MY2021 Kia Sonet and Seltos Launched, Feature Various Additions

Updated on 01 May 2021 - Moments ago, Kia India has introduced the refreshed versions of the Seltos and the Sonet. While these updated versions come with a handful of new features, many earlier features from higher trims have trickled down to lower variants. Both the vehicles have also received paddle shifters, while the Seltos has even received the iMT option, which is going to be segment-first. The new transmission choice will be available on the 1.5 Petrol HTK+ variant. Meanwhile, the Seltos has received a new variant in the form of the 1.4T-GDI Petrol GTX (O). On the other hand, the Sonet HTX trim will be now available with 7DCT (1.0T-GDI Petrol) and 6AT (1.5 Diesel) options. Prices of the refreshed Seltos start at INR 9,95,000* while that of the new Sonet range from INR 6,79,000*.

Commenting on the launch of MY2021 Kia Sonet and Seltos, Mr. Kookhyun Shim, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Kia India said-

The refreshed editions of Seltos and Sonet mark the first steps towards our transformation in India and reiterate our new brand purpose of inspiring consumers through products, services and their experiences with the brand. The evolving needs of the customers are at the heart of our product strategy. Since launch, the Seltos and Sonet have been creating benchmarks in their respective segments, and with the additional variants, safety and convenience features, we are taking the game a notch higher. I am confident that Indian customers will keep showering their love on our products, and with these refreshed versions, we are ready to win India’s heart once again.

In fact, the MY2021 Kia Seltos has received 17 new updates, including a Smart Pure Air Purifier with ‘Virus and Bacteria’ Protection. Yet another addition is that of additional voice commands for UVO to open and close the sunroof and control the driver window. In order to enhance the safety quotient, Kia India now offers Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Brake Assist (BA), Hill Assist Control (HAC) features to lower variants. There's even new seat material and colour options to choose from.

The refreshed Kia Sonet, on the other hand, gets 10 new features, like the Rear Door Sunshade Curtains, and Voice command for Sunroof Open & Close. Akin to the Seltos, the Sonet gets Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Brake Assist (BA), Hill Assist Control (HAC) even on the lower variants.

MY2021 Kia Seltos and Sonet Prices

April 27, 2021 - In January earlier this year, Kia globally unveiled their new corporate logo and brand slogan - 'Movement that inspires'. The Korean carmaker has now brought its new identity to India, which will soon be rolled out as an update on the Seltos compact SUV and the Sonet sub-compact SUV. Kia has revealed that the updated Seltos and Sonet will be launched in India in the first week of May 2021. Along with the new brand logo, both SUVs will see a shuffle in their variant lineup along with the introduction of new features across the lineup. The company has officially changed its name from Kia Motors India to Kia India as a part of its brand rejig.

Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos lineup will see a slight reshuffle as the carmaker has already discontinued the mid-spec HTX+ 1.5L diesel automatic variant of the SUV. Instead, Kia will be introducing two new variants, namely the iMT HTK+ and the GTX(O) MT. Yes, the Seltos will see the addition of a new gearbox option with the new iMT gearbox being offered with the 1.5L NA petrol engine in the HTK+ trim. The 1.4L turbo-petrol engine, which was so far offered only with a 7-speed DCT gearbox, will also be offered with a manual gearbox in a new GTX(O) trim. This will then be the new top-end variant of the Seltos.

Apart from a shuffle in the variant lineup, the Seltos will see the addition of important features across the range. Unlike its sibling - the Hyundai Creta - no variants of the Seltos were offered with paddle shifters till now. With this update, automatic variants of the Seltos will be offered with paddle shifters. Kia will also be offering a new voice command feature with 'Hello Kia' that will enable you to perform several functions like opening/closing the sunroof and windows, operate the climate control and much more. Several features like ESC, hill-start assist control, VSC, brake assist, remote engine start, etc will also be introduced in the mid-spec variants.

Also Read : Kia Seltos 7-Seater - Hyundai Alcazar Sibling - Rendered

Kia Sonet

In similar fashion, Kia also discontinued the Sonet HTK+ diesel-automatic and the 1.0 turbo-petrol DCT automatic. The Kia Sonet HTK+ trim was the only trim that was available with all the engine-gearbox options that's offered with the sub-compact SUV. Instead, the Sonet HTX trim will see the addition of the diesel-automatic and the 1.0 turbo-petrol DCT variants. Positioned above the HTK+ trim, the HTX trim was previously offered only with the 1.0L turbo-petrol iMT and 1.5L diesel MT variants. Just like the Seltos, automatic variants of the Sonet will also benefit from the addition of paddle shifters.

Other feature additions on the Sonet HTX trim include 16-inch alloy wheels that replace the steel wheels with wheel covers. It also benefits from new curtains for the rear window. Like the Seltos, the Sonet will see the addition of features like ESC, hill-start assist control, VSC, brake assist, remote engine start, traction modes, drive modes, etc in its mid-spec trims. The 'Hello Kia' voice command feature will also be introduced on the Sonet. With these updates, we expect the price of both SUVs marginally, although we will have more details on it next month.

Stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com for more Kia updates and other four-wheeler news.

*all prices are ex-showroom, pan-India