Sonet, recognised as one of the most premium Compact SUVs, has achieved a significant milestone, surpassing 400,000 sales in both domestic and overseas markets in under 44 months. Of these, 317,754 units were sold domestically, while an additional 85,814 units were dispatched to overseas markets. Kia’s third launch in the country in September 2020, Sonet has already created multiple benchmarks and revolutionised the Compact SUV segment with its first-in-segment features, captivating bold design, and dynamic performance.
In 44 months since launch, 63% of customers prefer Sonet variants equipped with a Sunroof. Regarding engine preference, Sonet’s powerful 1.5L diesel engine is preferred by 37% of its customers, while 63% prefer petrol engine options. Kia has also observed a favourable consumer shift towards automatic variants. The popular 7DCT transmission in Sonet has gained traction, growing by 37.50% since 2020. While automatic transmissions (7DCT & 6AT) contribute 28%, the iMT has a steady fanbase with a 23% sales contribution to Sonet.
Commenting on Sonet success, Mr. Myung-sik Sohn, Chief Sales Officer, Kia India, commented, “The compact SUV segment presents a big opportunity, with many first-time buyers entering the segment directly. Sonet is our second-best innovation, and it has captured their imagination perfectly. It offers them a futuristic, tech-enabled, comfortable mobility solution designed very well and with low ownership costs.”
Recently, Kia also strengthened its entry and mid variants of Sonet by introducing 4 new HTE(O) and HTK (O) variants in Diesel and Petrol engine options. While the HTE(O) gets a sunroof, HTK(O) offers a sunroof along with LED Connected Taillamps, Fully Automatic Temperature Control (FATC) and Rear Defogger.
Launched under the visionary ‘Make in India, for the World’ initiative, Sonet has been one of the popular choices for new-age customers, with an average sale of more than 9,000 units per month. Sonet was refreshed again in January 2024, when it got segment-best ADAS, a new-age design, and 70 connected features, which helped it command a 14% share in the highly competitive CSUV segment in Q1 CY2024.
