The compact SUV segment in India continues to grow rapidly, and one of the models benefiting from this trend is the Kia Sonet. The popular SUV from Kia has now crossed a major milestone in the Indian market, with more than five lakh units sold since its launch. To celebrate this achievement and attract more buyers, the company has introduced new automatic variants at more affordable prices.
The move is aimed at making automatic transmission options accessible to a larger number of customers, especially urban buyers who prefer the convenience of automatic driving in heavy traffic.
New Automatic Variants Under Rs 10 Lakh
One of the key highlights of the latest update is the introduction of more affordable automatic variants. Kia has now priced the base automatic versions of both the petrol and diesel engines below the ₹10 lakh mark (ex-showroom).
The diesel automatic variant starts at Rs 9.78 lakh, while the turbo petrol automatic variant is priced from Rs 9.89 lakh (ex-showroom). This makes the Sonet one of the few compact SUVs in India to offer both diesel and petrol automatic options in this price range.
The company hopes that this pricing strategy will help boost sales further in the highly competitive sub-4-metre SUV segment.
Engine Options and Transmission
The updated Sonet continues to offer two engine choices. Buyers can opt for a 1.5-litre diesel engine or a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine.
The diesel engine is paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission, while the turbo petrol engine comes with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). These transmission options are designed to deliver a smoother driving experience while maintaining strong performance.
The petrol automatic is available in two variants, with the top version priced at Rs 10.84 lakh (ex-showroom).
Kia Sonet Diesel Automatic Variants and Prices
| Engine | Variant | Transmission | Price (Ex-Showroom) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (1.5L) | HTE(O) | 6AT | Rs 9,77,900 |
| Diesel (1.5L) | HTK(O) | 6AT | Rs 10,72,900 |
| Diesel (1.5L) | HTK+ | 6AT | Rs 11,08,900 |
| Diesel (1.5L) | HTK+(O) | 6AT | Rs 11,56,900 |
Kia Sonet Turbo Petrol Automatic Variants and Prices
| Engine | Variant | Transmission | Price (Ex-Showroom) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol Turbo (1.0L) | HTK(O) | 7-DCT | Rs 9,89,900 |
| Petrol Turbo (1.0L) | HTK+(O) | 7-DCT | Rs 10,83,900 |
New Colours and More Choices
Along with the new variants, Kia has also introduced a fresh Magma Red colour option for the Sonet. The SUV is now available in several colour choices including Imperial Blue, Pewter Olive, Glacier White Pearl, Sparkling Silver, Aurora Black Pearl and Gravity Grey.
For buyers who prefer a sportier appearance, the X-Line variant is offered in Aurora Black Pearl and Matte Graphite shades.
Strong Competition in the Segment
The compact SUV market in India is highly competitive. The Sonet competes with models like the Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue and Mahindra XUV 3XO.
By introducing more affordable automatic variants, Kia is clearly trying to strengthen its position in this crowded segment. With strong sales, multiple engine options and new features, the Sonet continues to be one of the most popular compact SUVs in the Indian market.
