2nd Generation Kia Sonet Imagined
Kia is known to be working on the second-generation Sonet. Likely to debut in 2027, it was recently spied testing for the first time. The image was shared on Instagram by Automatta. The mule had heavy camouflage on it, making it difficult for the onlookers to guess the design changes. Based on the sighting, we have rendered the possible design of the new Sonet. Here’s a closer look.
We have based this rendering on the actual spy shots, and the details visible in it. Firstly, the overall dimensions are likely to change. The magnitude of this change would, however, be small. The new model may be slightly wider than the outgoing one, translating to a more comfortable rear seat experience.
The front fascia will undergo a complete design overhaul. We have imagined it with eyebrow-like LED DRLs. The actual car may borrow more design cues from the new Seltos. One of them is the front grille that sits right in between the headlamps, connecting them.
The headlamps themselves will likely be inspired by those of the second-generation Venue. We have made them sleeker, so that they go well with the rest of the design. Another important detail is the design of the alloy wheels. It seems to have taken inspiration from those of the Seltos and other newer Kia products.
The bumper design has been kept largely clean. We can, however, see Black inserts on it, adding more character to the overall design. Touches of Black can also be seen on the side mirrors and along the wheel arches. The bonnet has a few well-drawn character lines.
The spy sighting also showed the SUV to have a sunroof. It remains unclear if it is a panoramic or a single-piece unit. Like the second-generation Venue, the new Sonet will also be built on the upgraded K1 platform, shared with the Syros.
This base has the Electrical and Electronics (E&E) architecture to support larger screens. The Sonet will likely come with dual 12.3-inch displays like the new-generation Venue. More importantly, the new platform will address the SUV’s rear seat space issue- just like how it did on the new Venue. Additionally, it will also improve the overall safety levels and crashworthiness.
On the new-generation Sonet, the interior design will likely change completely. It will get a restyled dashboard, better seats and more features. The Sonet is already a feature-rich SUV. The generational update will make it even better. 12.3-inch displays for central infotainment duties and instrument cluster are a strong possibility.
The new Sonet may also see the inclusion of a level 2 ADAS suite. On the Syros, however, the same was removed with the MY2026 update.
At launch, the new Sonet is likely to come with the same engine options as the outgoing model- 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol, 1.0L turbocharged petrol and 1.5L turbocharged diesel- offered with the choice of manual and automatic transmission. Kia is expected to add a strong hybrid petrol powertrain to the lineup sometime in the future.
The 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol is capable of making 83hp while the turbocharged petrol unit produces 120hp. The diesel engine, known for its frugal nature, makes 116hp. The upcoming strong hybrid engine will likely be based on a 1.2L petrol engine. The technical details of this unit remains unknown for now. We expect it to be added by 2028-29.