Kia Sonet facelift teaser reveals new design, features

New teaser shows Sonet will get connected LED tail-lights and a new digital instrument cluster; prices to be announced in January 2024.

Published On Dec 06, 2023 03:00:00 PM

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Kia Sonet facelift teaser reveals new design, features

Kia has released a second teaser of the Sonet facelift before its India debut on December 14. The Sonet facelift will see a market launch early next year.

Sonet facelift to get two digital instrument cluster options
To get ADAS tech like the Hyundai Venue
Will continue with three engine options

Kia Sonet facelift design

The teaser shows that the updated Sonet will get a very Seltos-like LED light bar that connects the two geometrical, C-shaped tail-lights. Other details visible are the rear wiper, a contoured tailgate, and a prominent rear spoiler with an integrated stop lamp. The bottom of the rear bumper sports a grey moulding that seems to add some robustness to the compact SUV.

Kia Sonet facelift interior, features

We had reported that the facelift will bring a digital instrument cluster for the Sonet facelift, and both teasers seem to confirm that; the 10.25-inch unit from the Seltos facelift seems to have been used here. However, previous spy shots had indicated that Kia’s compact SUV may borrow the instrument display from the Hyundai Venue, suggesting that lower variants are likely to get the Hyundai’s unit, while higher trims are likely to sport the snazzier Kia unit.

This new teaser also confirms our earlier report that the Sonet facelift will get an ADAS suite that is similar to the one offered on the Venue. While the teaser only shows the collision warning system and the forward collision avoidance assistance at work, the Sonet facelift will also boast of features like lane departure warning, lane keeping assist and high beam assist, among others.

Kia Sonet facelift powertrains

The Sonet facelift will continue with the same three engine options that are offered on the outgoing model: an 83hp, 1.2-litre petrol engine that comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox; a 120hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine; and a 116hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine. The turbo-petrol and diesel engines will retain the 6-speed iMT, though there has been word that the Sonet diesel-manual will be making a comeback. The turbo-petrol and diesel engines also get 7-speed dual-clutch and 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission options, respectively.

Kia Sonet facelift price, rivals

Naturally, Sonet facelift prices are expected to increase over the current model’s Rs 7.79 lakh-14.89 lakh, ex-showroom, price range. As before, the Sonet will continue to rival the Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger and other compact SUVs.

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