Next-Generation Kia Sonet To Go Hybrid, Share Platform With Syros
The B-SUV ( sub-compact SUV segment) is one of the fastest growing in India. Kia’s Sonet has a strong foothold in it. The outgoing model, launched in 2024, is available with petrol, turbocharged petrol and diesel powertrains. According to a report by Autocar India, the next-generation Sonet is already being developed. The project is internally codenamed QY2E. It will reportedly use the Syros’ platform and even get a strong hybrid powertrain option. The launch, according to the publication, is expected in 2027.
Kia first launched the Sonet in India in 2020. It got its first facelift in early 2024. With the update in question, this sub-compact SUV will enter its second-generation here. The next-generation SUV will undergo a complete design overhaul, although the specifics of this are scarce at the time of writing. The design may evolve in a way that it aligns better with Kia’s global SUV design direction.
The Sonet has always been a good-looking SUV. We hope the update doesn’t take that reputation away. Of late, the carmaker’s design journey has attracted mixed reactions from buyers.
The Syros disappointed many with its polarising styling while the new Seltos impressed with its sharp lines and futuristic visual appeal. The Carens Clavis managed to take a sweet mid-ground. At the time of writing, we don’t know what direction the next-generation Sonet would take with its styling.
The upcoming model will come with a longer list of features. Changes on this front are likely to mirror those on the second-generation Venue. The outgoing Sonet comes with 10.25-inch displays - touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. These are likely to be replaced with larger 12.3-inch units on the new model.
The current model gets a camera-based level 1 ADAS system. On the upcoming model, this is likely to be replaced with a camera and radar-based level 2 ADAS package. A few other changes are also to be expected, the details of which aren’t known yet.
More importantly, the new Sonet will shift to the reinforced K1 platform, shared with the Syros and the second-generation Hyundai Venue. The outgoing model is, in fact, underpinned by the K2 architecture. The transition to the new platform is expected to bring about a significant boost in safety as the reinforced K1 uses more ultra-high-strength steel in key areas.
Both the Syros and Venue, underpinned by this platform have scored five-star ratings in Bharat NCAP crash tests. The new Sonet could also get a similar result.
This reinforced K1 platform also has a the latest electrical and electronics (E&E) architecture needed to enable various Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) functions- over-the-air updates, remote diagnostics and more. The next-generation Sonet will also get these features.
The new platform could also address the ‘cramped rear seat experience’ of the outgoing model. The new platform is likely to be longer with an increase in wheelbase. This will generate more room in the rear row.
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The next-generation Sonet is expected to retain the familiar trio of engines- 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol, 1.0L turbocharged petrol and 1.5L diesel- offered with manual and automatic transmissions.
The publication has also learned that Kia is developing a strong hybrid powertrain for the Sonet. This is part of its broader electrification strategy. Details of the hybrid setup aren’t known yet. It is unlikely to be introduced at the 2027 launch and will join later- likely in 2028 or 29.
In the Indian market, the Sonet competes with the likes of Skoda Kylaq, Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza and Mahindra XUV 3XO. The changes brought about by the generational update are expected to make the Sonet a more compelling package. The report also suggests that the carmaker would target an annual production volume of around 85,000 units.
Source: Autocar India