Kia Motors confirmed
that the new Kia Sonet will make its global debut in India on 7 August. While
there are still a couple of weeks remaining in that to happen, the South Korean
manufacturer’s upcoming compact SUV has been spotted testing on our roads. The
latest test mule of the Kia Sonet has been caught on camera in Palwal, Haryana.
It can be seen in the spy shots that a lot of camouflage has been used to hide
the exterior features of the new sub-4m-SUV. However, some details can still be
figured out.
The forthcoming Kia Sonet will have a
sporty side profile thanks to its 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels that look
fantastic. The roof rails of the compact SUV also add a bit of sportiness to
the vehicle’s overall visual appeal. Kia Motors has also used chrome for the
window sills and integrated turn signals in the outside rearview mirrors to
impart a premium feel to the car. Also, the somewhat large wheel arches and the
black body cladding all around give the Kia Sonet a bolder appearance.
While the rear of the Kia Sonet test mule
in the spy shots is heavily disguised, it can be seen that the sub-4m-SUV will
come equipped with multi-element LED taillamp cluster which is expected to keep
things sporty at this end of the vehicle. Kia Motors has also added a
high-mount stop lamp. It seems that there will be only two reverse parking
sensors on the upcoming Kia Sonet.
As for the powertrains, the new Kia Sonet
will share the 3 engine options with the Hyundai Venue. There will be a 1.2L
petrol engine with 83 PS and 113 Nm on tap mated to a 5-speed manual. The 1.0L
turbo-petrol with 120 PS and 172 Nm will be coupled to either a 7-speed DCT or a
6-speed iMT. And the final 1.5L turbo-diesel with 100 PS and 240 Nm will be
accompanied by a 6-speed MT.
The new Sonet will be Kia Motors’ second
made-in-India model. It is expected to be launched in our country during the
festive season later this year. It will compete with likes of the Maruti
Brezza, Ford EcoSport, Mahindra XUV 300, Hyundai Venue along with the upcoming
Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger.
