What’s Common Between Hyundai Venue And Upcoming Kia Sonet
Not just platform, the Kia Sonet also shares the engine specifications with the Hyundai Venue.
Korean automaker, Kia entered in our market with the Seltos mid-sized SUV in August 2019. The company is currently selling 2 cars – the Seltos and the Carnival premium MPV in our market. Both models have received excellent response from buyers. The Korean automaker is now set to launch its 3rd new product in the form of Kia Sonet in the Indian market.
The Kia Sonet was unveiled in the pre-production avatar at the 2020 Auto Expo. The company said that the Sonet was 90 per cent ready and will receive minimal changes before hitting the stores. Despite coronavirus pandemic, Kia is confident to launch the new Sonet compact SUV on time. It will be launched during festive season, between August-October 2020. Also See – 10 Things You Should Know About Kia Sonet
For people not in the know, Hyundai is the parent company of Kia Motors and both brands share platforms, engine technology and even interior features. The new-gen Hyundai Creta is based on the new K2 platform, which also underpins the new Verna sedan and the Kia Seltos. This platform is compatible enough to accommodate different body styles including a 7-seater SUV, and Hyundai is readying the 7-seater Creta scheduled to be launched in late 2020 or early 2021.
Following the Seltos and Creta, Kia Motors will launch the new Sonet compact SUV based on the new Hyundai Venue’s platform. The Venue is based on a modified version of the i20 platform. The company has used 69% high-strength steel, which makes it stiffer and stronger. Kia is also using this platform for the Rio hatchback.
Not just platform, Kia Sonet will also share the engine options with the Hyundai Venue. It will be offered with 3 engine options – a 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated petrol, a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel. The naturally-aspirated petrol engine produces 82bhp and 114Nm, while the turbocharged engine is good for 118bhp and 172Nm of torque. The oil burner produces 99bhp and 215Nm of torque. While the diesel Sonet will offer torque convertor automatic gearbox option, the Hyundai Venue diesel is only available in manual avatar.
The Kia Sonet will also receive IMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission), which comes with auto-rev matching function. This gearbox makes manual driving easy as driver doesn’t need to use the clutch while shifting gears. Like the Venue, the new Sonet will offer several high-end features like UVO Connect connected car technology, wireless charging, Bose-sourced premium sound system, automatic climate control, cruise control, rear parking camera, LED headlamps with DRLs and LED tail-lamps.
Video – Kia Sonet First Look
