KIA Sonet Facelift to be Launched in India on 14 December

Kia Cars is gearing up to officially unveil the new Sonet facelift in India on December 14, with prices to be announced sometime in early 2024. This will be the first major update for the subcompact SUV since its launch in 2020. The new Sonet will get a refreshed exterior and an updated interior along with the addition of ADAS. We take a closer look.

Kia Sonet Facelift: Exterior Design

Spy shots have already revealed the design changes to the Sonet facelift. The front end features updated LED headlights with DRLs that extend vertically, a new grille with inserts and a reprofiled bumper with a larger air dam replacing the fog lights. While the side profile stays similar to the current model, Kia Motors has given the subcompact SUV new alloy wheels. At the rear, the Sonet facelift gets LED taillights connected by a light bar and a new bumper.

Kia Sonet Facelift: Interior Features

Compared to the exterior, changes to the Sonet’s interior are minimal. The single panel for the infotainment system and instrument cluster remain, though the latter could get a new semi-digital unit. Other changes to the cabin include new controls for the HVAC and a black and tan interior theme.

In terms of features, the facelifted Sonet is expected to add a 360-degree camera and ADAS tech to its exhaustive list which already includes ventilated front seats, electric sunroof, wireless phone charging, ambient lighting, cruise control, and more.

Kia Sonet Facelift: Powertrain Details

Kia will continue to offer the current powertrain options in the Sonet facelift. This includes a 1-litre turbo-petrol motor that makes 120 bhp with 172 Nm of max torque or a 1.2-litre N/A petrol pumping out 83 bhp with 115 Nm of peak torque. Meanwhile, oil burner is a 1.5-litre turbodiesel unit making 116 bhp with 250 Nm of max torque. A 5-speed manual, a 6-speed iMT, a 6-speed automatic, or a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox will be transmission choices available.

Kia Sonet Facelift: Pricing and Rivals

Given the amount of changes and feature additions, the Kia Sonet facelift will likely be priced slightly higher than the current model which ranges between Rs 7.79 lakh (ex-showroom) - and Rs 14.89 lakh (ex-showroom). Upon launch, it will rival the likes of the Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon, Renault Kiger, Mahindra XUV300 and Nissan Magnite.