The most recent example is the Kia Sonet, which got a mid-lifecycle upgrade in the Indian market. Kia continues to update its vehicles with its new style language while upgrading its tech features. It's interesting to note that a set of leaked images from a few months ago show that the styling of the Kia Sonet for the Indian market differs from the Chinese-spec variant.
The 2024 changes center on a revamped face with Mahindra-style boomerang-shaped LED headlamps extending on the bumper and surrounding a bigger tiger-nose grille. The smallest SUV from Kia was released in 2020 for emerging markets. Above a larger skid plate with an imitation aluminum appearance, black trim pieces connect the lighting units with a boxier central intake.
The upgrade includes new color options and 16-inch alloy wheels, but the shape is mostly unchanged. New full-width LED taillights that resemble other Kia models, such as the Carens minivan, were added to the back end, along with more aluminum-style trim on the reworked bumper.
As the dashboard still uses the previous arrangement, interior alterations are less noticeable. The digital cockpit features two 10.25-inch screens, updated climate controls, and new upholstery options.
The 1.5-liter CRDi diesel producing 114 hp, the 1.0-liter T-GDi producing 118 hp, and the 1.2-liter MPi producing 82 hp are the powertrain options that remain from the departing Sonet. Depending on the powerplant, all variants have three different transmissions and front-wheel drive.
The equipment can include wireless charging, Bluetooth for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, heated seats, a Bose music system, a sunroof, an air purifier, six airbags, and updated ADAS, depending on the trim level.
The Kia Sonet is manufactured in Anantapur, India. Kia has not disclosed the price of the redesigned Sonet in India, however it is anticipated to be marginally more expensive than the previous model. Prior to the first deliveries taking place in mid-January 2024, the business will begin taking orders on December 20, 2023.