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Kia India has yet again teased its upcoming sub-four-meter SUV, the Sonet facelift. This time around, the automaker has hinted at the instrument cluster and its rear profile. As seen from the teaser, the updated Sonet will get a fully digital instrument cluster that is currently offered with the new Seltos. Moreover, this Hyundai Venue rival will debut with the Level 1 ADAS safety suite with features like forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. Moving on to the rear profile, the SUV will sport freshly designed LED taillamps and an LED bar running across the width of the tailgate.
In terms of features, the new Sonet is expected to come loaded with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment screen with wireless mobile connectivity, electric sunroof, automatic climate control, wireless charger, premium audio system, and a 360-degree camera.
A recent teaser provides enthusiasts with a sneak peek into what's in store, and the revelation is exciting – the addition of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
1. Refreshed Aesthetics: A Glimpse of the New Sonet
The teaser gives us a glimpse of the refreshed aesthetics of the Sonet facelift.
2. Cutting-Edge Safety with ADAS: A Game-Changer
One of the standout features teased is the inclusion of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
3. Enhanced Driving Experience: Beyond Safety
While safety is at the forefront with the introduction of ADAS, Kia understands that a truly exceptional driving experience goes beyond safety features.
4. Market Impact: Kia's Continued Success
With the Sonet already making a significant impact in the market, the facelift is poised to further solidify Kia's success in the compact SUV segment.
5. Connectivity and Infotainment: A Modern Touch
Beyond safety and performance, the Sonet facelift is expected to feature modern connectivity and infotainment options.
6. Eco-Friendly Offerings: Meeting Environmental Demands
In an era where environmental consciousness is paramount, Kia may also provide eco-friendly offerings with the Sonet facelift. This could include fuel-efficient engine options or even considerations for electric or hybrid variants, aligning with the global shift towards sustainable mobility.
Under the hood, the facelifted Sonet is likely to carry over its existing engine options. This includes a 1.2-litre NA petrol, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. Transmission options include a five-speed manual, six-speed manual, six-speed iMT, and a seven-speed DSG gearbox.
Kia has teased the upcoming Sonet facelift yet again ahead of its global debut on December 14. Last week, the Korean carmaker released the first teaser SUV which shared a glimpse of the updated subcompact SUV. Taking to social media again, the new teaser shares a glimpse of some new features to be added in the facelifted Sonet.
Kia Sonet facelift: ADAS on cards
In our previous story, we revealed that the fully digital instrument console will make way for a semi-digital unit in the Sonet facelift. However, that’s not the case. In the latest teaser, we get a clear view of the same which shows a fully-digital instrument panel with a different layout and graphics. It comprises two digital dials– one each for speedometer and odometer— and a central MID.
However, the biggest takeaway is the ‘collision warning’ alarm on the screen, confirming the addition of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). We expect Sonet to come with Level 1 ADAS safety suite expected to consist of features like forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. For reference, these are the same set of features that were added to its Korean cousin– Hyundai Venue– earlier this year.
Kia Sonet facelift: Updated design
The previous teaser revealed the updated front fascia of the upcoming Sonet featuring revised LED headlamps, DRLs and fog lamps. In this teaser, we get a glimpse of its rear end which gets new vertically-oriented LED taillamps instead of wraparound units in the current iteration. That said, a light bar across the tailgate’s width connecting the two taillights is retained. Further, the rear bumper has also been tweaked slightly, housing revised reflectors. Also, the roof-mounted spoiler looks more prominent this time.
Kia Sonet facelift: Engine options
2024 Sonet will retain its multiple engine and transmissions from the current model. The entry-level variants will be powered by the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with 82 bhp and 115 Nm and mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Then there is the 1.0-litre turbo petrol motor with an output of 118 bhp and 172 Nm and two transmission options — a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and a 6-speed clutchless manual.
The Sonet will continue to offer a 1.5-litre diesel engine which develops 114 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. This oil burner comes mated to either a 6-speed clutchless manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission options.