![\"Kia](\"/assets/2024-kia-sonet-facelift-exterior-8s-1536x864.webp\" "\\"Kia")
The automatic gearbox has always been one of the most desirable upgrades in a compact SUV, especially in urban driving conditions. But for a long time, in this segment, it came at a premium — often restricted to higher variants, pushing buyers to stretch their budgets.
\nWith the latest update, the Kia Sonet changes that equation.
\nBy introducing automatic options in lower trims, Kia has effectively made automatic transmission more accessible, with prices now starting from ₹9.77 lakh (ex-showroom). This is not just a variant reshuffle — it directly impacts how buyers evaluate the Sonet in the compact SUV space.
\nUntil now, if you wanted an automatic Sonet, you had to opt for higher trims like HTX or above. That significantly increased the entry price for automatic buyers.
\nWith this update:
\nThis effectively reduces the entry cost of automatic variants by up to ₹2.25 lakh, depending on the engine.
\nFrom a buyer’s perspective, this is the most important shift — the automatic is no longer a premium-only feature.
\n
In cities, especially in conditions with frequent stop-and-go traffic, the value of an automatic gearbox goes beyond convenience. It directly affects daily usability.
\nThis update positions the Sonet differently in the market:
\nFor a segment where pricing sensitivity is high, this is a significant move.
\nThe Sonet continues with its existing engine lineup, now with broader automatic availability:
\nThis is particularly important because diesel-automatic combinations are still relatively rare at this price point.
\nEach caters to a different type of buyer — diesel for efficiency and long-distance usage, turbo-petrol for smoother, more responsive city driving.
\nInstead of introducing an entirely new variant, Kia has expanded the automatic option across existing trims.
\nThis ensures:
\nThis is a more practical approach compared to forcing buyers into fully-loaded variants.
\nWith this update, the Sonet strengthens its position in the compact SUV segment.
\nIt now offers:
\nWhen compared to rivals like the Hyundai Venue or Tata Nexon, this move gives the Sonet a clear advantage for buyers specifically looking for automatic convenience at a lower price point.
\n![\"Kia](\"/assets/kia-sonet-interior-image-on-carbae-the-new-car-buying-platform.jpg\" "\\"Kia")
This depends largely on how you plan to use the car.
\nIf your driving is primarily within the city, an automatic gearbox significantly improves comfort and ease of use. With the Sonet now offering this option at a lower price point, it becomes a far more practical choice than before.
\nFor buyers who were previously considering a manual due to budget constraints, this update opens up a new possibility — upgrading to an automatic without a significant jump in price.
\nWhile the update improves accessibility, the right variant still depends on:
\nIf you’re evaluating the Sonet, it’s worth checking how different variants are priced across showrooms and what offers are currently available. In many cases, the difference between trims can vary based on location and dealer-level benefits.
\nThe Kia Sonet was already a strong contender in the compact SUV segment. With this update, it becomes more relevant to a wider set of buyers.
\nBy making automatic variants more accessible, Kia has addressed a key gap — bringing convenience within reach without forcing buyers into higher price brackets.
\nFor urban buyers especially, this is not just a minor update. It fundamentally changes how the Sonet fits into the buying decision.
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