South Korean car manufacturer Kia on Thursday unveiled its sub-compact SUV Sonet for global markets during an event held in India.  Kia which tasted huge success with its very first model in India – Seltos – is hoping to take on other strong contenders in the segment the Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon with the Sonet. Kia Sonet will be available in India from September and it is expected to be priced aggressively in the Rs 8-13 lakh bracket.

Kia, which had showcased the Sonet at the Auto Expo 2020, has loaded the car with new-age features and the company boasts that some of them are first-in-class. The vehicle has 10.25 inch digital cluster and widescreen AVNT for an immersive experience. Apart from these, Sonet has a long list of features such as front ventilated seats, 7-speaker system by Bose, electric sunroof, and up to 55 UVO connected features. One of the most noticeable features offered is the ‘Smart Pure Air Purifier with Virus Protection’.

Engine and other specifications

Kia Sonet will be offered with a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed automatic, and a 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch transmission). The GT Line model will come packed with 1.0-litre turbo petrol and 1.5-litre turbo diesel engines.

As far as safety features are concerned, Kia Sonet boasts of six airbags, ABS (anti-lock braking system) with EBD (electronic brake force distribution), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), ESC (Electronic Stability Control), HAC (Hill-start Assist Control) among others.

Kia, which hit the 1 lakh-unit mark in India in just 11 months riding on Seltos success, will be hoping to repeat the feat with Seltos.