With fuel-prices skyrocketing to all-time highs, consumers are moving towards alternative fuel vehicles like CNG and electric instead. Automakers too are planning or already developing alternative fuel models to cater to the demand. One of the brands which doesn’t have a CNG vehicle in their lineup is Kia. However, this may change soon as spy shots have revealed a Sonet being tested with a CNG kit.
Kia Sonet CNG: Spotted Testing
Latest spy shots reveal the Kia Sonet CNG being tested in Pune. The prototype is not clad in camouflage, meaning the CNG powertrain will be offered in the existing variants. You can also see the emission testing equipment fitted to its boot, with a “On Test By ARAI” sticker on the rear windshield. The model being tested is the top X-Line variant and looks like the CNG version will be offered with the 1-litre turbo-petrol motor.
Kia Sonet: Powertrain Details
Currently, Kia offers the Sonet with both petrol and diesel powertrains. The former has two options, a 1-litre turbo-petrol making 118 bhp with 172 Nm of peak torque or a 1.2-litre N/A petrol churning out 82 bhp with 115 Nm of max torque. The diesel is a 1.5-litre turbocharged unit that pumps out 113 bhp with 250 Nm of peak torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed iMT, a 7-speed DCT, or a 6-speed torque converter automatic.
Kia Sonet CNG: Pricing, and Rivals
The Kia Sonet CNG will be the first model from the manufacturer to be offered with a factory fitted CNG kit. Expect the new model to be priced around Rs 1 lakh more than the Sonet’s current price range of Rs 7.69 lakh (ex-showroom) - Rs 14.39 lakh (ex-showroom).
Upon launch, the Kia Sonet CNG will rival the likes of the upcoming Tata Nexon CNG and Maruti Brezza CNG.
