Kia Sonet To Feature Segment-first Clutchless Manual Gearbox

Kia Sonet was first showcased early this year at the Auto Expo 2020. The all-new compact SUV is scheduled to launch in our market in August this year. The automaker said that the production-spec model of the car is will be very similar to that of the concept version. According to a recent report, Manohar Bhat, Sales and Marketing, Kia Motors India, has said that the all-new Sonet will come loaded with a lot of segment-first features, which also includes a clutchless manual gearbox. This new gearbox will ensure “an engaging driving experience, high fuel-efficiency” with less pressure in the tight traffic situation. Moreover, there will also be a manual gear shifter similar to regular manual vehicles, but no clutch to engage the gear. The Sonet’s clutchless transmission will be very different from regular AMT system.

Mechanically, the sub-4-meter SUV will be powered by 1.2-litre petrol, 1.0-litre GDI turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-litre oil burner. The diesel mill will come paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, and the 1.2-litre petrol trim will come coupled to iMT (intelligent manual transmission) unit with an auto rev-matching function. This is also known as a clutchless manual gear system. Moreover, official details of the all-new Kia Sonet are yet to be revealed by the carmaker. Reports suggest the Kia Sonet will be offered with segment’s biggest 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The same infotainment unit does duties in the Kia Seltos. Furthermore, the compact SUV will also feature a Bose sound system.

The all-new compact SUV will be priced between Rs 8 to Rs 13 lakh

The upcoming Kia Sonet will come loaded with features like an electric sunroof, push-button start-stop, Kia’s UVO connects car technology, automatic climate control and multi-information display. Once launched, the new Sonet SUV will rub shoulders with the likes of Hyundai Venue, Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300 and Ford EcoSport. The car is expected to be priced between Rs 8 lakh to Rs 13 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). If launched at this price point, the Sonet will become the most affordable car in its segment.