The Kia Sonet has been one of Kia’s most popular cars since the brand’s entry in the Indian car market. It has been a consistent performer for the Korean car maker since its debut in September 2020. The Kia Sonet was last updated in January 2024 with a facelift that brought many new features and design details to the Kia Sonet. The car has, since its inception, put out healthy monthly sales in the 9,000–10,000 unit range consistently. This makes it one of the top-selling sub 4-meter SUVs in India. However, things are different now and competition is much tougher, even compared to 2024. The Tata Nexon is the market leader by a margin, the Mahindra XUV 3XO offers a lot in terms of the tech and features, and the Skoda Kylaq has also entered the market to cater to the enthusiasts in the segment. Furthermore, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza is also due an update later this year, and Renault has also upped the game with its Kiger.
Now, Kia has been on of the leaders in terms of the sheer amount of things their cars offer – be it the amount of features, the engine and transmission options, and of course, offering the best performance in certain segments (case in point – Kia EV6). Which is why something already seems to be in the works. According to reports, Kia is working on a car codenamed QY2E, which is very likely to be the second generation Kia Sonet, which is being developed for a 2027 launch. Not a facelift, a proper generation upgrade which also introduces a new platform, new electronics architecture, upgraded safety, and the prospect of a hybrid powertrain, which if true, will be a first in this segment and is bound to shake things up.
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New Platform Same As Kia Syros
The biggest change expected in the upcoming Kia Sonet will be invisible to the buyers, but will make the largest impact. The upcoming Sonet will be based on the newer K1 platform which also underpins the Kia Syros. The K1 platfor offers better structural support which improves the car’s safety and reinforcement. This new architecture also supports the latest electrical and electronics setup.
However, for the Kia Sonet, the biggest update this new platform will make is that it will most likely also lead to better space in the Sonet’s rear seat, since a slightly longer wheelbase is expected on the upcoming Sonet. Cramped rear-seat space is one of the biggest pain points with the Kia Sonet. Something even I have written about previously. A slightly longer wheelbase will definitely help solve this problem.
Same Engines, Possible Addition Of Hybrid
Coming to the engine and powertrain options, the upcoming Kia Sonet will carry forward the engines from the current Sonet which includes a 1.2 litre naturally aspirated petrol motor that produces 83 bhp of power and a 1.0L turbo petrol engine that produces 116 bhp of power, along with the 1.5L turbo diesel. There will, however, be a new entrant here if reports are to be believed. Kia is developing a strong hybrid powertrain for the Sonet. The technical details remain unknown, but it is rumoured to be expected few months after the launch of the updated Sonet
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Features and Technology
On the features front, the most noticeable interior upgrade is expected to be the screen size. The current Sonet’s dual 10.25-inch setup — infotainment and digital instrument cluster — could be replaced with larger 12.3-inch units, bringing it in line with what the Kia Syros and the new Seltos offers. The more significant leap is expected in the ADAS upgrade. The current Sonet offers a camera-based Level 1 ADAS system. The next-gen model is expected to offer a Syros-like camera and radar-based Level 2 ADAS. In terms of safety technology at this price point, this would be a first in segment.
With the new K1 platform, Kia will also be able to enable OTA updates, meaning users can get software improvements, bug fixes, and potentially new features remotely – something particularly relevant for connected car systems and ADAS calibration.
What We Want From Next-Gen Kia Sonet
While the reports give us a good idea as to what we can expect from the next generation of the Kia Sonet, there are a few things that I myself would like to see on the new generation of the Sonet. First and foremost would be my request to Kia to keep physical controls for essentials like climate control, volume, lights, and more. The current Kia Sonet is very good in terms of offering tactile controls for all essential features except the volume. The last couple of launches from Kia have been good in this area, so my expectations are that we will at least get as much buttons and dials as on the new Kia Seltos or the Kia Syros.
The second wish is something Kia already seems to be working on, which is a hybrid engine. While the reports are saying that it will come a few months after the launch of the car, I feel that makes many customers leave, since people who are waiting for a specific car launch to make the purchase don’t like waiting more for their preferred variant after the car has been launched.
And lastly, a pain point only Sonet owners can relate to, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is only available in the lower-end variants of the Kia Sonet. Yes, the lower-end variants support wireless CarPlay, while the top-end variants like the GT Line or the X-Line variants only support wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with a wire.
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Now the next generation Kia Sonet arrives into what will be the most competitive sub-4m segment India has ever seen. The Tata Nexon continues to lead, the Mahindra XUV 3XO has the edge in terms of the tech and features offered, and now we have the Skoda Kylaq, which appeals to the driving enthusiasts as well. For the next-gen Sonet, the K1 platform, Level 2 ADAS, larger screens, and the eventual hybrid powertrain are all the right moves.
