Kia has officially begun testing the next-generation Kia Sonet on Indian roads, marking the first public appearance of the upcoming compact SUV. The new model is expected to arrive in India next year and will replace the current Sonet that has been on sale since 2020.
The Sonet has played a major role in Kia’s success in India, with over five lakh units reportedly sold so far. Now, the company is preparing a completely redesigned version to keep up with the rapidly evolving compact SUV market.
Fresh Design Inspired By Kia’s Latest SUVs
The upcoming Sonet, internally known as QY2E, is expected to receive a major styling transformation. Although the test vehicle was heavily camouflaged, several design details were still noticeable.
At the front, the SUV is likely to feature:
- A larger and wider front grille
- Split LED headlamp setup
- Redesigned bumper and air intake
- Sharper and more muscular styling elements
These changes are expected to give the Sonet a more premium and aggressive road presence.
From the side profile, the SUV appears to have a higher beltline and newly designed alloy wheels inspired by the latest Kia Seltos. The rear section is also expected to receive updated connected LED tail lamps and a redesigned tailgate.
Panoramic Sunroof And Bigger Screens Expected
The cabin of the next-gen Sonet is likely to undergo a complete overhaul. Kia may introduce a more futuristic dashboard layout along with upgraded technology and premium materials.
Expected interior highlights include:
- Panoramic sunroof
- Large touchscreen infotainment system
- Fully digital instrument cluster
- Redesigned steering wheel and centre console
- Connected car technology
- Wireless smartphone connectivity
Reports suggest the SUV could feature a 12.9-inch infotainment display alongside a 9.9-inch digital instrument cluster powered by Kia’s updated connected software platform.
Advanced Safety Features Could Be Added
Safety is expected to improve significantly in the next-generation Sonet. Kia may offer Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) in higher variants.
Possible ADAS features include:
- Lane keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind spot monitoring
- Forward collision warning
These additions would help the Sonet compete more strongly with rivals in the premium compact SUV segment.
Platform And Engine Details
The new Sonet is expected to be based on Kia’s updated K1 platform, which also underpins newer Hyundai-Kia products.
However, the engine lineup is likely to remain similar at launch. Existing petrol and diesel engine options may continue with minor refinements for better efficiency and emissions compliance.
Kia is also reportedly planning to introduce a hybrid version of the Sonet in the coming years as part of its future electrification strategy.
Expected Launch Timeline
The next-generation Kia Sonet is expected to make its official debut in India during the second quarter of 2027. Once launched, it will rival popular compact SUVs such as:
- Hyundai Venue
- Tata Nexon
- Maruti Brezza
- Mahindra XUV 3XO
- Renault Kiger
Final Thoughts
The upcoming Kia Sonet appears set to receive major upgrades in terms of design, technology and safety. With a more modern appearance, premium cabin and advanced features, the next-gen Sonet could further strengthen Kia’s position in India’s highly competitive compact SUV segment.
As testing continues, more details regarding specifications and variants are expected to emerge in the coming months.