The Kia Sonet is a sub-compact SUV that’s closely related to the Hyundai Venue and positioned below the Seltos in the brand’s lineup. It made its debut in 2020 with a primary focus on India, China and emerging regions. However, as trends have evolved, some of its original design elements have fallen out of fashion, prompting the need for a facelift. Prior to its official debut that will follow later this year, China’s MIIT has offered a sneak peek at the redesigned 2024 Kia Sonet. The images reveal that the model will embrace Kia’s latest and more refined design language.
The Sonet now features gets a broader
grille, with more intricate headlight details. Additionally, the Kia logo has
transitioned from the previous Ford-like oval to the brand’s freshly minted,
minimalist design emblem that incorporates only the brand’s name. The updated
logo also contributes to a cleaner look on the tailgate, positioned beneath the
elongated lighting element that spans the entire rear. Unlike the previous
model with its slender taillights, the new version features more prominent
units that extend further down to frame the tailgate.
Furthermore, adjustments to the front and
rear bumpers involve repositioning the plastic cladding and reflectors. While
the revised model will retain its familiarity among Kia enthusiasts, the
overall impact of these updates is to transform the Sonet into a more
minimalist and contemporary vehicle. In China, the refreshed model will be
equipped with Kia’s G4FL engine, a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter unit that can
produce up to 117 hp and is paired with a CVT transmission.
This design update is likely to pique the
interest of Indian customers, as the small crossover is primarily aimed at
their market. Whether the trio of engine options, including a 1.2-liter
naturally aspirated engine, a 1.0-liter turbocharged engine, and a 1.5-liter
turbo diesel, will also receive any revisions remains to be seen.
