Kia Likely To Showcase Sonet Facelift SUV At Auto Expo 2023

Most Notable Features Of Kia Sonet Facelift

Launched in 2020, the Sonet SUV is due for a design update and we expect Kia India to showcase the updated B2-segment SUV at the Auto Expo 2023. In terms of notable features, the Kia Sonet facelift is likely to receive a revised grille in line with that of the 2024 Kia Seltos. Hence, we can expect a bigger grille along with updated headlamp clusters and LED DRLs. We could also expect Kia to equip the Sonet facelift with connected LED taillights like the ones seen on the Kia Carens and new-gen Kia Carnival. Along the sides, we expect only the new alloy design to shine as a highlight for the Sonet facelift.

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However, the biggest change is likely to come in the powertrain department. If Kia are done refining the 1.5L diesel with auto-clutch manual transmission (ACMT), then we can expect the Sonet facelift to get this powertrain option. It can eliminate the need for a diesel-automatic to a great extent, thereby improving fuel efficiency. The diesel-ACMT combo is likely to cost less than the current diesel-torque converter automatic option too.

Kia India could also give us a glimpse of the upcoming CNG powertrain. While the Sonet CNG was spied testing several  times in the past, it is yet to go on sale. We believe Kia India could be reserving the CNG powertrain for the Sonet facelift.

Also Read: 7 Features Kia Sonet X Line Gets Over Hyundai Venue N Line 

Kia Sonet Facelift Expected Specs

Let’s start with the powertrain specifications of the Kia Sonet. We expect Kia India to retain the current set of engines, which include the 1.0L turbo petrol, 1.2L normal petrol and the 1.5L turbo diesel. However, the South Korean carmaker could replace the automatic and manual transmissions of the Sonet diesel with an auto-clutch manual transmission. It’s already available with the Seltos and it could serve as a nice middle ground between the full manual and full automatic.

Kia India are also likely to showcase the Sonet CNG SUV at the 2023 Auto Expo. The Kia Sonet CNG will make use of the 1.0L 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine. With CNG fuel, we expect a slight dip in the power and torque figures of the 1.0L engine.

In terms of dimensions, we do not expect any change in the size of the Kia Sonet facelift. The current Kia Sonet is 3995mm long, 1790mm wide and 1642mm tall. It has a wheelbase of 2500mm along with a respectable ground clearance of 205mm.

Kia Sonet Facelift Rivals

The Kia Sonet B2-segment SUV competes with the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger and its cousin, the Hyundai Venue facelift.

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Kia Sonet Facelift Launch Timeline

We expect Kia India to launch the Sonet facelift in the first-half of 2023. This time around, Kia may launch the diesel-ACMT as well as the CNG variants along with the rest of the lineup. The diesel-ACMT is not a new powertrain as Kia are already offering this in one of the variants of the Seltos. For the affordability, simplicity and convenience, we wish Kia offered ACMT as the standard transmission with all 3 mass market diesel cars.

Also Read: Kia Sonet CNG Likely To Get Manual Transmission

Kia Sonet Facelift Expected Price

The design updates and feature additions are likely to cost prospective Kia Sonet facelift customers around Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 25,000 more than the current model. For reference, the current Kia Sonet is priced between Rs. 7.5 lakh and Rs. 14 lakh ex-showroom.

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