SUV/MUV

Kia Sonet MY26: Expanding Automatic Options with New Diesel and Turbo Petrol Variants

KiaSonetCompact SUVDieselTurbo Petrol
3 min read4 days ago
Kia Sonnet1 / 2
Kia Sonnet
Kia Sonnet

Kia India is making waves in the compact SUV segment with the introduction of the Model Year 2026 (MY26) Sonet, enhancing its automatic lineup with new diesel and turbo petrol variants. With a price tag starting from ₹9,77,900 for the Diesel 6AT and ₹9,89,900 for the Turbo Petrol 7DCT, Kia sets a new benchmark by offering these advanced transmissions below ₹10 lakh, a first in the segment.

The launch comes at a time when urban traffic is pushing more consumers towards the comfort and convenience of automatic vehicles. Kia's strategic move to expand its automatic range addresses this growing demand, providing a more accessible entry point into automatic driving. This initiative not only broadens the Sonet's appeal but also strengthens its position in the competitive compact SUV market.

Enhanced Automatic Variants

The MY26 Sonet now includes the 1.5-litre Diesel 6-speed Automatic across several trims such as HTE(O), HTK(O), HTK+, and HTK+(O). Meanwhile, the 1.0-litre Turbo Petrol 7DCT is available in HTK(O) and HTK+(O) trims. This expansion provides consumers with a wider array of options, ensuring that the benefits of automatic transmissions are available to a broader audience at competitive prices.

According to Mr. Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President of Sales & Marketing at Kia India, "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."

Pricing and Availability

  • Diesel (D1.5) HTE(O) with 6AT starts at ₹9,77,900
  • Diesel HTK(O) with 6AT priced at ₹10,72,900
  • Diesel HTK+ with 6AT priced at ₹11,08,900
  • Diesel HTK+(O) with 6AT priced at ₹11,56,900
  • Petrol Turbo (G1.0T) HTK(O) with 7DCT priced at ₹9,89,900
  • Petrol Turbo HTK+(O) with 7DCT priced at ₹10,83,900

These competitive prices make the Sonet a compelling choice for customers seeking both diesel efficiency and the convenience of automatic transmissions. The Diesel 6AT and Turbo Petrol 7DCT variants not only promise enhanced drivability but also bring the frugality of diesel engines paired with the smoothness of automatic gear shifts.

Design and Features

Beyond the mechanical enhancements, the MY26 Sonet also introduces a new exterior color option, Magma Red, which adds a vibrant touch to the SUV's bold design. The Sonet's youthful and dynamic aesthetic is further complemented by its feature-rich cabin, equipped with 70+ connected car features and 10 ADAS Level 1 features, maintaining its reputation for offering advanced technology in its segment.

Safety remains a priority for Kia, with the Sonet equipped with 15 robust standard safety features. This comprehensive safety suite ensures peace of mind for both city and highway journeys, reinforcing the Sonet's appeal to a wide range of customers.

Since its launch in 2020, the Kia Sonet has become a dominant force in the compact SUV segment, recently surpassing the significant milestone of 5 lakh units sold. This achievement underscores the trust and loyalty Kia has garnered among Indian consumers, further validated by the continuous updates and enhancements to the Sonet lineup.