2020 Kia Sonet SUV revealed in sketches ahead of August 7 debut
Kia Motors India has revealed the first sketches of the production version of its upcoming Kia Sonet. The sub-four-metre SUV will debut in India on August 7. The Sonet was revealed in concept form at the 2020 Auto Expo and these sketches suggest that the production version stays largely true to what the concept previewed.
The sketch seen here depicts an exaggerated version of what the Sonet might look like. But the general design elements like a rectangular set of LED lamps with the C-shaped DRLs, the large Tiger Nose grille, chunky and a contoured bonnet are expected. The glass-house seems quite squared-off like its Hyundai cousin while numerous teasers and spy photos have revealed that the rear will be dominated by the rectangular taillamps and a connecting reflector piece. Elements like the bulging creases along the sides and beefed up wheel housing isn't expected to make their way to the production-spec Sonet.
The interiors haven't been shown yet but we expect a design similar to what we have seen on the Seltos. There should be a floating two-part cluster for the instrumentation and 8-inch touchscreen, slim AC vents and mix of dark, beige and chrome trim. Equipment levels are expected to be class-leading with numerous first such as a 360-degree camera, branded audio system, UVO connected car features and so on. Safety equipment like dual front airbags with ABS will be standard.
Based on the Hyundai Venue's running gear, we expect the Sonet to get the same engine and gearbox combinations. These will be the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol with the dual-clutch AT, the 1.2-litre petrol engine with a 5-speed manual and the 1.5-litre 100PS diesel engine with a 6-speed manual. The newly revealed iMT semi-automatic transmission from the Venue will be available with the Sonet too.
Aside from the Venue, the Kia Sonet will rival the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300 and the Ford EcoSport. We expect prices to be very similar to that of the Venue, between Rs 6.5 lakh and Rs 11.5 lakh, ex-showroom.
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