The Kia Sonet is a subcompact crossover SUV manufactured by Kia since 2020. Developed mainly for the Indian market, the Sonet is positioned below the Seltos and is closely related to the similarly sized sibling Hyundai Venue.[6][7][8] It is marketed in emerging markets including India, Nepal, Indonesia, South Africa, Namibia, Vietnam, Middle East, and several Latin American countries.[9]

Kia Sonet
2021 Kia Sonet Premiere (Indonesia)
Overview
ManufacturerKia
Model codeQY[1]
Production2020–present
Model years2021–present (Middle East)
Assembly
Body and chassis
ClassSubcompact crossover SUV
Body style5-door SUV
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
PlatformHyundai-Kia K2
RelatedHyundai Venue (QXi)
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,500 mm (98.4 in)
Length3,995–4,120 mm (157.3–162.2 in)
Width1,790 mm (70.5 in)
Height1,610–1,647 mm (63.4–64.8 in)
Chronology
PredecessorKia KX1 (China)[5]

Overview edit

The Sonet was previewed as the Sonet Concept in February 2020.[10] The production version made its global debut on 7 August 2020 and was sold starting from 18 September 2020 in India.[11][12][13] It is the third model from Kia in India after the Seltos and the Carnival.[14]

In the Indian market, the Sonet occupies the sub-4-metre SUV category with its 3,995 mm (157.3 in) length dimension, benefitting from the Indian tax benefits for cars shorter than 4 meters. For export markets, the Sonet is equipped with longer front and rear bumpers, increasing its length to 4,120 mm (162.2 in).[15][16]

A version of the Sonet with three-row seating was introduced in Indonesia in April 2021.[17] Marketed as the "Sonet 7", the third row bench seat is installed without any exterior bodywork changes, meaning with the third row seat up, the boot space is effectively eliminated. The Sonet 7 is also equipped with a roof-mounted air circulator system, and a revised second row bench seat with split folding and a one-touch folding mechanism which allows access to the third row.[18] It was discontinued in 2022.

In September 2022, a new sub-model named X-Line was introduced in India. The new X-Line consist only of cosmetic changes rather than mechanical changes. The trim is available in two engine options, 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine and the 1.5-litre CRDi diesel.[19]

The Sonet is not offered in the Philippines and Pakistan in favor of two distinct versions of the Rio-based Stonic; a rebadged Kia KX1 imported from China is sold in the former while a locally assembled model, based on the European-spec Stonic, is available in the latter.

Facelift edit

 
2024 Sonet (facelift; India)

The facelifted Sonet was unveiled on 14 December 2023. It features redesigned front and rear fascia with redesigned headlights and taillights. The interior gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen.[20]

In January 2024, Kia started exporting the facelifted Sonet from China, which are produced by joint venture Yueda Kia. Initial destinations are Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia.[4] It went on sale in China in April 2024.

Engines edit

Petrol engines
Model Engine Power Torque Transmissions
1.0 L Kappa II T-GDi 998 cc (60.9 cu in) turbocharged I3 120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp) @ 6,000 rpm 172 N⋅m (17.5 kg⋅m; 127 lb⋅ft) @ 1,500–4,000 rpm 6-speed clutchless manual (iMT)
7-speed DCT
Smartstream G1.2 MPi 1,197 cc (73.0 cu in) I4 83 PS (61 kW; 82 hp) @ 6,300 rpm 115 N⋅m (11.7 kg⋅m; 84.8 lb⋅ft) @ 4,200 rpm 5-speed manual
Smartstream G1.5 MPi 1,497 cc (91.4 cu in) I4 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) @ 6,300 rpm 144 N⋅m (14.7 kg⋅m; 106 lb⋅ft) @ 4,500 rpm 6-speed manual
CVT
Diesel engines
Model Engine Power Torque Transmissions
1.5 L Smartstream D1.5 CRDi WGT 1,493 cc (91.1 cu in) turbocharged I4 100 PS (74 kW; 99 hp) @ 4,000 rpm 240 N⋅m (24.5 kg⋅m; 177 lb⋅ft) @ 1,500–2,750 rpm 6-speed manual
1.5 L Smartstream D1.5 CRDi VGT 1,493 cc (91.1 cu in) turbocharged I4 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) @ 4,000 rpm 250 N⋅m (25.5 kg⋅m; 184 lb⋅ft) @ 1,500–2,750 rpm 6-speed automatic

Sales edit

Year India South Africa Vietnam Indonesia Colombia Saudi Arabia UAE
2020 38,363[21]
2021 79,289[22] 2,471[23] 1,729[24] 2,321[25] 319[26] 1,411[27]
2022 86,251 3,319[28] 9,446[29] 1,388[30] 1,502[31] 2,695[32] 307[33]
2023 79,776[34] 6,511[35] 11,366[36] 661[37] 1,633[38] 1,158[39] 398[40]

References edit

  1. ^ "Kia Sonet QY 2020 Catalogue" (PDF). Kia. Retrieved 2023-11-25.
  2. ^ "KIA vehicles, ASSEMBLED BY ECUADORIAN HANDS". 14 July 2021.
  3. ^ "THACO KIA oversees Sonet production in Uzbekistan for Kia". vietnamnews.vn. Retrieved 2024-03-20.
  4. ^ a b "【图】同比增长86% 悦达起亚1月销量16323辆_汽车之家" [Yueda Kia sold 16,323 vehicles in January, a year-on-year increase of 86%]. www.autohome.com.cn. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  5. ^ "新车 | 全新小型SUV/1.5升动力,悦达起亚索奈将于北京车展上市". Dongchedi (in Chinese). 2024-04-19. Retrieved 2024-04-22.
  6. ^ "Kia Sonet launch: Kia Sonet SUV premiered, to offer 3 engine options". The Times of India. 2020-08-07. Retrieved 2020-08-07.
  7. ^ Mihalascu, Dan (2020-08-07). "2021 Kia Sonet Encapsulates The Brand's SUV Know-How In A Tiny Package". Carscoops. Retrieved 2020-08-07.
  8. ^ "New Kia Sonet revealed! Baby SUV locked in for SA launch..." CARMag. Retrieved 2020-08-07.[permanent dead link]
  9. ^ "Kia Sonet launch: 5 things known about Kia Sonet SUV ahead of debut". The Times of India. 2020-07-31. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  10. ^ "Kia Sonet concept: What you need to know". Autocar India. Retrieved 2020-08-07.
  11. ^ "2021 Kia Sonet Encapsulates The Brand's SUV Know-How In A Tiny Package". Carscoops. 2020-08-07. Retrieved 2020-10-06.
  12. ^ "Kia Sonet compact SUV revealed". Autocar India. Retrieved 2020-08-07.
  13. ^ "All-New Kia Sonet Make Its World Debut Live On Youtube". Indianautosblog. 7 August 2020. Retrieved 2020-08-07.
  14. ^ "Kia Sonet compact SUV Launched In India; Prices Start At ₹ 6.71 Lakh". CarandBike. 2020-09-18. Retrieved 2020-09-18.
  15. ^ "Kia Sonet For Indonesia Is 125mm Longer Than Sonet In India - Launch 11th Nov". RushLane. 2020-11-08. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  16. ^ "FormaCar: Kia Sonet receives a makeover for Indonesia". www.formacar.com. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  17. ^ "Kia Sonet 7 Seater Makes Global Debut - Gets Added Features". RushLane. 2021-04-08. Retrieved 2021-06-11.
  18. ^ "World Premiere, KIA Sonet 7-Seater Resmi Diluncurkan dengan Banderol Mulai Rp 199,5 Juta - Semua Halaman - GridOto.com". GridOto.com (in Indonesian). Retrieved 2021-06-11.
  19. ^ "Kia Sonet X Line launched at Rs 13.39 lakh". Autocar India. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  20. ^ "Kia Sonet Specifications - Dimensions, Configurations, Features, Engine cc". CarDekho. Retrieved 2024-01-15.
  21. ^ "OEMwise & Modelwise Car Sales Figures for Calendar Year 2020". Autopunditz. 2021-02-23. Retrieved 2021-02-27.
  22. ^ "Best Selling Cars in India for 2021!". Autopunditz. 2022-01-12. Retrieved 2022-01-13.
  23. ^ "These were SA's best-selling cars of 2021". BusinessLIVE. Retrieved 2022-08-15.
  24. ^ "These were SA's best-selling cars of 2021". BusinessLIVE (in Vietnamese). 11 January 2022. Retrieved 2022-01-11.
  25. ^ "Best-selling cars of 2023". www.chinamobil.ru. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
  26. ^ "Best-selling cars of 2023". www.chinamobil.ru. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
  27. ^ "Best-selling cars of 2023". www.chinamobil.ru. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
  28. ^ Denis Droppa (17 February 2023). "These were SA's best selling SUVs of 2022". Times Live.
  29. ^ "These were SA's best-selling cars of 2022". BusinessLIVE (in Vietnamese). 16 January 2023. Retrieved 2023-01-16.
  30. ^ "Best-selling cars of 2023". www.chinamobil.ru. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
  31. ^ "Best-selling cars of 2023". www.chinamobil.ru. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
  32. ^ "Best-selling cars of 2023". www.chinamobil.ru. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
  33. ^ "Best-selling cars of 2023". www.chinamobil.ru. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
  34. ^ Punditz, Team Auto (2024-01-22). "Best Selling Cars List of 2023!". Autopunditz. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
  35. ^ Droppa, Denis (2024-02-01). "These were South Africa's best selling SUVs in 2023". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 2024-02-18.
  36. ^ "Best-selling cars of 2023". autodaily.vn (in Vietnamese). 11 January 2024. Retrieved 2024-01-11.
  37. ^ "Best-selling cars of 2023". www.chinamobil.ru. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
  38. ^ "Best-selling cars of 2023". www.chinamobil.ru. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
  39. ^ "Best-selling cars of 2023". www.chinamobil.ru. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
  40. ^ "Best-selling cars of 2023". www.chinamobil.ru. Retrieved 2024-03-08.

External links edit