Kia Sonet MY26 Update Launched in India

Kia has given its popular sub‑4m SUV a smart mechanical and feature uplift with the Kia Sonet MY26 update in India. The big news is around more affordable automatics, added variants for both diesel and turbo‑petrol, a new colour option and the continuation of its strong safety and connected‑car package.

Key Highlights of the Kia Sonet MY26 Update

Diesel 6‑speed automatic (6AT) now starts at ₹9.77 lakh (ex‑showroom).
1.0‑litre turbo‑petrol with 7‑speed DCT now starts at ₹9.89 lakh (ex‑showroom).
First sub‑4m SUV in the segment to offer both a proper torque‑converter 6AT and a 7DCT below ₹10 lakh.
New Magma Red exterior colour introduced for an even sportier look.
Still offers 15 standard safety features, Level 1 ADAS, and 70+ connected‑car features.
The Sonet has now crossed 5 lakh sales in India, reinforcing its status as one of the most successful compact SUVs on the market.

New Automatic Variants & Pricing

Kia Sonet MY26 update is to make automatics more accessible without forcing buyers to stretch to top trims.

Diesel 6AT – Starts at ₹9.77 Lakh (Ex‑Showroom)

The refined and torquey diesel+automatic combo is now available in more budget‑friendly variants:

HTE(O) Diesel 6AT – new entry point for diesel automatic buyers.
HTK(O) Diesel 6AT
HTK+ Diesel 6AT
HTK+(O) Diesel 6AT

This spread lets you pick the exact feature level you want without losing the convenience of an automatic gearbox.

1.0 Turbo‑Petrol 7DCT – Starts at ₹9.89 Lakh (Ex‑Showroom)

The punchy 1.0‑litre turbo‑petrol with 7‑speed DCT is now more attainable too:

HTK(O) 1.0 Turbo 7DCT
HTK+(O) 1.0 Turbo 7DCT

Enthusiasts who want quick performance and smooth two‑pedal driving now get a sub‑₹10 lakh entry ticket (ex‑showroom).

Segment-First Achievement: Two Advanced Automatics Below ₹10 Lakh

With MY26, the Sonet becomes the first and only sub‑4m SUV in its segment to offer:

A diesel 6‑speed torque converter automatic, and
A 1.0 turbo‑petrol 7‑speed DCT,

Both start under ₹10 lakh (ex‑showroom).

This is a big deal because:

Many rivals reserve automatics for mid/top trims, making them significantly more expensive.
Buyers who commute in heavy traffic can now choose both fuel type and gearbox type without breaking the bank.
Diesel 6AT is great for high‑mileage users, and turbo 7DCT suits enthusiasts and city users who want spirited performance.

Design Update: New Magma Red Colour

To keep things fresh visually, Kia has added a new Magma Red exterior shade to the Sonet palette.

It complements the Sonet’s sharp lines, tiger‑nose grille and sporty stance.
Expect it to be particularly popular on GT Line / sportier‑looking variants, where red pairs well with black and brushed‑metal accents.

Apart from this new shade, the overall design and styling remain the same as the latest facelift: LED headlamps, aggressive bumpers, connected tail‑lamps and stylish alloy wheels (variant dependent).

Safety: 15 Standard Features + Level 1 ADAS

The MY26 Sonet continues with a robust safety and assistance package:

15 standard safety features across the range (highlights typically include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, high‑speed alert, seat‑belt reminders, ESC / VSM / HAC on higher variants, etc.).
Level 1 ADAS on select trims, offering features such as:
- Forward Collision Warning / Assist
- Lane Keeping / Lane Departure Alert
- Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, and more (exact mix depends on variant).

This means even buyers opting for mid‑level automatic variants can enjoy modern safety tech, not just those at the very top.

Tech & Connected-Car Features

Kia is retaining one of Sonet’s biggest strengths: its rich features list.

70+ connected‑car features via Kia Connect, including remote lock/unlock, engine start (for automatics), vehicle status, geo‑fencing, live tracking and more.
Top variants continue to offer touchscreen infotainment, connected navigation, voice commands, premium audio, automatic climate control and more creature comforts—making the Sonet feel a segment above in tech.

5 Lakh Sales Milestone – Why Kia Sonet MY26 Works So Well

Crossing 5 lakh units sold in India is a major validation of the Sonet’s formula:

Wide engine + gearbox mix: petrol, turbo‑petrol, diesel; MT, iMT, 6AT and 7DCT.
Feature-loaded cabins that appeal to younger buyers and tech‑savvy families.
Compact dimensions ideal for city traffic, yet SUV stance and ground clearance for rough roads.
Aggressive pricing strategy, especially now with the MY26 automatic variants under ₹10 lakh.

The MY26 update doubles down on this formula, ensuring the Sonet stays one of the most complete sub‑4m SUVs in the country.

Should You Buy the Kia Sonet MY26?

Consider the Kia Sonet MY26 if:

You want a compact SUV with a proper automatic and don’t want to compromise on fuel type (diesel or turbo‑petrol).
You drive daily in traffic and value two‑pedal convenience plus strong features.
Safety and connected tech matter to you, and you appreciate having Level 1 ADAS at this price point.
You want something that’s already proven in the market—backed by 5 lakh+ existing customers.

If you’re cross‑shopping with rivals like the Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza or Mahindra XUV 3XO, the Sonet MY26’s unique “two automatics under ₹10 lakh” advantage is a strong reason to keep it at the top of your shortlist.

Click here to book your test drive today.

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