Evolution of Kia Sonet across the Years

When Kia revealed the Sonet in 2020, it introduced a new SUV and set a new standard for cars in the sub-4m SUV category. The Sonet soon became a top choice among Indian car buyers because of its daring appearance, high-tech features, and diverse engine-gearbox selection.

While other brands depended heavily on practicality and affordability, Kia focused on design and luxury, which made the Sonet stand out. Even though cars like the Venue, Brezza, and Nexon were already popular, the Sonet managed to stand out by incorporating many fun features, modern designs, and a youthful look. Keep reading as we go over the evolution of the Kia Sonet to date and go over the factors that have contributed to the success of this subcompact SUV.

Kia Sonet Philosophy and Initial Market Impact

The Sonet was Kia’s second model launched in India after the Seltos, and it was meant to bring premium features to a wide range of buyers in a compact, urban-friendly package. Kia planned to create an SUV that was both practical and stylish, appealing to both city buyers and families, and it was quite successful in doing so.
 

Within only two months of its launch, the Sonet had received over 50,000 bookings, and some versions had buyers waiting for several months. Kia didn’t just get the pricing right, but also what they included in the Sonet: a big touchscreen, ventilated seats, Bose sound, connected features, and automatic gearboxes in both petrol and diesel versions.

When most companies made compromises, Kia stood out by giving customers more choices. With that courageous move, the Sonet now stands out as a tech-packed SUV that buyers prefer for its mix of style, features, and flexibility.

2020: First Generation – The Debut Gamechanger

Design Language & Styling

The very first Sonet caught people’s attention because of its impressive design. Its style went beyond that of a typical sub-compact SUV. Thanks to its Tiger Nose grille, LED DRLs shaped like a heartbeat, defined body contours, and bold rear with linked tail lamps, it had the kind of street presence normally reserved for cars a segment above. The style was sporty, energetic, and a bit edgy, which suited the young audience well.

Variants & Features

Kia played it smart with a dual-personality approach: the HT Line adds elegance and space for families, and the GT Line emphasises sportiness and contrasts. The main thing that surprised everyone in the segment was the list of features. The Sonet was the first to introduce a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, ventilated front seats, Bose premium audio, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay (in lower variants), UVO connected car technology, and mood lighting.

Engine & Transmission Options

Buyers had a buffet of options under the hood:

• A 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol with a 5-speed manual for budget-conscious users.
• A 1.0L turbo-petrol with choices of iMT and 7-speed DCT, giving driving enthusiasts a real treat. 
• A 1.5L diesel, available with both 6-speed manual and torque converter automatic, is a rarity in the segment.

Kia was one of the few manufacturers to offer both diesel manual and automatic options in a wide range of prices, which made it special.

Market Reception & Sales Performance

The response? Phenomenal. In its first year alone, Kia sold over 1 lakh units of the Sonet, despite the economy still reeling under the global pandemic at the time. For some models, the wait went on for months, and it quickly became a top-seller in the sub-4m SUV segment.

Key Strengths Compared to Rivals

When compared to the Hyundai Venue, Maruti Vitara Brezza, and Tata Nexon, the Sonet offers better tech, more engine options, and a more premium cabin feel. Its build quality, NVH levels, and attention to detail also gave it a slight edge to people who wanted a more premium small SUV.

2022: X-line introduction

In 2022, Kia unveiled the Sonet X-line to keep up with the increasing competition in the compact SUV segment. It was launched in September 2022 as a premium variant, offering a more luxurious SUV experience. Some of the key highlights of the X-line variants are:

• Glossy black accents on skid plates, grille, and ORVMs
• New exterior with matte graphite finish
• A darker-themed interior

The Sonet X-line caters to the needs of consumers who are looking for an enhanced and unique aesthetic over its predecessors.

2024: A Feature-Loaded Facelift

December 2023 marked an important time in Kia Sonet’s evolutionary journey as it unveiled its first major facelift since its launch. This facelift involved updates in both exterior design and interior technology to meet modern-day needs.

Exterior Enhancements:

Here are the exterior changes of the Sonet’s facelift: 

• Introduced dual-tone alloy wheels.
• Launched a new colour option named pewter olive.
• Updated the front fascia with boomerang-shaped headlamps and new DRLs.
• Redesigned the bumpers and front grille for a bolder stance.
• Introduced Seltos-inspired connected LED tail lights.

Interior and Technology Updates:

Kia tinkered a bit with the tech as well: 

• Updated digital instrument cluster and dual 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.  
• Redesigned the climate control panel and introduced a new upholstery feature.
• Added upgrades like wireless phone charging, air purifier, rear sunshades, and ventilated front seats.
• The 2024 facelift also introduced more than 70 car-connect features through the Kia Connect app.

Safety Upgrades:

To compete with the industry-leading SUVs, Kia also added additional safety features: 

• Introduced Level 1 advanced driver assistance system with features like lane keep assist, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and high-beam assist.
• Enhanced brake performance with disc brakes on every wheel.
• Six airbags as per standard.
• Easier parking with front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera.

Market Success and Popularity

Kia Sonet has achieved a cumulative sale of 4.5 lakh units as of September 2024 in both Indian and export markets. This excellent sales figure reflects Sonet's ability to cater to a wide range of consumers.   

Key Highlights for Model Years

Here are some key insights of each model variant of the Sonet that you can find if you’re looking to buy a second-hand Kia Sonet in the used car market: 

Conclusion

From its introduction in 2020 to its 2024 facelift, the Kia Sonet has consistently led the way in the subcompact SUV segment, as is evident from its popularity even in the used car market. From a bold, feature-packed SUV, the Sonet has evolved into a safe, advanced, and modern vehicle while retaining its youthful appeal. The Sonet has always stayed ahead by introducing segment-first ventilated seats, diesel automatic options, and now ADAS and a 360-degree camera to meet the evolving needs of Indian customers. With its mix of design, features, and new ideas, the Sonet demonstrates that being compact does not mean you have to compromise on anything.