New Kia Sonet HTE (O), HTK (O) Variants with Sunroof Launched in India

Kia, the renowned South Korean automaker, has rolled out new variants of two of its best-selling models, the Sonet and the Seltos. This move from the brand intends to attract new buyers and close gaps in the product line. For the Sonet, Kia has introduced two lower-spec variants: HTE (O) and HTK (O). Interestingly, these models are packed with several added features. Meanwhile, the Seltos gets fresh automatic transmission variants. The Sonet SUV was launched in its updated avatar in January this year. Speaking of the new trims, The HTE(O) variant, which is positioned slightly above the base-spec HTE variant, costs Rs 8.19 lakh (petrol engine) and Rs 10 lakh (diesel engine). Sitting between the HTK and HTK+ variants, the HTK(O) carries a price tag of Rs 9.25 lakh (petrol engine) and Rs 10.85 lakh (diesel engine). All mentioned prices are ex-showroom. Let's take a look at what else is new. 

Kia Sonet: Variant-wise Price

The price of the Sonet begins at Rs 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom). For reference, here's a variant-wise price list of the model. 

Kia Sonet HTE (O), HTK (O) Variants: New Features

The key selling point of the two models will be the sunroof. The accessibility to this feature will be significantly increased with the lower-spec variants now offering the same. When it first launched, the sunroof was limited to the HTK+ and above models; it is now standard on the whole lineup. The HTE (O) variant also gets a sunglass holder. As for the HTK(O), it also gets connected taillamps, rear defogger, and automatic climate control along with the above-mentioned amenities. 

Kia Sonet HTE (O), HTK (O) Variants: Powertrain Options

Under the bonnet, the redesigned Kia Sonet is powered by two petrol engines: a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder unit (82bhp) paired to a five-speed manual transmission, and a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (118bhp) mated to a six-speed iMT and a seven-speed DCT. Furthermore, the carmaker reinstated the diesel manual option. This 1.5-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine (114bhp) is coupled with a six-speed manual, a six-speed iMT, or a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

Kia Sonet HTE (O), HTK (O) Variants: Safety Suite

With the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), the Sonet is among the safest cars in its segment. The safety suite comprises features like lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, high beam assist, lane following assist, driver attention warning, and leading vehicle departure alert. Furthermore, it reduces potential risks involving cars, bicycles, and pedestrians by incorporating systems like forward collision warning and forward collision avoidance assistance. For enhanced safety, the SUV comes equipped with six airbags. 

Kia Sonet HTE (O), HTK (O) Variants: Rivals

In the domestic market, the Sonet rivals popular models such as the Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, Tata Nexon, and the Maruti Suzuki Brezza.