Kia Sonet gets a facelift, gets more tech and many segment-first features
Korean carmaker Kiahas launched a 2204 facelift of its most affordable product in the market, Sonet. The SUV was first unveiled in December 2023 and comes with 10 autonomous driving features. The vehicle also hosts over 70 Connected car features including ‘Find My Car’ and Hinglish commands. The new Sonet is available in 19 different variants, including the 5 Diesel Manual variants, which have made a comeback on the SUV.
The Sonet has become more muscular and sportier than before and retains its upright body style.The facelift gets an uplifted front facade with a new grille and new bumper design, crown jewel LED headlamps, 16-inchcrystal cut alloy wheels and star map LED connected tail lamps. Inside, it hosts 10 best-in-segment features, according to Kia. This includes dual screen connected panel design, rear door sunshade curtain, and all door power window one-touch Auto up/down function.
Apart from LED ambient sound lighting, you get a 10.25-inch Digital Cluster, equally big HD Touchscreen with Navigation, electric driver seat, New GT Line logo on steering wheel and 5 interior colour options with 1 new colour. The car is also available in new Pewter Olive body colour along with 8 Monotone, 2 Dual Tone and 1 Matte Finish colour.
Kia also claims that the new Sonet is the most technologically advanced and feature-rich offering in the segment. Similar to the outgoing version,the SUV continues to offer a Connected Car experience. You get more than 70 Connected car features, including the new Find My Car with Surround View Monitor (SVM), Hinglish VR commands, valet mode and remote window control.
The 10 autonomous features in the SUV include Front Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA), and Lane Following Assist (LFA), among others. Many safety features are standard across the variants including 6 Airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM).
Just like earlier there are a variety of engine and gearbox options to choose from. There are 2 Petrol engines including a powerful turbo mill as well as 1.5 litre Diesel engine option. Depending on the motor, you can choose between manual, iMT as well as Automatic gearbox options. Prices for the new Sonet start at Rs. 7.99 lakh, ex-showroom for the base Petrol and go up to Rs. 15.69 lakh for the top Diesel automatic. The top GT Line and X-Line trims are exclusively available with ADAS features. Their prices range between Rs. 14.50 lakh and Rs. 15.69 Lakhs, respectively.
The author is a Senior Editor at carandbike.com.