Kia Sonet unveiled in final form; features revealed
Kia has pulled the covers off the new Sonet compact SUV in its final form. What you see in the images is the Kia Sonet GT Line, making it the first-of-its-kind product in its segment to get a dedicated line of sporty & performance-spec variants.
By Divyank K. Bansal
India will be one of the first markets in the world to receive the all-new Kia Sonet. The Sonet will be produced here for global export as well.
Ever since we saw it in concept form at the 2020 Auto Expo, we've been waiting with bated breath to see the Kia Sonet in its final production form. The wait finally comes to an end today, as Kia has pulled the covers off the new Sonet compact SUV in its final form. The images that you see are of the Kia Sonet GT Line, which is the first-of-its-kind product in its segment to get a dedicated line of sporty & performance-spec variants.
As informed earlier, the Kia Sonet is based on the Hyundai Venue. Therefore, both cars will share the same engine options. This means the Sonet will also go on sale with 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated (non-turbo) petrol, 1.5-litre turbo diesel, and 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine options. However, the Sonet will get slightly different powertrain variations than the Venue, as Kia will offer up to five gearbox options: a five-speed manual, a six-speed manual, a six-speed torque converter automatic, a 7-speed DCT automatic, and the new 6-speed iMT unit. While the final specs and figures are yet to be revealed, what has been confirmed is that the Sonet, unlike the Venue, will also be offered with a diesel automatic powertrain option.
Straight off the bat, the Sonet looks distinctive and unlike any other vehicle in its segment. The 'Crown Jewel' LED headlamps, combined with the 'Heartbeat' LED DRLs and the signature 'Tiger Nose' grille make the Sonet look quite butch for its size. The black contrast roof, as well as the 'Heartbeat' LED taillamps (joined by a reflector garnish), give the Sonet a premium appeal.
Speaking of premium, the Kia Sonet's USP is not just its striking design but also the fact that it will offer numerous segment-first or segment-leading features. Kia claims that the Sonet will be launched with '30+ segment-first features across design, performance and connectivity.'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6w2LTVu-Nc
On the infotainment front, the Sonet borrows the 10.25-inch HD AVNT unit, which also offers turn-by-turn navigation, OTA software updates, live traffic information, etc., from its elder sibling, the Seltos. And therefore, it will also be equipped with Kia's UVO Connect suite (connected car tech with up to 57 features), with UVO Voice Assist. The Kia Sonet will also feature a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster that will serve as the interface for features like the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), navigation, multiple drive modes, and grip control.
The list of premium features also includes a BOSE premium seven-speaker audio system (with subwoofer) and LED Sound Mood Lighting (mood lighting works in tandem with the audio system). Some other top-of-the-line premium features on the Kia Sonet include driver & front passenger ventilated seats, a remote engine start function via Smart Key or UVO Connect (for both MT and AT variants), wireless smartphone charging with cooling function, and a segment-first 'Smart Pure' air purifier with 'Virus Protection'.
On the safety front, the Kia Sonet will come equipped with features like ABS & EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-start Assist (HAC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Brake Assist, front & rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-V23bP4AaCw
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