Kia Sonet Facelift Spotted Testing in South Korea, Global Debut in 2024

The Kia Sonet has once again been spotted testing in South Korea. It will get its first mid-lifecycle makeover next year. The facelift will be launched next year and include a thorough aesthetic overhaul on the inside and out. It might also use a few additional features, but it will have the same mechanical components as the existing model. Upon launch, the Sonet will continue to rival the likes of the Hyundai Venue, the Renault Kiger, the Nissan Magnite, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, the Tata Nexon, and the Mahindra XUV 300. Meanwhile, Kia has another exciting treat in store for customers as the firm gears up for the launch of the Seltos facelift in July. In this piece, we go through all the interesting details that we could figure out from the most recent spy photos, despite the test mule being significantly camouflaged. 

Also Read: Kia EV9 GT High Performance Electric SUV in Works, Expected to Launch Soon

Kia Sonet Facelift Spied: Exterior Design Details

There are several design elements that can still be somewhat seen through the camouflage. The headlights continue to have a simple, horizontal look for the most part, albeit the internals and LED Daytime Running Lamps might use some improvement. Similar to Kia's most recent models, including the EV9 and the EV5 concept, there appears to be a new drop-down piece that links with the fog lamp housing below. This suggests a whole new front bumper. A big central air inlet with a different mesh design from the one on the present car is also apparent.

The Sonet's basic structure is not anticipated to undergo any significant modifications, but the new dual-tone design for the 16-inch alloy wheels is definitely noticeable. Further, one can observe a new vertically oriented rear light that is most likely connected by an LED light bar at the back. Again, this is comparable to what we saw on the all-new Seltos, the EV9, and the EV5 concept. The rear bumper may also get some modest changes.

Kia Sonet Facelift Spied: What's New on the Interior?

While the interior is still heavily camouflaged, it suggests that there may be new interior trims and panels or an upgraded dashboard design. A 10.25-inch touchscreen, ventilated seats, a sunroof, wireless charging, ambient lighting, and a Bose audio system are just a few of the Sonet's feature-rich amenities. It will be intriguing to see if the automaker can outperform these already outstanding options. Apart from these features, we may also get to see a potentially updated digital instrument cluster, a much-needed enhancement over the existing Sonet's very basic one, with an increased information display and vibrant visuals.

Also Read: Kia Seltos Facelift to Get Panoramic Sunroof; Spotted Testing Ahead of India Launch

Kia Sonet Facelift Spied: Engine and Gearbox

As mentioned earlier, the mechanical components of the updated Sonet are likely to stay identical despite cosmetic improvements. RDE- and E20 fuel-compliant engines, which Kia just added to the Sonet portfolio, are probably going to remain in the redesigned vehicle. As a result, the Sonet will continue to offer a 1.5-litre diesel engine with 114bhp, a 1.2-litre normally aspirated (NA) type with 81bhp, and a 1.0-litre turbocharged variation with 118bhp. For all units, there should be the same gearbox options.

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