Kia Sonet GT Line vs Tech Line: what is the difference?

It’s not just styling changes – there are some key feature and powertrain differences between GT and Tech Line versions of the Kia Sonet.

Published On Aug 18, 2020 02:51:00 PM

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Kia Sonet GT Line vs Tech Line: what is the difference?

The Kia Sonet made its world debut in India recently, with bookings set to open officially on August 20, and as was the case with the Kia Seltos, the Sonet will be offered in standard Tech Line guise as well as sportier GT Line form. These two ‘lines’ are packages that mostly change the way the Kia Sonet looks, but there are a few other differences too. We break it down for you.

GT Line to only be offered in fully-loaded GTX+ form
6 airbags,wireless charging exclusive to Sonet GT Line
Kia Sonet bookings to officially open on August 20

Kia Sonet GT Line vs Tech Line: Exterior differences

It takes a keen eye to notice what’s different on the outside of the GT and Tech Line versions of the Kia Sonet. Apart from a badge on the grille, what sets the sportier Sonet GT Line apart are the red accents on the signature ‘Tiger Nose’ grille, a different design for the front air intake, red accents for the lip, wheel centre caps and at the base of the doors, red brake calipers (front only), and a black rear bumper with a red highlight for the chrome-lined faux exhaust finish.

Sonet GT Line (above) and the Sonet Tech Line (below)

Kia Sonet GT Line vs Tech Line: Interior differences

On the inside, the differences between the two variant lines are more apparent. The biggest visual differentiator is the colour scheme – the GT Line has an all-black interior with GT Line logos and contrast red stitching for the seats, gear lever, and steering wheel. Depending on the variant, the Sonet Tech Line will have an all-black interior, or a black-and-beige interior with silver surrounds for the AC vents.

Sonet GT Line (right) and the Sonet Tech Line (left).

Kia Sonet GT Line vs Tech Line: Feature differences

Another key difference between the GT Line and Tech Line models is in the variants they are available in. The Sonet Tech Line will be available across the board, from the base HTE to a well-kitted-out HTX+, while the GT Line will only be available in one fully-loaded GTX+ form. The Kia Sonet HTX+ – the highest version in the Tech Line – is almost on par with the GTX+ on equipment, but misses out on 6 airbags (Tech Line models only get 2 airbags), front parking sensors and wireless smartphone charging.

Wireless charging is only available in the GT Line.

Kia Sonet GT Line vs Tech Line: Powertrain choices

There are a total of three engine and five gearbox options for the Kia Sonet, and all of those are available with the Tech Line models. The GT Line foregoes the 1.2-litre petrol engine, and can only be had with the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines with manual and automatic transmission options. The naturally-aspirated 1.2 petrol will only be available in HTE, HTK and HTK+ trims; the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol is available HTK+ onwards, while both automatic options – the 7-speed DCT (turbo-petrol) and 6-speed torque converter auto (turbo-diesel) – will be offered in the mid-spec HTK+ and the fully-loaded GTX+ trims. Interestingly, there is no manual gearbox option for the 1.0 turbo – just a 6-speed iMT (which eliminates the clutch pedal) and the 7-speed DCT. The iMT will be available with all variants except for the base HTE and HTK trims.

Kia Sonet GT Line vs Tech Line: Price ranges

By virtue of being as feature-heavy as they are, the GT Line variants will sit at the top of the of the Kia Sonet range, and are also likely to have some price overlap with the bigger Seltos. The Kia Sonet’s India launch is expected to take place by mid-September, and it will face competition not just from the existing crop of compact SUVs, but also the Toyota Urban Cruiser, which will also be launched in the coming weeks, with the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger also due in the time to come.

Which version of the Kia Sonet do you prefer – Tech Line or GT Line? Let us know in the comments.

Also see:

Kia Sonet specs, variant details revealed

Kia Sonet first look video