Kia India has updated the Kia Sonet for the 2026 model year with the introduction of new variants across the diesel automatic and turbo petrol DCT powertrains. The new variants allow buyers to access automatic transmissions at a lower price point than before.
The diesel automatic range now starts at Rs 9.77 lakh, while the turbo petrol DCT range begins at Rs 9.89 lakh, ex showroom. With this update, the Sonet becomes the first vehicle in the segment to offer a diesel automatic transmission below Rs 10 lakh. It also becomes the first model in the segment to provide a seven speed dual clutch automatic below the Rs 10 lakh price point.
There are no major design changes for the 2026 model year. The update mainly focuses on expanding the variant lineup and improving accessibility to automatic powertrains. Kia has also introduced a new Magma Red exterior colour for this model year.
Kia Sonet – Exterior Design
The exterior design of the Kia Sonet remains unchanged for the 2026 model year. The SUV continues to feature the brand’s modern design language with distinctive lighting elements and a compact yet muscular stance. At the front, the Sonet is equipped with L shaped headlamps along with matching daytime running lights. LED fog lamps are also integrated into the lower bumper design.
At the rear, the SUV gets vertically oriented LED tail lamps which are connected by a full width LED light bar. This design element visually increases the width of the vehicle and gives it a more premium appearance. In terms of dimensions, the Sonet measures 3995 mm in length, which places it in the sub four metre category. It has a width of 1790 mm and a height of 1610 mm. The wheelbase stands at 2500 mm. Ground clearance is rated at 205 mm, which is suitable for Indian road conditions.
Kia Sonet – Interior And Features
The new automatic variants of the Sonet are positioned between the HTE option and HTK Plus option trims. The overall cabin layout remains unchanged and continues to offer a modern design with a focus on technology and comfort.
Higher variants of the Kia Sonet are equipped with a dual screen setup which includes a touchscreen infotainment system and a fully digital instrument cluster. The SUV also offers features such as an electric sunroof, a ten way power adjustable driver seat, and a seven speaker Bose sound system. These features contribute to the premium positioning of the model within its segment.
Kia also offers a strong safety and connectivity package in the Sonet. The SUV is equipped with ten Level 1 ADAS features, fifteen standard safety features including six airbags, and seventeen connected technology functions through the brand’s connected car platform.
Kia Sonet – New Variants
For the diesel powertrain with the 1.5 litre engine and six speed automatic transmission, the lineup starts with the HTE Option variant priced at Rs 9,77,900. This is followed by the HTK Option variant priced at Rs 10,72,900. The HTK Plus variant is priced at Rs 11,08,900, while the HTK Plus Option variant is priced at Rs 11,56,900.
For the 1.0 litre turbo petrol engine paired with the seven speed dual clutch transmission, the HTK Option variant is priced at Rs 9,89,900. The higher HTK Plus Option variant is priced at Rs 10,83,900. All prices are ex showroom.
Kia Sonet – Powertrain
The Kia Sonet continues to offer multiple engine options in its lineup. The newly introduced automatic variants are available with the 1.5 litre turbo diesel engine and the 1.0 litre turbo petrol engine. The diesel unit produces 115 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque and is paired with a six speed automatic transmission that uses a torque converter setup. The turbo petrol automatic variants are powered by a 1.0 litre turbo petrol engine that produces 118 horsepower and 172 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a seven speed dual clutch transmission.
These engines are offered specifically for the newly introduced automatic variants. Apart from these options, the Sonet lineup also continues to offer a 1.2 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 83 horsepower and 115 Nm of torque in the standard range.
Kia Sonet – Market Positioning And Rivals
The Kia Sonet competes in the sub four metre SUV segment in India. Its primary rivals include the Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Tata Nexon, and the Skoda Kylaq.
“We have been closely listening to evolving customer needs, particularly the growing preference for the convenience of automatic driving in everyday conditions. With the model year 2026 update, we are expanding our automatic line-up with Diesel Automatic and Turbo Petrol 7DCT options at highly competitive price points, enabling more customers to experience the ease of automatic mobility while further strengthening Sonet’s leadership in the segment,” said Mr. Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Kia India
With the addition of these new automatic variants, Kia aims to strengthen the Sonet’s value proposition and attract more buyers looking for automatic transmission options in the segment.