The 2024 Kia Sonet facelift is expected to debut in the coming weeks ahead of its market launch; will get big changes inside and out
Kia India has been testing the facelifted Sonet for many months now and it will likely make its debut in the coming weeks ahead of the market launch. The compact SUV was the second mass-produced product introduced by Kia in the domestic market midway through 2020 and the facelift marks the first major update for the popular model.
It will receive a number of changes inside the cabin and on the outside too. The exterior will comprise a redesigned front grille section, updated headlight cluster which is more prominent than in the outgoing model, new LED Daytime Running Lights, restyled fog lamp enclosures and wider air intake amongst other revisions at the front.
Other visual highlights are newly designed alloy wheels, new body cladding, connected LED tail lamps, tweaked bumper and tailgate, and new colour schemes could also be added to the lineup. A few weeks ago, the facelifted Sonet for the international markets was leaked through pictures but the India-spec model has been confirmed to get specific design cues.
The interior will gain an updated dashboard and centre console, new controls and surface finishes to enhance the premium appeal, a new touchscreen infotainment system in a similar fashion to the Seltos facelift, an updated instrument cluster, etc. The top-end variants could be equipped with ADAS-based driver-assistive and safety technologies like its sibling the Hyundai Venue.
We do expect any mechanical changes to accompany the facelift though as the familiar 1.2L NA petrol, 1.5-litre diesel and 1.0L turbo petrol engines will stay put. The regular petrol mill develops 83 hp and 115 Nm while the oil burner kicks out 116 hp and 250 Nm. The turbo gasoline unit is good enough for 120 hp maximum power and 172 Nm of peak torque.
The transmission options will include a five-speed MT, a six-speed iMT, a seven-speed DCT and a six-speed AT. It will continue to rival Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Mahindra XUV300, Hyundai Venue, Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite. The XUV300 will likely get a facelift in early 2024 while Maruti Suzuki Fronx-based Toyota Taisor will also launch next year.