Kia has finally unveiled its own sub-compact SUV that’s designed to slot below the Seltos: meet the Sonet.

Shown in concept form for now, it previews an upcoming global sub-compact SUV that’ll hit the Indian market first in the second half of this year and will go against the likes of the Ford EcoSport. After that, other markets will follow since it’s been confirmed as a global model.


The Sonet, part of Kia’s revitalized SUV line-up, together with the Seltos and upcoming Sorento, is aimed at the “always connected” demographic and with that, will have features that exceed both lifestyle and technology expectations.

In terms of design, it gets the signature Tiger-nose grille with a stepwell geometry within the grille mesh. It also adds the Tiger-eyeline DRLs and a wide rear signature lighting. The Sonet also hints that it’ll have best-in-class interior space as well as surprisingly premium features such as a 10.25-inch infotainment system with a Bose sound system.


Based on the Hyundai Venue’s platform, the Sonet is said to gain a family of small 3- and 4-cylinder engines ranging from a 1.0-liter to a 1.2-liter for the Indian market. Without a doubt, this version will be mated to a manual or Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT). For global markets though, expect it to share the Venue’s 1.6-liter 4-cylinder and CVT gearbox.