Kia Prepares Facelift Version Of Sonet In India

Kia Sonet facelift covered with camouflage stickers. (Doc. The Car Show)

JAKARTA - Kia is developing a facelift version of Sonet, according to the news circulating. Signs of this development can be seen from several photos that captured the model undergoing trials on Indian roads.

Reporting from RushLane, Sunday, September 24, in a video uploaded on the YouTube channel "The Car Show," it can be seen that the latest Sonet is still covered by a camouflage sticker. Even though the exterior is closed, it seems that this compact SUV has undergone several changes.

The South Korean manufacturer appears to have modified the LED headlights, DRL (Daytime Running Lights), as well as front and rear bumpers. The back light pattern appears to be inspired by the facelift version of Seltos.

The leg-length sector also received a refresher, with the use of 16-inch alloy rims that have the latest design. In addition, several new components were also added, such as front parking sensors, roof rails, shark fin antennas, and fog light lighting.

Interior has also undergone changes with the presence of the latest automatic temperature control unit. The changes are also accompanied by the adoption of a new digital cluster that is similar to the one found in Hyundai Venue. The rear window is now equipped with a shifting sun shield, which is the first feature in its class.

In the cabin, you will find a brown seat, arm rest on the back, three point seat belts, and rear air conditioning ventilation. Driver aid features such as the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and a 360 degree camera will only be available at the highest variant.

The specifications of the engine to be used in the latest Sonet have not been clearly disclosed. However, reportedly, this SUV will come with three choices of engines, namely a 1.2 liter engine with 80 dk of power and a 115 Nm torque, a 1.0 liter turbo gasoline engine with 116 dk of power and a 172 Nm torque, as well as a 1.5 liter machine capable of generating up to 112 dk of power and a 250 Nm torque.

It is estimated that Sonet facelift will present a manual transmission option and a 1.0 liter turbo gasoline engine, which may have an impact on price increases.

As for the competition in the compact SUV segment, Kia Sonet will compete with Nissan Magnite and Mahindra XUV300 in the Indian market.