Kia is known for its feature-rich car offerings at a mass-market price point. Even if that statement is true, the compact SUV segment is becoming one of the most demanding segments in the Indian Automotive industry. And following that, the automaker can push it even further with the Sonet facelift. Here is everything you need to know-
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Kia Sonet Facelift-
With the launch, the Kia Sonet became one of the most popular compact SUVs in the country. Thanks to its long feature list, radical design, and a wide range of engines offered with different gearboxes, it is one of the most prominent players in its segment. Even though the Sonet received a noticeable update in 2024 to keep pace with evolving competition and remain at the forefront of technological advancements, it must plan a Sonet Facelift. So what changes can you expect?
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Looks-
As we know, the 2024 Kia Sonet got quite a few noticeable cosmetic updates. That said, with the new Sonet facelift, we can expect minimal cosmetic changes. The Sonet facelift could feature a sharper front fascia, sleeker LED lighting, while retaining the L-shaped DRLs, and revisions to the front and rear bumpers. Also, to give the Sonet a fresher look, the automaker could offer it with a new set of alloy wheels.
Interiors & Features-
Although the Kia Sonet’s cabin is feature-rich compared to the competition, there are some shortcomings that could be addressed with the upcoming facelift. Rear-seat comfort can improve with changes to the rear seats. The 10.25-inch dual-screen setup derived from the Seltos is expected to remain the same. But there is a chance that, due to the increasing popularity of the panoramic sunroof, the Sonet facelift’s higher trim can get one. Other features include ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, wireless charging and much more. For driver assistance, features like a 360-degree parking camera and ADAS would remain. The ADAS suite could be upgraded from Level-1 to Level-2 as part of the facelift. What else is about to be changed?
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Powertrain-
Under the hood, the current-generation Sonet features a variety of engines and gearboxes. Along with Sonet, you can get a 1.2-litre NA petrol (83bhp & 115Nm), a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol (120bhp & 172Nm) and a 1.5-litre diesel (115bhp & 250Nm). You can get these engines along with the 5-speed manual, 6-speed iMT, 7-speed DCT, 6-speed manual, and a 6-speed TC gearbox, respectively. Well, what’s interesting is to watch for the hybrid powertrains in the Sonet facelift lineup. Kia is also planning to introduce the Seltos hybrid globally, and following that, the Sonet facelift could be the first hybrid in the Indian market. This hybrid powertrain might feature the 1.2-litre petrol engine and an electric motor, paired with an e-CVT gearbox. With the hybrid tech, the Sonet’s efficiency is expected to improve.
Rivals-
Sonet Facelift will be introduced in one of the most competitive segments of the Indian automotive space. The major rivals remain the Tata Nexon, with huge monthly sales numbers. Other direct competitors are the Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Mahindra XUV3XO. The indirect rivals to the Sonet facelift will be the Tata Punch with the 1.2-litre engine option, and approximately in the same price range.
Expected Launch & Price-
There is no official word on the launch of the Sonet Facelift just yet. Considering the evolving competition, we can expect the Sonet facelift to be introduced by mid 2027. The current generation of the Sonet is priced between Rs 8.55 lakh and Rs 16.06 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). But with the updated feature list, the Sonet facelift could cost about Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000. For the hybrid variants, this could go even higher, up to Rs 1.5 lakh, as hybrid technology is not cheap. What do you think about this updated Sonet?
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