Kia Sonet Facelift Unveil on December 14, New Design Details

Kia has released two teasers for the upcoming Sonet Facelift. Prices for the updated model will be announced in the early months of 2024, and the car will be revealed on December 14. While that is the case, the new teaser that has been released gives us an idea about the headlight and tail light design that we will see on the facelift. This marks the first mid-lifecycle update for the compact SUV since its launch in September 2020.

The teaser that the company has released confirms that the Kia Sonet facelift will have ADAS. This will be similar to what we've on the updated Hyundai Venue.

The teasers also provide a glimpse of the new LED DRLs at the front, which are slimmer than before. The headlights, still positioned below the DRLs in line with the current trend, lack separation, giving them an eyebrow-like treatment. The rear features a connected line treatment with a light bar connecting both tail lamps. This rear design is in line with the new Kia cars and is reminiscent of the Kia Carens, and the EV9 but may not be to everyone's taste. The vertically stacked tail lights, while distinctive, may seem somewhat out of place.

The India-spec model is anticipated to have different front and rear bumpers. Other exterior modifications may include a redesigned grille and updated alloy wheels.

Interior 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.

In the recent video, the enhanced digital instrument cluster of the Sonet facelift is prominently featured. Following the introduction of this technology in the Kia Seltos, its inclusion in the Sonet facelift was anticipated. The video offers a comprehensive look at this advanced system, revealing that the Sonet facelift boasts a full-colour digital instrument cluster, distinguishing it from the version found in the Hyundai Venue.

Notably, the digital instrument cluster serves as a window to the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) integrated into the Sonet facelift. The display notably showcases the 'forward collision warning,' hinting at the presence of camera-based ADAS similar to that in the Hyundai Venue. Anticipated features include forward collision warning, forward collision avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, driver attention warning, lane following assist, high beam assist, and leading vehicle departure alert. This technological integration reflects a significant stride in enhancing safety and driving experience in the Sonet facelift.

The Kia Sonet facelift is expected to maintain its current engine options, consisting of a 1.2-litre petrol engine, a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. Transmission choices 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. While there are reports suggesting the potential return of the diesel manual variant on select trims, no official confirmation has been received.