This Is Most Affordable Diesel Automatic SUV That You Can Buy In India Today
Just a little while ago, if you wanted to buy a diesel sub-compact SUV with an automatic gearbox, you'd have to spend over Rs 10–11 lakh. However, recently the South Korean automotive giant Kia has introduced a new variant of its popular SUV, the Sonet, which offers a very powerful and efficient diesel automatic powertrain with a starting price of less than Rs 10 lakh. Now, a video showing a detailed walkaround of this particular SUV has been shared online.
The detailed video walkaround of the 2026 Kia Sonet HTE (O) variant has been shared on YouTube by CG04 Carz on their channel. It starts off with the vlogger mentioning that the vehicle seen in the video is the newly introduced Sonet HTE (O) variant with the diesel engine and 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. He mentions that the ex-showroom price of this particular model is Rs 9,79,900.
This price tag makes it the most affordable diesel automatic sub-compact SUV in the market, following which he then starts showing the exterior design details of this second base variant in the Kia line-up. For this, he starts at the front and mentions that this particular vehicle, despite being the second base variant, does not look very cheap.
At the front, it comes offered with inverted L-shaped LED DRLs and a halogen headlight setup. Additionally, it also gets silver surrounds on the front grille as well as the lower portion of the bumper. Both of these highlights add a premium touch. Now, being the base variant, it misses out on LED headlights, LED fog lights, front camera, and ADAS sensors.
Next up, the presenter then moves to the side profile of the Sonet HTE (O). It can be noted that it gets a set of 16-inch stylized steel wheels with wheel covers, which give it an appearance of alloy wheels. Additionally, it gets fender-mounted turn indicators, thin matte black claddings, body-colored ORVMs with electronic adjustment, and a simple antenna. This variant does not come equipped with roof rails.
Soon after this, the presenter then moves to the rear of this SUV. He highlights that, like the higher-spec variants, it gets LED taillights. However, it misses out on the connecting LED light bar in the middle. It also misses out on reverse parking cameras but gets two parking sensors and a chunky silver skid plate. Being the second base variant, it also does not come offered with a rear wiper, washer, and defogger.
Following the exterior, the vlogger then starts showing the cabin of this Sonet HTE (O) variant. He highlights that it comes offered with a simple key without any remote lock and unlock feature or request sensors on the doors. It also does not get any infotainment system or speakers. However, it does come offered with a single-pane electric sunroof, all four power windows, and a manual air conditioning system.
As for the upholstery, it gets a mix of fabric and leatherette, with fabric covering most parts of the seats. Additionally, in the rear, it gets AC vents for rear passengers and two USB Type-C ports. This variant also comes with in-built sunshades in the rear doors, which is a feature mostly seen on more expensive trims.
As for the main highlight of this particular variant, it is its 1.5-litre diesel motor. This engine is capable of producing 114 bhp of power and 250 Nm of torque. And it comes equipped with a 6-speed torque converter automatic, which provides smooth gear shifts. As for the efficiency, it offers a claimed mileage of 18.6 kmpl.