Kia Sonet Production In Full Swing, Units Lined-up For Test Run

Kia is yet to launch its sub-4m compact-SUV – Sonet, in the Indian market. The launch is likely to take place next month. Bookings for the Sonet are already open for a sum of Rs. 25,000. One can book a Sonet by either visiting a Kia dealership or the website. Also, the carmaker received 6,523 bookings for the Sonet the very day it started accepting them. With this figure at hand, the brand has guessed the anticipation with which the Indian audience is waiting for the Sonet. The production of the compact-SUV has already begun at South-Korean carmaker’s Anantpur-based manufacturing facility in Telangana. Here’s an image, which showcases a few units of the Sonet waiting to be test driven at the test track located in the manufacturing facility itself.

This exercise is done as a part of pre-delivery inspection at the manufacturing unit. Both Tech Line and GT Line trims of the Sonet can be seen lined-up for the exercise. Also, display units of the Sonet have started reaching the dealerships. The Sonet will sit below the Seltos in the carmaker’s line-up and is expected to carry a starting price of around Rs. 7.00 lakh. The Sonet will rival the likes of Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport, Maruti Vitara Brezza, and Hyundai Venue.

Underpinning the Sonet is the same hardware the supports the Hyundai Venue. It also borrows a couple of powertrain and drivetrain options from the Venue, while it borrows its diesel engine and torque convertor gearbox from the elder Seltos. It will be offered with a total of 3 engine options – 1.2L petrol (83 PS), 1.0L turbo-petrol (120 PS), and 1.5L diesel (100 PS/115 PS). The gearbox options are in plenty, and the list includes – 5-speed MT, 6-speed MT, 6-speed iMT, 6-speed AT, and 7-speed DCT.

Interior of the Sonet will come loaded to the brim. It will get best-in-class features like 10.25-inch touchscreen for the infotainment unit, ventilated front seats, remote engine start, and Bose sound system. Other creature comfort equipment includes cruise control, steering mounted audio controls, all-digital instrument console, wireless phone charging dock, electronic sunroof, air purifier, multi-drive and traction control modes,  LED headlamps, and more.