2020 Kia Sonet debuts: Kia's smallest SUV is big on features, enters hotly-contested market

After months of waiting following its concept reveal in February, Kia finally lifts the covers off the 2020 Kia Sonet in a digital presentation held earlier today. 

The Sonet is developed from the ground-up jointly between Kia Motors India and Kia’s R&D headquarters in South Korea, and is manufactured at the carmaker’s Indian facility in Andhra Pradesh.

Three engine options are available at launch - a 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated mill, a 1.0-litre turbocharged mill (both petrol-powered) and a 1.5-litre diesel unit. Power figures will be announced later.

Transferring the power to the wheels are a choice of five gearboxes: five- and six-speed manuals, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), torque converter automatic and the new six-speed Smartstream intelligent clutchless manual transmission (iMT). 

On the outside, the Sonet bears the ‘tiger-nose’ grille, LED headlights and tail lights, 16-inch alloy wheels and a smattering of sporty touches such as skid plates and dual muffler tips. Buyers also have a choice of 10 colours.

Inside, the Sonet gets ventilated front seats and features a 10.25-inch HD touchscreen with infotainment and navigation system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The infotainment system should make for a thoroughly pleasurable in-car entertainment experience, especially when sound is piped through a Bose 7-speaker setup.

Safety wise, it comes with six airbags, electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), electronic stability control (ESC) and brake assist.

Although there's no news whether Malaysia will be receiving the Sonet, we can at least look forward to its bigger brother, the Kia Seltos!