5 Features of Kia Sonet That Hyundai Venue Misses Out On

Kia Motors has had a smashing success in India with only two models in its line-up, the Seltos SUV and the Carnival MPV. To capitalise on the brand’s popularity, the South Korean carmaker will soon introduce a new sub-4-metre SUV in India. Based on the Hyundai Venue, Kia’s offering is expected to be more upmarket than its Hyundai cousin. Here are the top features that will be offered on the Kia Sonet but not on the Venue.

Kia Sonet vs Hyundai Venue - a brief comparison

Intelligent Manual Transmission

Kia will be offering the Sonet with both manual and automatic gearbox options. The former will be a conventional 5- or 6-speed unit, but the latter will be a new and unique transmission. Dubbed ‘intelligent Manual Transmission’, or iMT, by the company, this gearbox will work like a manual gearbox, but with an automated clutch. There might also be a fully automatic mode on offer in this gearbox, where the gearshifts are also handled by the car itself, but that can only be confirmed later, when the car nears production.

Automatic Gearbox Option for Diesel Engine

The Hyundai Venue has recently received a BSVI compliant diesel heart, but that is only available with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Kia will cater to the premium end of the market by offering the same 100 PS diesel motor, but with an optional automatic gearbox. This could either be the same iMT unit described above, or a conventional torque-converter like the Seltos.

Also Read: Maruti-Toyota To Launch A Kia Seltos Rival in 2022

Stiffer Suspension

Although both the Venue and the Sonet will feature similar platform underneath, the Kia will feature a stiffer suspension setup, for sportier handling characteristics. The concept car shown at the 2020 Auto Expo also had 18-inch wheels to highlight its sporty character, but we expect the production model to feature 16-inchers, maybe with an optional 17-inch wheel.

Premium Bose Sound System

While positioning the Sonet as an upmarket option to the Venue, Kia will also offer a better sound system as well, and by none other than Bose. Expect a six-speaker system with brilliant audio quality.

Also Read: XL-size Hyundai Creta (7-seater Model) Makes Spy Pic Debut

Biggest-in-class infotainment screen

The subcompact Kia SUV will feature a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, the biggest in its class. In comparison, the little Hyundai SUV currently offers a relatively smaller, 8.0-inch unit. Also, the Sonet will have an updated version of the ‘Bluelink’ system with more connected car features than the Venue.