A few days ago Kia Motors released design sketches of an upcoming SUV. Earlier today the Kia Sonet was unveiled in production form. This new Kia enters the packed small SUV space occupied by the likes of the Hyundai Venue and Kona, VW T-Cross and many others. In its own family, the Sonet slots in below the Seltos (which we reported on earlier this year when we drove it at its local launch). Fans of the brand and anyone shopping in this segment will be happy to note that the new model will be launched locally before the year ends.

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Design and appearance

As with most Kia products the Korean automaker leans heavily on its styling to help differentiate it from similar offerings. With that in mind the all-new Sonet has the brand’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille, flanked by LED lights and a skid plate fitted to the front bumper. A unique C-pillar, wraparound rear-windscreen, and LED taillamps are highlights at the rear. 16-inch crystal-cut alloys round out the exterior appearance.

Kia says the front section of the cabin has been designed around the driver, with a well laid-out, easy-to-use connected infotainment and cluster interface. The largest and best-in-class 10,25-inch HD touchscreen features navigation and live traffic updates in some markets.

Powertrain options

Depending on the market the Kia Sonet will be offered with a choice of engines. There are two petrol derivatives, a 1,2-litre four-cylinder and turbocharged 1,0 T-GDi (this latter unit is similar to the one found in the Hyundai Venue). Kia will also offer a 1,5-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine for some markets.

Again, market dependent there will be a wide choice of transmissions This includes five- and six-speed manuals, a seven-speed DCT, six-speed automatic, and Kia’s new six-speed Smartstream intelligent manual transmission (iMT). The offers drivers the convenience of an automatic with the engagement levels of a manual by deleting  the clutch pedal. The clutch is electronically engaged and disengaged using sensors on the gear lever.