Next-gen Kia Sonet and Renault Bridger India Launch in 2027

The two most anticipated players in the fast growing sub-4 meter SUVs, the second-generation Kia Sonet and the all-new Renault Bridger will be launched in the Indian market in 2027. Both compact SUVs will be aiming to redefine what a “premium” small SUV can offer.  Interestingly, Kia and Renault will also launch these two SUVs with hybrid powertrains. 

Next-gen Kia Sonet

Codenamed QY2E, the second generation Sonet will come with a design overhaul and a longer list of features. It will be based on the same K1 platform that also underpins the Kia Syros, and the new architecture supports OTA updates and remote diagnostics. The new compact SUV is likely to grow in size, and will ride on longer wheelbase and offer a bigger boot space and improved legroom and headroom in the second row. It is expected to have a 2520mm long wheelbase, which is 20mm longer than the existing model. 

The second generation Kia Sonet is expected to retain its existing engine options, including an 83hp, 1.2L NA petrol, a 120hp, 1.0L turbo petrol and a 116hp, 1.5L turbo diesel. It is reported that the new SUV is likely to get a strong hybrid powertrain, which is currently under development. However, the hybrid version is expected to be offered sometime in 2028 or 2029. 

The second-gen Kia Sonet is likely to get larger 12.-inch touchscreen infotainment and digital driver’s display. It could also get a Syros-like camera and radar-based LEVEL-2 ADAS tech. Siimilar to the Syros and Venue, the new Sonet compact SUV would aim to achieve full five stars in Bharat NCAP crash tests. 

Renault Bridger

Renault will launch two new SUVs, the 7-seater Duster and the Bridger based compact SUV in the country in 2027. Both SUVs will be based on the Renault Global Modular Platform (RGMP), and will be manufactured at Renault’s Chennai based plant. This new small SUV will be positioned between the Kiger and the new Renault Duster. It will be designed and developed in India for domestic as well as international markets. 

The concept has a boxy shape with an upright stance, carved-out cladding, large glass areas, squared-off wheel arches and a flat nose. It comes with a flat grille with an illuminated Renault lettering, new squared-off headlamps with unique LED DRLs, and a striking bumper that houses a skid plate and mesh pattern for air intakes. There is a tailgate mounted spare wheel and vertically stacked tail-lamps and an upright tailgate. The SUV will be offered with turbo petrol and hybrid powertrains.