Comparison: Kia Sonet 2023 Facelift vs Old Kia Sonet

The 2024 Kia Sonet facelift brings a host of exciting updates to the beloved compact SUV, elevating its design, features, and safety while retaining the core dimensions of its predecessor. This article delves into the key enhancements and how they distinguish the new Sonet from its earlier version.
Last updated 2 months ago
Kia Sonet 2023 Facelift
Last updated 2 months ago

After a series of spy images, test runs and teasers, Kia has finally unveiled the 2024 Kia Sonet facelift. With the new Sonet about to hit the streets, the compact SUV is sure to take Sonet’s legacy to a whole new level. If you are wondering how exactly the new facelift differs from the Sonet offered before, then here’s a detailed breakdown of all the changes the new Kia Sonet brings to the table. 

Kia Sonet Facelift vs Old Kia Sonet: Dimensions

Car

Kia Sonet Facelift

Old Kia Sonet

Length

3995 mm

3995 mm

Width

1790 mm

1790 mm

Height

1642 mm

1642 mm

Wheelbase

2500 mm

2500 mm

Boot Space

328 litres

328 litres

Ground Clearance

200 mm

200 mm

As far as dimensions go, the head-on comparison above makes it clear that there has been no change in terms of dimensions. Both the pre- and post-facelift models of the Sonet have the exact same dimension, thereby carrying over the familiar Sonet silhouette. With that said, the all-new Kia Sonet continues to be a great compact SUV that offers ample boot space along with great ground clearance, a large wheelbase and balanced dimensions.

Kia Sonet Facelift grille

However, when it comes to overall looks, there’s a lot that’s changed. With a redesigned front fascia on offer, the new Kia Sonet comes with a reworked Tiger Nose Grille with chrome inserts, a new front bumper and a sharper headlamp cluster with integrated LED fog lights. Moving to the rear, the new Sonet brings in a full-length LED light strip with redesigned taillamps, that resemble the one offered on the Seltos facelift. Other than that, what’s changed are the redesigned alloys offered in different sizes based on the variant.  

Overall, when compared to the outgoing Kia Sonet, the new Kia Sonet facelift brings in a much more contemporary look, that is now more in line with Kia’s latest design language. 

Kia Sonet Facelift vs. Old Kia Sonet: Engine and Transmission

Cars

Kia Sonet Facelift

Old Kia Sonet

Engine

1.0-litre Turbo Petrol Engine

1.2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol Engine

1.5-litre Turbo Diesel Engine

1.0-litre Turbo Petrol Engine

1.2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol Engine

1.5-litre Turbo Diesel Engine

Power

120 PS

83 PS

116 PS

120 PS

83 PS

116 PS

Torque

172 NM

115 NM

250 NM

172 NM

115 Nm

250 NM

Transmission (Manual)

6-Speed iMT

5-Speed Manual

6-Speed Manual/6-Speed iMT

6-Speed iMT/7-Speed DCT

5-Speed Manual

6-iMT

Transmission (Automatic)

6-Speed iMT/7-Speed DCT

N/A

6-Speed AMT

7-Speed DCT

N/A

6-Speed AMT

One look at the engine comparison above and you’ll realise that even though there hasn’t been any engine additions or improvements, there is still something new that the Kia Sonet Facelift offers. That is the 6-speed Manual Transmission that Kia has brought onboard for the 1.5-litre diesel powertrain with the Kia Sonet Facelift. Other than that, there is nothing that the new Kia Sonet brings on board. It carries forward the outgoing Sonet’s capable and power-packed engines that offer superb performance and exhilarating driving dynamics.

Kia Sonet Facelift vs. Old Kia Sonet: Features and Comfort

Kia Sonet Facelift

Old Kia Sonet

Infotainment system

10.25 Inch touch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Car Play

10.25 Inch touch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Car Play

Instrument Cluster

10.25 Inch Digital Instrument Cluster

4.2 Inch Color Instrument Cluster

Music System

7 Speaker Premium BOSE Audio Setup

7 Speaker Premium BOSE Audio Setup

Climate Control

Yes

Yes

Sunroof

Yes

Yes

Ambient Lighting

Yes

Yes

Front Ventilated Seats

Yes

Yes

Sunroof

Yes

Yes

Adjustable Seats

Yes, 4-Way Powered Driver's Seat

Yes

Rear AC Vents

Yes

Yes

Cruise Control

Yes

Yes

Wireless Charger

Yes

Yes

360-Degree Camera

Yes

No

All Door Power Windows with One-Touch Up and Down

Yes, Voice Controlled

No

Connected Car Tech

Yes, with 70+ Features

Yes, with 58+ Features

When it comes to the interiors and features, while the overall layout remains largely unchanged, there are still a few things that excite. The first noticeable change on the Kia Sonet Facelift is the new 10.25-inch touch infotainment system that goes well along with the new 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster that wasn’t offered on the pre-facelift models. Other changes onboard include voice-controlled powered windows with one touch-up-down, connected car tech with 70+ features and a 4-way power adjustable driver’s seat. Kia has also given the new Sonet 360-degree cameras with blind view monitor, all disc brakes and new traction modes for automatic trims that are a welcome upgrade over the outgoing model.

Kia Sonet Facelift dashboard

Interior colour themes onboard the Sonet facelift will now include semi-leatherette upholstery offered in an all-black option along with a classic black-beige combo. There is also a black-brown leatherette option, along with all-black leatherette and sage green leatherette upholstery.   

Overall, the new Kia Sonet Facelift comes forth as a modern package that now offers more alluring features than before. With the inclusion of features such as a 360-degree camera, 4-way power adjustable seats and voice-control power windows, the Sonet’s overall package has now become far more exciting. 

Kia Sonet Facelift vs. Old Kia Sonet: Safety Features

Kia Sonet Facelift

Old Kia Sonet

Airbags

6 as standard

4 as standard

ABS with EBD

Yes

Yes

ESC

Yes

Yes

Hill Assist

Yes

Yes

TPMS

Yes

Yes

Automatic Headlamps

Yes

Yes

Rear Parking Sensor

Yes

Yes

Front Parking Sensors

Yes

Yes

All 4 Disc Brakes

Yes

No

ADAS

Yes

No

While the overall safety net of the Sonet remains largely the same, the new Kia Sonet Facelift does make the package a lot smarter. As showcased in the pre-launch teasers, the most significant addition to the all-new Kia Sonet is the Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that will bring onboard many advanced safety inclusions such as:

  • Forward Collision Warning
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (Pedestrian, Car and Cyclists)
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Lane Keeping Assist
  • Lane Following Assist
  • Leading Vehicle Departure Alert
  • High Beam Assist and 
  • Driver Attention Warning.

Moreover, when compared to the outgoing model, the new Sonet facelift now offers 15 safety features such as 6 airbags, tyre pressure monitoring, electronic stability control, hill assist, brake force assist, rear parking sensors, vehicle stability assistance etc. all as standard across all variants.

Thus, when compared to the outgoing model, the new Kia Sonet facelift offers much better safety, with both basic as well as advanced safety features offered as standard across all trims, with higher trims even bringing ADAS onboard.

Kia Sonet Facelift vs Old Kia Sonet: Price Comparison

Variant

Kia Sonet Facelift Price Ex-Showroom (Anticipated)

Old Kia Sonet Price Ex-Showroom

Base Variant

Rs. 8 Lakh

Rs. 7.79 Lakh

Mid Variant

Rs. 8.9 - 11.65 Lakh

Rs. 8.70 - 11.39 Lakh

Upper Mid Variant

Rs. 11.75 - 13.70 Lakh

Rs. 11.45 - 13.55 Lakh

Top Variant

Rs. 14.20 - 15 Lakh

Rs. 13.09 - 14.98 Lakh

While the price of the all-new Kia Sonet has not yet been revealed, considering the upgrades the facelift brings over the outgoing model, the price is sure to rise. At present, the Kia Sonet commands a price tag ranging between Rs. 7.79 to 14.98 Lakhs (Ex-Showroom). Based on analysis, it is anticipated that the new Kia Sonet Facelift might command a price tag that will range between Rs. 8 to 15 Lakhs (Ex-Showroom)

Kia Sonet Facelift vs. Old Kia Sonet: Summary

Be it the Kia Sonet Facelift or the Old Kia Sonet, both pre and post-facelift versions of the SUV offer a highly attractive package that has everything one needs, including features, comfort, performance and value. But by adding a bit of excitement through revamped looks, additional features, a diesel manual and a plethora of standard safety features, Kia has hit the bull’s eye with the Sonet Facelift. However, with a price reveal yet to come, how far will the Sonet facelift take the carmaker is something that is yet to be seen.

FAQ

  1. Q. What changes have been made to the exterior design of the Kia Sonet Facelift compared to the old model?

    The Kia Sonet Facelift features a redesigned front fascia with a new Tiger Nose grille, updated front bumper, sharper headlamps with integrated LED fog lights, and a full-length LED light strip at the rear. The facelifted model also includes redesigned alloys, and a more contemporary design language compared to the old Sonet.

  2. Q. Are there any updates to the engine options in the Kia Sonet Facelift?

    The engine options for the Kia Sonet Facelift remain the same as the old model, including the 1.0-litre turbo petrol, 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol, and 1.5-litre turbo diesel engines. However, the facelift introduces a new 6-speed manual transmission for the 1.5-litre diesel engine, replacing the 6-speed AMT in the previous model.

  3. Q. What new features does the Kia Sonet Facelift offer that were not available in the old Sonet?

    The Kia Sonet Facelift introduces several new features including a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 360-degree camera, voice-controlled power windows, and advanced connected car tech with 70+ features. It also includes additional traction modes for automatic trims and updated interior color schemes.

  4. Q. How do the safety features of the Kia Sonet Facelift compare to the old model?

    The Sonet Facelift enhances safety with the inclusion of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), such as Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and Driver Attention Warning. It also offers 15 safety features as standard across all variants, whereas the old Sonet had fewer safety features and no ADAS.

  5. Q. What is the anticipated price range for the Kia Sonet Facelift compared to the old model?

    The anticipated price range for the Kia Sonet Facelift is expected to be between Rs. 8 to 15 Lakhs (Ex-Showroom). The old Sonet’s price ranged from Rs. 7.79 to 14.98 Lakhs (Ex-Showroom). The facelifted model is expected to be slightly more expensive due to the added features and updates.

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