Upcoming 2024 Kia Sonet Facelift Spotted In All Its Glory Ahead Of Its Debut

• 2024 Kia Sonet spotted undisguised in China, India-spec model design to vary

• Features updated design which includes new LED headlight and DRL setup

• Other changes include new alloy wheel design and connected LED tail lamps inspired by Seltos.

• Earlier spy shots reveal new controls for the climate control and digital driver’s display

• No updates are expected in powertrain department

• Launch expected early next year

Kia is hard at work to introduce the facelifted version of its popular sub-compact SUV, the Sonet. It has been spotted testing multiple times, and the latest spy shots reveal the Chinese-spec model's exterior design without camouflage. That said, the design and specifications of the Indian-spec model may vary in from that of the China-specific model.

Design

The 2024 Sonet facelift features a refreshed grille with new inserts, flanked by updated LED headlamps, whose DRLs now extend downwards. Below it is the revamped bumper that gets a refreshed airdam design and misses out on fog lamps. 

The car's overall side profile remains largely unchanged, except it gets the new alloy wheel design. It’s at the rear where you can easily distinguish the facelifted model as it sports an updated connected LED taillight setup, inspired from the Seltos. A refreshed rear bumper rounds off the overall design. 

Interior

The interior of the 2024 Sonet was leaked in earlier spy images in India. Not major changes in terms of design, but it does get new controls for the climate control as well as  an updated color theme and upholstery. Also, it’s likely to get the digital driver’s display from the Seltos as well.

Features

In addition to the updated interior, the sub-4 meter SUV is expected to incorporate a 360-degree camera and a partial ADAS suite, the latter similar to the Venue.

Other features like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, connected car technology, a sunroof, wireless phone charging, Bose sound system, ventilated front seats, and cruise control should be retained. 

On the safety front, apart from the probable addition of ADAS, the 2024 Sonet should continue to offer 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, front and rear parking sensors, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and electronic stability control.

Also read: 2024 Kia Sonet: 5 Expected New Features To Make Its Presence Felt

Powertrain

No powertrain updates are expected for the facelifted Sonet, as it is likely to continue with its current engine options, including the 120PS 1-litre turbo-petrol, 83PS 1.2-litre petrol, and 116PS 1.5-litre diesel engines. The turbo-petrol and diesel variants are expected to retain their iMT (clutchless manual) and automatic transmissions, while the naturally aspirated petrol engine is likely to continue with its 5-speed manual gearbox.

Check Out: Kia Sonet Detailed Specifications

Launch and Rivals

The facelifted Sonet is expected to hit the market early next year, likely with a higher price point compared to the current model, which starts at Rs 7.79 lakh (ex-showroom). 

It will continue to rival the likes of the Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Nissan Magnite, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, and the Renault Kiger.