people not in the know, the Kia Sonet is designed and developed on the new Hyundai Venue’s platform. The new model will be equipped with several segment-leading features such as 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, UVO connect connected car technology, cruise control, electric sunroof, wireless charging and many more.
