Cheap automatic variants of Kia Sonet available: price, details

Kia India has expanded the automatic gearbox options on the Kia Sonet by introducing more affordable variants in its lineup. With the update, buyers can now opt for an automatic transmission from the lower trims, making the Sonet one of the most accessible automatic SUVs in its segment.On the diesel front, the Sonet now gets a new HTE(O) variant with a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, priced at Rs 9.77 lakh, ex-showroom. The diesel engine is the familiar 1.5-litre unit that produces 116 hp of power and 250 Nm of torque. The diesel automatic version offers ARAI-rated fuel efficiency of 18.6 kmpl, while the manual diesel version claims 22.3 kmpl.For petrol buyers, Kia has introduced a new HTK(O) variant equipped with a 7-speed DCT, priced at Rs 9,89,900, ex-showroom. This variant is powered by a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces 120 hp and 172 Nm of peak torque. The same gearbox is also available in the HTK+(O) trim. With this move, Sonet becomes the first model in its segment to offer a 7-speed DCT automatic transmission at a price under Rs 10 lakh.

Along with the change in variants, the company has also introduced a new ‘Magma Red’ color option for the compact SUV.The Sonet continues to be offered with three engine options. These include a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 83 hp and 115 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Meanwhile, the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines are the only ones to offer automatic gearbox options.Currently, the Sonet is priced at Rs 7.30 lakh ex-showroom in India and it competes in the highly competitive sub-4 meter SUV segment with rivals like Mahindra XUV3XO, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon and Skoda Kailash.