The next-generation Kia Sonet has been spotted testing in India for the first time, revealing design tweaks and a likely move to the more advanced K1 platform.
The updated model is expected to arrive with a more expansive feature list and revised safety technology, with an anticipated on-road pricing between Rs 9.5 lakh and Rs 18 lakh.
It has barely been a few years since the Kia Sonet carved out a firm place for itself in the Indian SUV market, yet Kia is already hard at work on its successor.
The new-generation Kia Sonet has been spotted testing in India for the first time, cloaked in heavy camouflage ahead of its anticipated launch. The sighting has naturally stirred considerable excitement among compact SUV enthusiasts, and rightly so.
Design Changes Visible Despite the Camouflage
Even beneath the heavy wrapping, the test mule offers a few hints about the direction Kia is heading. The uncovered wheel design makes it straightforward to identify the test mule as the Kia Sonet, and the model wears alloy wheels similar to those seen on the Kia Syros.
Up front, the updated SUV is expected to feature a new horizontal grille, while the split headlamp arrangement is anticipated to be broadly in line with the current model, though some visual tweaks are likely.
A Slightly Larger Footprint on the Cards
One observation that stands out from the spy shots is that the test mule appears longer than the current Sonet. This is hardly surprising, given that segment rivals have been growing in size with each generation.
Platform Upgrade Expected to Bring Safety and Size Benefits
The most significant change under the skin could well be the platform. Much like the recently updated Hyundai Venue, which shifted to the K1 platform and gained in length, the next-generation Kia Sonet is expected to adopt the same K1 underpinnings. This is no minor footnote.
The K1 platform is considered safer than the outgoing K2 platform, and its adoption is expected to give the new Sonet a meaningful boost in overall safety performance.
Feature List Set to Grow Considerably
Inside the cabin, the new Sonet is expected to come equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, rear window sunshades, a cooled glovebox, and an upgraded sound system.
On the safety front, the expected additions include Level 2 ADAS, multiple traction modes, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, and a 360-degree camera.
If these expectations hold, the new Sonet would arrive as one of the more generously equipped offerings in its segment.
Launch Timeline and Expected Pricing
The new-generation Kia Sonet is expected to launch by the end of 2026 or early 2027, with a possible alignment to the festive season.
As for pricing, the model is anticipated to be positioned between Rs 9.5 lakh and Rs 18 lakh on-road in Mumbai. Once it arrives, the new Sonet will go up against established rivals, including the Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV 3XO, and Hyundai Venue.
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