Kia Sonet Diesel Manual to Return with a Facelift
The full details on the upcoming Kia Sonet makeover have finally been released online, following a few official teases from Kia.
The leaked brochure also suggests a significant mechanical update: the diesel-manual powertrain is expected to make a reappearance on the compact SUV. The new Sonet is scheduled to launch on December 14 and will receive a redesign with new features inside.
Upon debut, the Sonet was offered a diesel-manual powertrain; however, Kia subsequently replaced it with an iMT semi-auto gearbox. The company and its sibling brand Hyundai came up with a clear plan whereby the former would only provide iMT gearboxes with its diesel engine and the latter would provide a standard manual gearbox. On the Carens and Seltos, the manual gearbox was similarly removed.
However, Kia will be adding a standard manual transmission back to the diesel engine lineup along with the facelift. Even though the iMT gearbox has its advantages, some car buyers may have been put off because there was no manual gearbox alternative. This suggests that the manual gearbox on the Carens and Seltos might return.
The diesel engine's iMT and torque converter automatic gearboxes will function normally in the meantime. The petrol powertrain lineup will also not change a 1.2-litre engine paired with a manual transmission and a 1.0-litre turbocharged engine matched to a 7-speed DCT gearbox or an iMT gearbox.
The Sonet will still be available in three different trim lines: X-Line, GT Line (GTX+), and Tech Line (HTE, HTK, HTK+, HTX, HTX+). While the diesel and turbo-petrol engines will be available across the range, the 1.2-litre petrol engine will only be offered on the Tech Line trims. Additionally, every trim line will feature distinctive stylistic cues and choices for inside upholstery.
Along with these additional features, the Sonet will also get a motorized front driver's seat, an ADAS suite, a 360-degree camera, a new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and traction modes for the automated versions. However, the majority of these features will only be available on the higher-spec models.
To know more about Kia Sonet, check out the Park+ car listing page!