Kia has been spotted testing its next-generation Kia Sonet in the Himalayan region. Fresh spy shots reveal a new split-headlight design, redesigned LED daytime running lights and changes to the rear profile. The test vehicle is covered in camouflage, but several exterior details are now visible.
Upcoming model will be the second generation of Kia Sonet, which first arrived in India in 2020 and received a facelift in 2024. This time, Kia is working on changes to its exterior design, platform and cabin. Earlier spy shots have also revealed details about the dashboard and expected equipment.
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Kia Sonet Gets New Split LED Headlight
The latest spy shots show a completely different lighting arrangement at the front. Kia has positioned slim LED daytime running lights higher on the front fascia, while main headlamp units sit lower down. This split-headlight design gives the upcoming SUV a different appearance compared to the current Sonet.
The bonnet also appears to have a clamshell-style design. Changes can be seen around the front bumper and grille, although camouflage covers most of these areas. The new lighting arrangement is one of the clearest details visible in the latest pictures.
Rear Design and Side Profile
Changes are also visible along the side profile. The test vehicle gets redesigned front and rear doors, along with new ORVMs and differently styled alloy wheels. Body panels also appear to have been revised, suggesting that Kia is working on more than a simple facelift.
At the rear, the upcoming Sonet gets a new tail-lamp design with a sharper lighting signature. Both lighting units do not appear to be connected by a full-width LED light bar. The high-mounted stop lamp also looks wider than the unit fitted to the current model.
The rear bumper and tailgate remain partly hidden under camouflage. More details about their final design should become visible in future spy shots.
Get New K1 Platform
Another major change expected with the next-generation Sonet is its platform. According to earlier reports, Kia could move from the existing K2 architecture to its newer K1 platform, which also underpins the Kia Syros.
This platform could give Kia more flexibility in designing the cabin and arranging passenger space. Rear-seat room has been one of the areas discussed in reports about the current Sonet, particularly when compared with newer rivals.
A platform change would also bring an opportunity to revise the vehicle’s overall structure. However, complete technical details of the next-generation Sonet have not been shared by Kia.
Interior May Get Dual Screens
The cabin is also expected to receive several updates. Earlier spy shots and reports suggest that Kia could introduce a redesigned dashboard with two 12.3-inch displays. One screen would be used for the infotainment system, while another would work as a digital instrument cluster.
The updated cabin could also receive new materials and a revised layout. Other features mentioned in earlier reports include a 360-degree camera and Level 2 ADAS. Kia could also make changes to the equipment list to bring more technology into the new model.
The complete interior has not yet been revealed through the latest high-altitude testing pictures. More details about seats, dashboard design and equipment are likely to emerge with future sightings.
Kia Sonet Engine Options
Under the bonnet, Kia is expected to continue with its existing three engine options. The current Sonet comes with a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel engine.
These powertrains are available with different transmission options, depending on the engine and variant. The familiar petrol and diesel choices are expected to remain part of the new model’s lineup.
There have also been reports about a strong-hybrid powertrain for Sonet as part of Kia’s future plans. This option is being discussed for a later stage and is not expected to be included when the second-generation model first arrives.
Kia Sonet India Launch
Kia is expected to launch the second-generation Sonet in India in 2027. The latest high-altitude testing pictures provide another look at its redesigned exterior, including new headlights, tail lamps and revised body panels.
A possible move to the K1 platform and changes inside the cabin will also be important updates over the current model. Kia has not revealed the complete specifications of its upcoming SUV yet.
After launch, the new Sonet will compete with Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV 3XO and Skoda Kylaq.
Source: RushLane
