Facelifted Kia Sonet Spied Testing In India For The First Time

• Kia Sonet facelift will flaunt a refreshed front profile with larger grille, new headlights, DRLs, alloys and bumper designs. 

• The rear will also be refreshed with new LED tail lights (possibly connected) and a dual-tone bumper. 

• Interior is expected to undergo a makeover with new layout and dual display screens like Seltos. 

• Feature additions could include select ADAS features, a 360-degree camera (as hinted by spy pics) and powered driver’s seat. 

• Should retain its existing naturally aspirated petrol, turbo-petrol, and diesel engines. 

The facelifted Kia Sonet has been spotted testing in India for the first time. This will be the first midlife update for the sub-4 metre SUV since its 2020 debut. We believe that it will undergo a major makeover in terms of design, features, and safety. 

The spy shots indicate that it will get a heavily revised front profile including a fresh set of headlights and DRLs as well as what seems like a larger front grille. Save for the new alloys, the side profile remains largely unchanged. The red brake callipers confirm that we’re seeing the top-spec GT Line trim here.

The rear profile will also undergo a significant change, with new LED tail lights inspired by the recently launched 2023 Seltos, possibly with a connected LED strip, and a redesigned dual-tone bumper. One can expect new colour options on offer too. 

Also Read: Kia Sonet Vs Tata Nexon

The interior is also expected to be revamped with an updated colour theme and upholstery. Like the Seltos, we can expect the Sonet facelift to get a dual display setup housing the touchscreen infotainment system and digitised instrument cluster from the Venue. 

Features like a 360-degree camera (seen in the ORVM housing) and powered driver’s seat could also be seen on the facelift. Currently, it is one of the most feature-rich SUVs in its space, with niceties such as an electric sunroof, a Bose sound system, ventilated front seats, and a wireless charger. 

The safety quotient of the Sonet is expected to include features such as six airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, electronic stability control, and tyre pressure monitoring system. Select ADAS features might also make it to the sub-4 metre SUV. 

Also Read: Facelifted 2023 Kia Seltos’ HTX Variant: Walkaround In 7 Pics

There are no powertrain updates expected on board, as the facelifted Sonet could continue with its existing 120PS 1-litre turbo-petrol, 83PS 1.2-litre petrol, and 116PS 1.5-litre diesel engines. The turbo-petrol and diesel units should retain their respective iMT (clutchless manual) and automatic transmissions, while the naturally aspirated petrol engine should continue with its 5-speed stick shifter. 

The facelifted Sonet could go on sale early next year and we suspect it to command a premium over the current model that starts at Rs 7.79 lakh (ex-showroom). It will continue to be an aggressive competitor to the likes of Tata Nexon, Nissan Magnite, Hyundai Venue, Honda WR-V, Mahindra XUV300 and the Renault Kiger.

Source