Upcoming Kia Sonet CNG Spotted During Road Test
The 2023 Kia Sonet CNG will be the first sub-4 metre SUV to have a CNG option. The company is also testing the CNG versions of the Carens MPV and the Seltos SUV on the Indian roads.
By Kanika Sachdeva
A test mule of the 2023 Kia Sonet CNG has been spied testing in Pune, India. The latest spy images, which have surfaced on the internet, are of a prototype that is not wearing any camouflage. The prototype was spotted with an 'On test by ARAI' sticker on its rear windshield and the emission testing equipment on the Sonet's boot, which indicates that the CNG version of the Kia Sonet is under development. From the spy shots, it is confirmed that the model in testing is the X Line variant of the Sonet CNG. To comply with stricter BS6 Phase II emission norms, the car maker could be preparing to upgrade the model. The emission norms will kick in from April 1, 2023. Further, the Kia Sonet Facelift is expected in India in the future.
Also Read: Kia EV9 SUV Teased Ahead of Global Debut in Mid-march
Kia Sonet X-Line: Engine and Gearbox
As of now, the X Line variant of the Kia Sonet is powered by a 1.0-litre GDi turbo petrol engine and a 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine. The 1.0-litre turbo petrol motor churns out 118bhp of maximum power and 172Nm of peak torque. For transmission duties, the same engine is mated to a 7-speed DCT. On the other hand, the 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine delivers 113bhp of power output and 250Nm of peak torque. The diesel engine is paired with a 6-speed torque converter.
2023 Kia Sonet CNG: What to expect?
We anticipate that the Kia Sonet CNG will be available with the 1.0-litre turbo petrol mill, along with a 1.2-litre, 4-cyclinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine and a 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine.
The Sonet CNG will be the maiden sub-4 metre SUV to have a CNG option. Currently, the company does not offer any CNG variants in any of their units. However, it is testing the CNG versions of the Carens and the Seltos in India.
Also Read: Kia Carens Diesel iMT Could Launch in India Soon
The 2023 Kia Sonet CNG is expected to go on sale sometime in the second quarter of this year. Once launched, the Sonet CNG will compete against the likes of the upcoming Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG and the Tata Nexon CNG. As for the pricing, the new Sonet CNG will reportedly get a hike of around Rs 1 lakh over the petrol version.
