Kia Sonet Facelift To Be Unveiled In India On December 14

Kia India has officially announced the debut of the Kia Sonet facelift in the country on December 14. Prices for the updated model are expected to be disclosed in the early months of 2024. This would be the first mid-lifecycle update for the compact SUV since its launch in September 2020.

The India-spec model is anticipated to have different front and rear bumpers. Exterior modifications may include a redesigned grille, adjusted headlamps with new LED DRLs, and updated alloy wheels. The rear is expected to feature new vertical tail-light units connected by a horizontal LED light bar.

The facelifted Kia Sonet will have a new dashboard with a new panel for the AC system. It might also get infotainment and driver screens from the Seltos facelift. Additionally, an update to the digital instrument cluster, new upholstery and trim options, and six airbags as standard is expected. One big addition would be the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), similar to what we've on the updated Hyundai Venue.

The Kia Sonet facelift is anticipated to retain the current powertrain options, including a 1.2-litre petrol engine, a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. Transmission on offer may include a 5-speed manual for the petrol engine, a 6-speed iMT for the turbo-petrol and diesel engines, a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic for the turbo-petrol, and a 6-speed automatic for the diesel. There are reports about the potential return of the diesel manual variant on select trims.

The updated Kia Sonet will continue to compete with rivals such as the Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Nissan Magnite, and Renault Kiger. With the anticipated upgrades, a marginal price increase is expected. Currently, the Kia Sonet is priced between ₹7.79 lakh and ₹14.89 lakh (ex-showroom, India).