2024 Kia Sonet Facelift India Launch on January 12: Here's What We Know So Far

With practically everything revealed regarding the new Sonet, and the car having already arrived at certain dealerships, the only essential detail that still remains under wraps is the price of the car. For those looking to buy the upcoming iteration of the SUV, the carmaker recently shared some good news. The new Sonet facelift from Kia India is finally all set to go on sale in the country on January 12. The manufacturer unveiled the sub-compact SUV in India last month, and a price announcement was scheduled for the first quarter of 2024. The updated Sonet boasts several new features, including ADAS, as well as a refreshed external design. The car can be had in three broad trims and seven variants. Furthermore, the pre-bookings for the model are underway for Rs 25,000 and deliveries will commence later this month. 

Also Read: Kia Sonet Facelift Fuel Efficiency Figures Revealed Ahead of India Launch

Kia Sonet Facelift: Mechanical Details

Starting with technical details, the diesel-MT option for the Sonet, which was removed at the beginning of 2023, will return with the revamp. Kia has not yet disclosed the stated mileage for the diesel manual, though. The updated Sonet will come with three different powertrain options: a 1.2-litre petrol engine that can only be coupled to a manual transmission; a 1.0-litre turbocharged engine that can be mated to a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) or an intelligent manual transmission (iMT); and a 1.5-litre diesel unit that can be paired to a standard manual transmission, an iMT, or a torque converter automatic (AT). 

As for the mileage, the 118bhp turbo-petrol in the Sonet is rated at 18.7km/l and 19.2km/l with a 6-speed iMT and a 7-speed dual-clutch auto transmission, respectively. On the other hand, the 82bhp petrol in the Sonet can only be had with a 5-speed manual transmission and is expected to achieve 18.83km/l. The 6-speed iMT version of the 114bhp Sonet diesel is rated at 22.3km/l, whereas the 6-speed torque converter variation gets an ARAI-certified rating of 18.6km/l.

Kia Sonet Facelift: Rivals 

Upon launch, the upcoming car from Kia is expected to carry an ex-showroom starting price tag of Rs 8 lakh. When it comes to its direct competitors in the market, the new Sonet will go against the likes of the Mahindra XUV300, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, the Hyundai Venue, the Nissan Magnite, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, the Renault Kiger, and the Tata Nexon. 

Kia Sonet Facelift: Exterior

Design-wise, a significant update has been made to the 2020-introduced Sonet with the recent facelift. Redesigned LED fog lamps, updated connected LED taillights, a more streamlined grille, tweaked LED headlights with bigger, fang-shaped LED DRLs, and reworked bumpers are some of the changes made to its exterior. Depending on whether you choose the Tech Line, GT Line, or X-Line trim, you get an upgraded design for the alloys as well. 

Also Read: Upcoming Kia Cars in India: Sonet Facelift, EV9, New Carnival and More

Kia Sonet Facelift: Interior Layout

On the feature front, the Sonet has a range of amenities along with cutting-edge tech. It distinguishes out as the first SUV in its class to have ADAS because none of its rivals currently offers the functionality. Lane departure warning, lane follow assist, and lane maintain assist are among the ten features provided by the ADAS system. There are twenty-five safety features on the Sonet, six of which are standard and essentially the same as those on its competitor, the Tata Nexon. 

The updated cabin now features two 10.25-inch digital panels that may be utilised as a driver's display and an infotainment unit. Additional features include an air purifier, an electric sunroof, a power-adjustable driver seat, ventilated front seats, and a Bose sound system.