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Next-Gen Kia Sonet Caught Testing: New Platform, Fresh Styling & Hybrid Engine Expected
Next-gen Kia Sonet launch expected in early 2027 It will be based on the K1 architecture
The next-generation Kia Sonet has been spotted testing on public roads in South Korea. The sub-4 meter is set to receive its most significant overhaul since its global debut, featuring new exterior styling, a new vehicle platform and a potential strong-hybrid powertrain option. With major upgrade, the SUV will take on the Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, and Hyundai Venue.
Exterior Changes - EV9-inspired Design Elements
The spotted model is covered in heavy black camouflage, key exterior design details are still visible:
Front Fascia: the SUV’s tiger nose-grille is expected to be wider, and will have more angular mesh pattern. Its revised headlight cluster extend vertically down the bumper edge, adopting Kia’s latest Opposites United design language seen on the EV9 and the Syros.
Side Profile: the next-gen Sonet will have new dual-tone diamond-cut alloy wheels with geometric spoke patterns, new pronounced wheel arch cladding, and roof rails. The SUV appears to carry a bolder and boxier design, which seems inspired by the latest Kia global models, including the EV9, Seltos and others.
Rear Profile: it is likely to get a full-width connected LED tail-lamp bar with vertical drop-down lighting elements on both ends, giving the tailgate a wider, more grounded look. However, the connected bar is not visible in the spotted model.
Platform & Hardware Upgrades
The next-generation Kia Sonet will be based on the upgraded K1 platform architecture, which also underpins the Hyundai Venue and the Kia Syros. The revised platform uses ultra-high-strength steel to improve structural rigidity and cabin safety cell performance for crash test standards. Structural dampening reduces noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels on highway routes.
Cabin Amenities & Tech Additions
The second-generation Kia Sonet is expected to come with significant changes in terms of features and material. It will be packed with a 30-inch connected screen comprising a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, a 5-inch central AC screen and a 12.3-inch driver’s display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bose 7-speaker premium audio, and wireless smartphone charging pad.
LEVEL 2 ADAS Expansion: the existing model comes with the Level 1 ADAS tech, but the second generation model will have full LEVEL 2 ADAS tech. It will
add features like Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Keep Assist, and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB).
Convenience Upgrades: It retains front ventilated seats, 4-way powered driver seat adjustment, rear door sunshade curtains, automatic climate control with a refined control toggle bar, and Kia Connect with 70% smart features.
Engine Options
| Powertrain Option | Displacement / Setup | Power / Torque Output | Transmissions |
| 1.2L Smartstream Petrol | 1,197 cc, 4-Cylinder NA | 83 PS / 115 Nm | 5-Speed MT |
| 1.0L Turbo Petrol | 998 cc, 3-Cylinder Turbo | 120 PS / 172 Nm | 6-Speed iMT / 7-Speed DCT |
| 1.5L CRDi Diesel | 1,493 cc, 4-Cylinder Turbo | 116 PS / 250 Nm | 6-Speed MT / 6-Speed AT |
| 1.2L Strong Hybrid (Expected) | 1.2L Petrol + Electric Motor | NA | Multi-mode Automatic |
The Next-gen Kia Sonet will continue to be offered with the existing 1.2L naturally-aspirated petrol, 1.0L turbo petrol and 1.5L CRDi diesel engine options. It is expected to carry over across manual, iMT, DCT and torque converter automatic options. If reports are to be believed, Kia is also developing a strong-hybrid derivative of the next-gen Sonet SUV.
Expected Launch Timeline and Rivals
The next-generation Kia Sonet is likely to be introduced in the Indian market in early 2027. However, the hybrid version is likely to arrive in 2028. It will continue to compete directly with the Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Hyundai Venue.
Also See - Toyota Glanza CNG vs Tata Altroz iCNG: Mileage, Specifications and Features Compared
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