By The eagerly anticipated Kia Sonet facelift has made its first unmasked appearance, showcasing a slew of exterior updates poised to set the stage for its imminent launch in India within the next 3-4 months. While the automotive world had been privy to glimpses of camouflaged test mules during various stages of development, these newly unveiled images on the internet afford us an unobstructed view of the revised Sonet. Interestingly, the Sonet variant featured in these images is intended for international markets and stretches beyond the four-meter mark in length.
Kia India has revealed that the version headed for Indian roads will boast slight deviations in its front and rear bumper design compared to the exposed images. This slight divergence in design is set to be the first mid-life refresh for the Sonet since its launch in September 2020, with alterations limited to plastic components. One of the most noticeable alterations is the updated front bumper and headlamp assembly. The primary headlamp cluster retains its core structure, yet an intriguing new drop-down element extends into the bumper, now complemented by modified LED Daytime Running Lamps and fog lights. These images hint at a probable HT Line variant, distinguished by a slightly reworked faux skid plate and central air intake mesh, while the GT-Line may exhibit distinctive bumper designs.
The rear of the Sonet features fresh vertical tail lamps, linked by an illuminating LED light bar. A more substantial rear bumper, adorned with a dual-tone black and silver finish, completes the refreshed look. While the interior remains concealed in these images, earlier spy shots suggested updates in the HVAC controls and a novel digital instrument cluster. Under the hood, the Sonet facelift is expected to preserve its existing powertrains, encompassing an 83hp, 115Nm, 1.2-liter petrol engine, a 120hp, 172Nm, 1.0-liter turbo-petrol engine, and a 116hp, 250Nm, 1.5-liter diesel engine. Transmission options are anticipated to include a 5-speed manual for the petrol engine and a 6-speed iMT for both the turbo-petrol and diesel variants. Furthermore, a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and a 6-speed automatic will also be on offer. Kia’s launch of the Sonet facelift is expected in the next 3-4 months, generating immense anticipation among auto enthusiasts.
