The Kia Sonet has been a hugely successful model for the brand since its launch in 2020. Now, after 3 years in the market, the subcompact SUV is slated to receive a major mid-life facelift. The updated SUV will receive a refreshed exterior and a mildly overhauled interior with new features that will be added. The facelifted Sonet has already been spotted testing and is expected to launch by early next year. We take a closer look.
Kia Sonet Facelift: Exterior Design
As just mentioned, new spy shots of the Sonet Facelift have surfaced online giving us an idea of how the new SUV will look like. While the test mule is heavily clad in camouflage, it does reveal some design elements of the upcoming vehicle. The front end provides an all-new signature Kia Tiger Nose grille that seems to be larger than before. Its bumper receives a refresh with new, larger fog lamp housings. The fog lamps themselves will be connected to the updated headlights by what seems to be LED DRLs.
Moving to the side, its silhouette will remain the same as the current model except for a new alloy wheel design. Towards the rear, the tailgate appears to be much flatter than before. The taillights have been heavily revised, featuring an L-type design similar to the upcoming Kia Seltos Facelift. It is expected that the rear could offer dynamic turn indicators and a full-width LED light bar.
Kia Sonet Facelift: Interior Features
The subcompact SUV already comes packed with features like a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, wireless charging, a sunroof, ambient lighting, and more. Expect Kia Motors to add more features to the Sonet’s cabin like a full-digital instrument cluster and a 360-degree camera to name a few. The SUV’s interior may also receive a minor refresh with a dual-tone theme for the dashboard and upholstery.
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Kia Sonet Facelift: Powertrain Details
The upcoming Kia Sonet Facelift is expected to continue with the current powertrain options. Petrol engine choices include a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated motor making 82 bhp with 115 Nm of peak torque and a 1-litre turbo-petrol unit that churns out 118 bhp and 172 Nm torque. The oil burner on the other hand happens to be a 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine which is capable of delivering a power output of 100 bhp with 240 Nm of peak torque. The South Korean automaker has just updated all three powertrains to comply with the new BS6 Phase II Emission Norms. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed torque converter automatic, a 6-speed iMT, and a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox.
Kia Sonet Facelift: India Launch and Rivals
The manufacturer is expected to introduce the facelifted Sonet in India by late-2023 or early-2024. Upon launch, it will rival the likes of the Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, and the Hyundai Venue in its segment.
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