Kia Sonet New Automatic Variant Launch – Price & Features Explained
The Kia Sonet, one of India’s most popular compact SUVs, has received a significant MY26 (Model Year 2026) update. Kia has introduced more affordable automatic variants, making effortless city driving accessible to a wider audience. For the first time, the diesel 6-speed AT starts under ₹10 lakh, and the turbo-petrol 7-speed DCT is now available from just ₹9.89 lakh (ex-showroom). This positions the Sonet as one of the most budget-friendly automatic SUVs in its segment.
New Automatic Variants and Pricing
Kia has expanded automatic options on the 1.5L diesel (6-speed torque converter AT) and 1.0L turbo-petrol (7-speed DCT) engines. Key new/updated automatic variants include:
Diesel AT (1.5L CRDi, 116 hp, 250 Nm):
- HTE (O) Diesel AT: ₹9.78 lakh (new entry-level auto)
- HTK (O) Diesel AT: ₹10.73 lakh
- HTK+ Diesel AT: ₹11.09 lakh
- Higher trims like HTK+(O) also get the AT option
Turbo-Petrol DCT (1.0L T-GDi, 120 hp, 172 Nm):
- HTK (O) Turbo DCT: ₹9.90 lakh (new affordable DCT)
- HTK+ (O) Turbo DCT: Higher pricing in the range
These prices are ex-showroom and make the Sonet a strong contender against rivals like Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, and Maruti Brezza in the automatic space. The diesel AT now starts around ₹2 lakh lower than before in some cases, while the turbo DCT brings sporty performance at entry-level prices.
Additionally, Kia added a fresh Magma Red colour to the palette for a bolder look.
Key Features of the Updated Kia Sonet
The Sonet continues to impress with premium features, especially in mid and higher trims:
Technology & Comfort: 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats, electric sunroof, ambient lighting, air purifier, and Bose 7-speaker audio system.
Safety: 6 airbags, Level 1 ADAS (including forward collision avoidance, lane keep assist), 360-degree camera, electronic stability control (ESC), hill-start assist, and vehicle stability management (VSM).
Design & Practicality: Bold front grille with LED DRLs, connected LED taillights, 385L boot space, rear AC vents, and wireless phone charging in select variants.
The automatic transmissions deliver smooth performance — the diesel 6AT excels in torque for highway overtakes and fuel efficiency (around 24 kmpl claimed), while the turbo DCT offers quick shifts and fun driving dynamics (around 18 kmpl).
Why This Launch Matters
With rising traffic in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and even smaller towns, automatic SUVs are in high demand. Kia’s move to bring Diesel AT and Turbo DCT under ₹10 lakh makes the Sonet a value-packed choice for families and first-time automatic buyers. It combines style, features, and reliability without breaking the bank.
If you’re looking for a feature-loaded compact SUV with easy automatic driving, the updated Kia Sonet is worth test-driving. Visit your nearest Kia dealership for the latest offers and on-road prices.
