Kia Sonet 2026 Launched In India - Now Gets Automatic Gearbox In Base Variant

Kia India has updated the Sonet compact SUV for 2026, expanding the range of automatic transmission options across its diesel and turbo-petrol engines.

The MY26 Sonet offers a 1.5-litre diesel engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission (6AT), now starting at ₹9,77,900 (ex-showroom).

This makes it the first compact SUV in its segment to offer a 6AT variant below ₹10 lakh.

The 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine now comes with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT) at ₹9,89,900 (ex-showroom), marking the segment's first sub-₹10 lakh 7DCT option.

These additions make the automatic variants accessible for a wider group of customers.

The diesel 6AT is now offered in HTE(O), HTK(O), HTK+, and HTK+(O) trims, while the turbo-petrol 7DCT is available in HTK(O) and HTK+(O) variants.

Mr. Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said:

“We have been closely listening to evolving customer needs, particularly the growing preference for the convenience of automatic driving in everyday conditions. With the model year 2026 update, we are expanding our automatic line-up with Diesel Automatic and Turbo Petrol 7DCT options at highly competitive price points, enabling more customers to experience the ease of automatic mobility while further strengthening Sonet’s leadership in the segment.”

Kia has also added a new exterior colour, Magma Red, to the Sonet range.

Also Read -  Every Car Under ₹10 Lakhs With DCT On Sale
 

Kia Sonet Powertrains and Specifications

The Sonet offers a diesel and two petrol engine options.

A naturally aspirated 1.2-litre petrol (83 bhp, 115 Nm torque), paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, is available on lower variants.

The 1.0-litre turbo-petrol (118 bhp, 172 Nm) is available with a 6-speed clutchless manual (iMT) or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT).

The 1.5-litre turbo-diesel (114 bhp, 250 Nm) is offered with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic.

Kia Sonet Interior and Features

Key highlights in the Sonet's feature list include twin 10.25-inch screens with wireless connectivity, a Bose 7-speaker audio setup, ventilated front seats, an electric sunroof, wireless phone charging, keyless entry with push-button start, rear AC vents, ambient lighting, cruise control, paddle shifters on automatics, and a powered driver seat in top trims, along with connected car functions.

Also Read -  Best Turbo Petrol Compact SUVs Under ₹10 Lakh
 

Kia Sonet Safety Features

Safety is comprehensive, with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill-start assist, tyre pressure monitoring, rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX anchors as standard.

Higher trims add Level-1 ADAS features such as forward collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, driver attention warning, high beam assist, and a 360-degree camera with blind view monitor.

Since its launch in 2020, the Kia Sonet has been a strong performer in India's compact SUV segment, recently surpassing 5 lakh units in sales.

Image Source: Kia India