Kia is gearing up to launch three new models in the country by the end of 2024, and will also showcase a new sub-4-metre model for India before the year is out. The carmaker will reveal the price of the refreshed Sonet compact SUV, bring in its flagship EV9 EV and launch the new-gen Carnival MPV in the country. Here are the most important details.
Disclaimer: All prices and launch timelines are estimates.
Kia Sonet facelift
Price: Rs 8 lakh-15 lakh
Launch: January 2024
Engine: 1.2 petrol, 1.0 turbo-petrol, 1.5 diesel
Bookings for the Sonet facelift began recently, a few days after its global debut. While the three engine options continue unchanged – along with manual, iMT and automatic transmission options – the diesel-manual version has made a comeback. For 2024, the Sonet is better equipped to take on the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Nissan Magnite and other compact SUVs, with feature additions such as a Level 1 ADAS, a new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and minor interior and exterior changes. Expect Kia Sonet facelift prices to exceed the outgoing model by a decent amount.
Kia EV9
Price: Rs 1 crore
Launch: April-May 2024
Battery: 77.4kWh, 99.8kWh
Kia’s flagship EV is expected to launch in India before the monsoons. While the concept showcased at the 2023 Auto Expo was powered by a 77.4kWh battery pack, the global production-spec model that was revealed later had a 99.8kWh, 800V battery with a WLTP range of up to 563km. The Kia EV9 is expected with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive options – the RWD version will get a 203hp, 350Nm motor, while the AWD EV9 gets two 192hp motors on each axle.
The large, squared-out SUV is about the size of a Range Rover and is Kia’s answer to the likes of the BMW iX, Mercedes-Benz EQC, Audi Q8 e-tron SUV and the Jaguar I-Pace. It’s tech-heavy on the inside too, with an expansive digital panel housing a trio of screens for use by the driver and passenger. The three-row SUV is expected to have multiple seating configurations when it arrives in India. As it’ll be brought in as a CBU, prices are expected to be upwards of Rs 1 crore and Kia will retail its flagship EV SUV in limited numbers to keep it exclusive.
Kia Carnival
Price: Rs 26 lakh-35 lakh
Launch: Second half of 2024
Engine: 2.2 diesel
The Kia KA4 – essentially the fourth-generation Carnival MPV – was showcased at Auto Expo 2023, where we saw that it sported a more rugged, SUV-inspired design and was larger overall than its predecessor. Spy shots revealed that design elements from newer Kia models are also present. The interior of the 2024 Carnival is more minimalistic, with two 12.3-inch displays taking centre stage, though it’s got all the features and safety kit. While the MPV is offered in 7-, 9- and 11-seat configurations overseas, it remains to be seen which of these will come to India. Expect the 201hp, 2.2-litre diesel engine to continue.
Kia Clavis (AY)
Price: Rs 10 lakh-20 lakh
Launch: Early 2025
Engine: 1.0 turbo-petrol/TBA
Although prices for Kia’s new model will not be announced by the end of 2024, we expect the car – codenamed AY – will make its debut before the end of the year. To be called the Kia Clavis, this new sub-4-metre SUV will sit between the Sonet and Seltos, and come with ICE and all-electric powertrain options. While technical specifications have not yet been revealed, expect the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine from the Sonet to make its way here. The big news, however, is that the Clavis is likely to be the first Kia in India with a strong hybrid powertrain option.
Sources tell us that this car will have a tall and boxy design, and will most likely have a tough, SUV-like presence; design inspiration is said to be taken from the Kia Soul. The more upright design will also help address a weakness of the Sonet – a lack of legroom at the rear and a small boot.
Also see:
Kia Sonet facelift first look video