Kamal Ghorui
Kia India has expanded the automatic gearbox options on the Kia Sonet by introducing more affordable variants in its lineup. With the update, buyers can now opt for automatic transmissions from lower trims, making the Sonet one of the most accessible automatic SUVs in its segment.On the diesel side, the Sonet now gets a new HTE(O) variant paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, priced at Rs 9.77 lakh, ex-showroom. The diesel engine is the familiar 1.5-litre unit that produces 116 hp of power and 250 Nm of torque. The diesel automatic version delivers an ARAI-rated fuel efficiency of 18.6 kmpl, while the manual diesel variant claims 22.3 kmpl.For petrol buyers, Kia has introduced a new HTK(O) variant equipped with a 7-speed DCT, priced at Rs 9,89,900, ex-showroom. This variant is powered by the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces 120 hp and 172 Nm of peak torque. The same gearbox is also available in the HTK+(O) trim. With this move, the Sonet has become the first model in its segment to offer a 7-speed DCT automatic transmission at a price under Rs 10 lakh.
Along with the variant changes, the company has also introduced a new ‘Magma Red’ colour option for the compact SUV.The Sonet continues to be offered with three engine choices. These include the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 83 hp and 115 Nm of torque, which is paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Meanwhile, the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and the 1.5-litre diesel engines are the only ones that offer automatic gearbox options.Currently, the Sonet is priced from Rs 7.30 lakh, ex-showroom, in India and competes with rivals such as the Mahindra XUV 3XO, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon and Skoda Kylaq in the highly competitive sub-4 metre SUV segment.
