Kia Sonet Explained

Kia Sonet
Manufacturer:Kia
Model Code:QY[1]
Production:2020–present
Model Years:2021–present (Middle East)
Class:Subcompact crossover SUV
Body Style:5-door SUV
Layout:Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Platform:Hyundai-Kia K2
Related:Hyundai Venue (QXi)
Predecessor:Kia Stonic/KX1 [2] [3]

The Kia Sonet is a subcompact crossover SUV manufactured by Kia since 2020. Positioned below the Seltos and closely related to the similarly sized sibling Hyundai Venue,[4] [5] [6] it is sold in emerging markets, including Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.[7]

Overview

The Sonet was previewed as the Sonet Concept in February 2020.[8] The production version made its global debut on 7 August 2020 and was sold starting from 18 September 2020 in India.[5] [9] [10] It is the third model from Kia in India after the Seltos and the Carnival.[11]

In the Indian market, the Sonet occupies the sub-four-metre SUV category with its length dimension, benefitting from the Indian tax benefits for cars shorter than four meters. For export markets, the Sonet is equipped with longer front and rear bumpers, increasing its length to .[12] [13]

Facelift

The facelifted Sonet was unveiled on 14 December 2023. It features redesigned front and rear fascia with redesigned headlights and taillights. The interior gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen. In April 2024, the facelifted Sonet went on sale in China, where it is produced by joint venture Yueda Kia.[14]

In January 2024, Yueda Kia started exporting the facelifted Sonet to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia.

Markets

India

For the Indian market, the Sonet is available in six trim levels: HTE, HTK, HTK+, HTX, HTX+ and GTX+. Three engine options are available: a 1.0-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol, a 1.2-litre MPi petrol and a 1.5-litre CRDi turbocharged diesel.[15] At launch, the GTX+ was the variant that was high in customer demand.[16]

In September 2022, the flagship X-Line trim was introduced which consists of cosmetic changes instead of mechanical changes. It was available with either 1.0 T-GDi petrol or 1.5 CRDi diesel engines.[17]

In January 2024, the facelifted Sonet range went on sale in India with variants and engine choices remained unchanged from the pre-facelift model.[18]

Indonesia

The Sonet was launched in Indonesia on 11 November 2020, in five trim levels: Standard, Active, Smart, Dynamic and Premiere; it is powered by a 1.5-litre MPi petrol engine paired to either a manual or an IVT.[19]

A version of the Sonet with three-row seating was introduced in Indonesia in April 2021.[20] Marketed as the "Sonet 7", the third row bench seat is installed without any exterior bodywork changes, meaning with the third row seat up, the boot space is effectively eliminated. The Sonet 7 is also equipped with a roof-mounted air circulator system, and a revised second row bench seat with split folding and a one-touch folding mechanism which allows access to the third row.[21] The Sonet 7 was discontinued in 2022.

South Africa

The Sonet was launched in South Africa on 11 May 2021 in two trim levels: LX and EX; it is powered by a 1.5-litre MPi petrol engine paired to either a manual or an IVT.[22]

In July 2022, the 1.0 T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine was introduced in South Africa and it is available in the new EX+ trim.[23]

In June 2024, the facelifted Sonet range debuted in South Africa, with a new SX trim and the 1.0 T-GDi engine option was only available for the EX trim.[24]

Vietnam

The Sonet was launched in Vietnam on 9 October 2021, alongside the fourth-generation Carnival. At launch, three trim levels are available: Deluxe, Luxury and Premium; it is powered by a 1.5-litre MPi petrol engine paired to either a manual (for the Deluxe trim) or an IVT.[25]

In June 2024, the facelifted Sonet range debuted in Vietnam with the same trim levels from the pre-facelift model.[26] [27]

Mexico

The Sonet was launched in Mexico on 16 March 2024 in three trim levels: LX, EX and SX. Imported from China, it is powered by a 1.5-litre MPi petrol engine paired to either a manual or an IVT.[28]

Philippines

The Sonet was launched in the Philippines on 6 June 2024 in three trim levels: LX, EX and SX. Imported from China, it is powered by a 1.5-litre MPi petrol engine paired to either a manual (for the LX trim) or an IVT.[29] In the Philippines, the Sonet was a replacement for the Stonic.[30]

Engines

Petrol engines
ModelEnginePowerTorqueTransmissions
1.0 L Kappa II T-GDi 998cc turbocharged I31200NaN0 @ 6,000 rpm172abbr=onNaNabbr=on @ 1,500–4,000 rpm6-speed clutchless manual (iMT)
7-speed DCT
Smartstream G1.2 MPi1197cc I4830NaN0 @ 6,300 rpm115abbr=onNaNabbr=on @ 4,200 rpm5-speed manual
Smartstream G1.5 MPi1497cc I41150NaN0 @ 6,300 rpm144abbr=onNaNabbr=on @ 4,500 rpm6-speed manual
CVT
Diesel engines
ModelEnginePowerTorqueTransmissions
1.5 L Smartstream D1.5 CRDi WGT1493cc turbocharged I41000NaN0 @ 4,000 rpm240abbr=onNaNabbr=on @ 1,500–2,750 rpm6-speed manual
1.5 L Smartstream D1.5 CRDi VGT1493cc turbocharged I41150NaN0 @ 4,000 rpm250abbr=onNaNabbr=on @ 1,500–2,750 rpm6-speed automatic

Sales

YearIndiaSouth AfricaVietnamIndonesiaColombiaSaudi ArabiaUAE
202038,363[31]
202179,289[32] 2,471[33] 1,729[34] [35] 2,321[36] 319[37] 1,411[38]
202286,2513,319[39] 9,446[40] 1,3881,5022,695307[41]
202379,776[42] 6,511[43] 11,366[44] 6611,6331,158398

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Kia Sonet QY 2020 Catalogue . . 2023-11-25.
  2. Web site: 新车 全新小型SUV/1.5升动力,悦达起亚索奈将于北京车展上市 . New car New small SUV/1.5-liter power, Yueda Kia Sonet will be launched at the Beijing Auto Show . Dongchedi . 2024-04-19 . 2024-04-22 . zh.
  3. Web site: 2024 Kia Sonet launching soon, starts below PHP 800K . Marcus . De Guzman . . 2024-05-16 . 2024-05-19.
  4. News: Kia Sonet launch: Kia Sonet SUV premiered, to offer 3 engine options . . 2020-08-07 . 2020-08-07 . en.
  5. Web site: 2021 Kia Sonet Encapsulates the Brand's SUV Know-How in a Tiny Package . Mihalascu . Dan . Carscoops . 2020-08-07 . 2020-08-07.
  6. New Kia Sonet revealed! Baby SUV locked in for SA launch... . CARMag . 2020-08-07. en.
  7. News: Kia Sonet launch: 5 things known about Kia Sonet SUV ahead of debut . . 2020-07-31 . 2021-03-01 . en.
  8. Kia Sonet concept: What you need to know . . 2020-08-07 . en.
  9. Kia Sonet compact SUV revealed . . 2020-08-07 . en.
  10. Web site: All-New Kia Sonet Make Its World Debut Live On Youtube . Indian AutosBlog . 2020-08-07 . 2020-08-07.
  11. Web site: Kia Sonet compact SUV Launched In India; Prices Start At ₹ 6.71 Lakh . Car and Bike . 2020-09-18 . 2020-09-18 . en.
  12. Web site: Kia Sonet For Indonesia Is 125mm Longer Than Sonet In India - Launch 11th Nov . RushLane . 2020-11-08 . 2021-03-01 . en.
  13. Web site: FormaCar: Kia Sonet receives a makeover for Indonesia . FormaCar . 2021-03-01.
  14. Web site: Kia Sonet Specifications - Dimensions, Configurations, Features, Engine cc . CarDekho . 2024-01-15 . en.
  15. Web site: Bahadur . Nishmanya . 2020-09-18 . Kia Sonet launched at Rs 6.71 lakh . 2024-06-23 . Autocar India . en.
  16. Web site: Merchant . Akbar . 2020-09-17 . High demand for Kia Sonet GTX+ automatic . 2024-06-23 . Autocar India . en.
  17. Web site: Mondal . Saptarshi . 2022-09-01 . Kia Sonet X Line launched at Rs 13.39 lakh . 2024-06-23 . Autocar India . en.
  18. News: Mudaliar . Pawan . 2024-01-12 . Kia Sonet facelift launched in India at Rs. 7.99 lakh . carwale.
  19. Web site: GridOto.com . 2020-11-11 . KIA Sonet Resmi Meluncur di Indonesia, Bertabur Fitur Canggih, Harga Mulai Rp 190 Jutaan! - GridOto.com . 2024-06-23 . www.gridoto.com . id.
  20. Web site: 2021-04-08 . Kia Sonet 7 Seater Makes Global Debut - Gets Added Features . 2021-06-11 . RushLane . en-US.
  21. Web site: World Premiere, KIA Sonet 7-Seater Resmi Diluncurkan dengan Banderol Mulai Rp 199,5 Juta - Semua Halaman . 2021-06-11 . GridOto . id.
  22. News: 2021-05-11 . New Kia Sonet – Small SUV starting at R265,000 . TopAuto.
  23. News: Du Toit . Albert . 2022-07-07 . Turbocharged Kia Sonet going on sale soon – More power, higher price . TopAuto.
  24. News: Du Toit . Albert . 2024-06-14 . New Kia Sonet launched in South Africa – Pricing and features . TopAuto.
  25. Web site: 2021-10-09 . KIA Sonet 2021 bất ngờ ra mắt Việt Nam, giá từ 499 triệu đồng . 2024-06-23 . oto.com.vn.
  26. Web site: VCCorp.vn . 2024-06-08 . Kia Sonet 2024 ra mắt Việt Nam: Thiết kế mới, nhiều trang bị vượt mặt Raize và Venue, nội thất có chi tiết hơn hẳn đối thủ, giá bán vẫn là ẩn số . 2024-06-23 . autopro.com.vn . vi.
  27. Web site: VCCorp.vn . 2024-06-09 . Soi kỹ từng trang bị của Kia Sonet 2024 so với bản cũ: Thay đổi đáng kể, nhiều 'option' bị lược bỏ . 2024-06-23 . autopro.com.vn . vi.
  28. Web site: Cervantes . Ricardo . 2024-03-15 . El KIA Sonet ya tiene precio en México: llega el SUV más barato de la marca . 2024-06-23 . Motorpasión México . es.
  29. News: 2024-06-06 . Prices, Features, Variants: Everything You Need To Know About The 2024 Kia Sonet (w/ Specs) . CarGuide.PH.
  30. Kia replaces Stonic with all-new Sonet; prices start at P758,000 . Leandre . Garcia . . . 2024-06-06 . 2024-06-06.
  31. Web site: OEMwise & Modelwise Car Sales Figures for Calendar Year 2020 . Autopunditz . 2021-02-23 . 2021-02-27 . en.
  32. Web site: Best Selling Cars in India for 2021! . Autopunditz . 2022-01-12 . 2022-01-13 . en.
  33. Web site: These were SA's best-selling cars of 2021 . BusinessLIVE . 2022-08-15 . en-ZA.
  34. Web site: Kia Sonet - Sales in vietnam . Chinamobil . 2024-05-21 . en.
  35. Web site: Doanh số KIA Sonet ấn tượng, Toyota Raize dù đã tăng vẫn thấp hơn gần 1 nửa tháng 12/2021 . Dân Việt . 2022-01-11 . 2024-05-21 . vi.
  36. Web site: Kia Sonet - Sales in Indonesia . Chinamobil . 2024-05-21 . en.
  37. Web site: Kia Sonet - Sales in Colombia . Chinamobil . 2024-05-21 . en.
  38. Web site: Kia Sonet - Sales in Saudi Arabia . Chinamobil . 2024-05-21 . en.
  39. News: These were SA's best selling SUVs of 2022 . Denis . Droppa . . 2023-02-17.
  40. Web site: Kia Sonet là SUV đô thị bán chạy nhất năm 2022 . Đan . Thanh . ZNews . 2023-01-16 . 2024-05-21 . vi.
  41. Web site: Kia Sonet - Sales in United Arab Emirates . Chinamobil . 2024-05-21 . en.
  42. Web site: Best Selling Cars List of 2023! . Autopunditz . 2024-01-22 . 2024-02-19 . en.
  43. News: These were SA's best selling SUVs of 2023 . Denis . Droppa . . 2024-02-01.
  44. Web site: Top 10 xe bán chạy nhất Việt Nam năm 2023: Mitsubishi Xpander là vua doanh số . Auto Daily . 2024-01-11 . 2024-05-21 . vi.