2026 Kia Sonet: Affordable Diesel AT and Turbo DCT Variants Launched

Kia India has officially introduced the Model Year 2026 (MY26) update for the Sonet, making automatic transmissions significantly more accessible. By introducing automatic options in lower trims, the Sonet has become the first SUV in its segment to offer both a 6-speed Torque Converter (6AT) and a 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (7DCT) for under Rs 10 lakh.

New Automatic Variant Pricing (Ex-Showroom)

The entry point for the Diesel AT has been lowered by approximately Rs 2.25 lakh, while the Turbo-Petrol DCT is now more affordable by Rs 1.7 lakh.

Engine	Trim	Transmission	Price (Ex-Showroom)
1.5L Diesel	HTE(O)	6AT	Rs 9.77 Lakh
1.5L Diesel	HTK(O)	6AT	Rs 10.72 Lakh
1.5L Diesel	HTK+	6AT	Rs 11.08 Lakh
1.5L Diesel	HTK+(O)	6AT	Rs 11.56 Lakh
1.0L Turbo Petrol	HTK(O)	7DCT	Rs 9.89 Lakh
1.0L Turbo Petrol	HTK+(O)	7DCT	Rs 10.83 Lakh

Key Updates and Additions

• Segment First: The Sonet is now the most affordable diesel automatic SUV in the sub-4-meter segment.
• New Color Option: Kia has introduced a new exterior shade called “Magma Red” to the palette.
• Wider Availability: The Diesel 6AT is now available across four additional lower trims—HTE(O), HTK(O), HTK+, and HTK+(O).
• Strategic Positioning: This update targets urban buyers seeking the convenience of a two-pedal system in heavy traffic without the high cost of top-spec variants.

Powertrain Specifications

The mechanical specifications remain unchanged, continuing with the proven engine lineup:

• 1.5L CRDi VGT Diesel: 116 PS / 250 Nm (6-speed Automatic)
• 1.0L GDi Turbo Petrol: 120 PS / 172 Nm (7-speed DCT)
• 1.2L NA Petrol: 83 PS / 115 Nm (Available only with 5-speed MT)

Safety and Features

Despite the lower entry price, these variants retain core equipment including 6 airbags as standard, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC). Higher variants continue to offer Level 1 ADAS and the dual 10.25-inch screen setup.