After what was a really long wait, Kia has finally unveiled the Sonet SUV and will be launching it in India this festive season. The Sonet aims to set new design benchmarks in the compact SUV segment and will be rivaling the likes of Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport and Mahindra XUV300.

As per Kia the design of the Sonet takes inspiration from a baby elephant. It utilizes the same platform as that of the Hyundai Venue. On the outside, the Kia Sonet will feature Kia’s distinctive design DNA integrating the brand’s signature styling traits such as the iconic ‘tiger-nose’ grille, with a 3D ‘stepwell’ geometric grille mesh.

At first glance, you can see a combination of the innovative tiger-nose grille with tusk-like features and the lighting which instantly creates “The Tiger Eyeline”. #KiaSonet #WildByDesign pic.twitter.com/T7ueygCucr

— Kia Motors India (@KiaMotorsIN) August 7, 2020

Some of the key features include LED headlights and LED DRLs, sleek blacked-out front grille, prominent front bumper, front and rear skid plates, blacked-out pillars, top-mounted brake lights, wraparound rear windscreen, bumper reflectors, and edgy LED tail lamps. The base variant is equipped with standard wheels whereas top-spec variants have 16-inch alloy wheels.

To beat the extreme heat in India and maintain that constant flow of air inside the car, we have double-layered vents which enhance comfort. #KiaSonet pic.twitter.com/UdSkHkFjSy

— Kia Motors India (@KiaMotorsIN) August 7, 2020

The cabin of the Kia Sonet features vertically framed air vents on the dashboard will be decorated with a metallic, diamond-knurled pattern. Interiors are spacious and offer a range of creature comforts. Besides that, it will be equipped with high-quality materials, a digital instrument cluster, a first-in-segment 10.25-inch HD touchscreen with navigation, UVO Connected system, sound mood lighting, etc. Other provisions will include steering wheel-mounted controls, different drive and traction modes, etc.

With UVO connectivity, 10.25-inch AVNT screen and intelligent manual transmission, get ready to experience how life can be better with the help of technology. #KiaSonet pic.twitter.com/txkrcysRYn

— Kia Motors India (@KiaMotorsIN) August 7, 2020

The Kia Sonet will be powered by a 1.0-liter turbo petrol engine with a dual-clutch automatic transmission that will make 120 bhp and 172 Nm of peak torque. This engine option will also get the iMT transmission, which was recently launched with the Venue.

The #KiaSonet will be presented with two petrol engine options – the refined Smartstream 1.2 and the performance-oriented 1.0-litre Turbo GDi. This is a shout out to all the motorheads! pic.twitter.com/YLIqziD6RO

— Kia Motors India (@KiaMotorsIN) August 7, 2020

Sonet will also get a 1.2 liter naturally aspirated petrol engine making 82 hp power and 115 Nm torque. Diesel engine option will include a 1.5-liter engine offering 99 hp power and 240 Nm torque. These two engines will get mated to a 5-speed manual and 6-speed manual respectively.

The GT Line will be available with the performance-oriented 1.0 Turbo petrol engine and the punchy & powerful 1.5 turbo diesel. #KiaSonet pic.twitter.com/UglLxqDAY0

— Kia Motors India (@KiaMotorsIN) August 7, 2020

Sonet offers a range of security features such as six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), vehicle stability management (VSM), hill assist control (HAC), projector fog lamps, auto headlamps with escort function, cornering lamp, parking assist (reverse parking sensors + rear camera with dynamic guidelines), central locking, keyless entry, immobilizer and burglar alarm. Sonet is also equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system. The SUV’s body is built using advanced high strength steel (AHSS) and high strength steel (HSS), which ensure effective protection in case of a collision. Kia Sonet will be manufactured at the company’s production facility in Anantpur, Andhra Pradesh.