Kia India has introduced a major update to the Kia Sonet 2026, expanding the availability of automatic transmission options across lower variants. With this change, both diesel-automatic and turbo petrol-automatic versions of the compact SUV are now priced below ₹10 lakh (ex-showroom), making automatic driving more accessible to a wider range of buyers.
The update reflects growing demand for convenient urban mobility solutions as more customers prefer automatic vehicles for easier driving in traffic-heavy city conditions. By introducing these new variants, Kia aims to strengthen the Sonet’s position in the competitive compact SUV segment.
Diesel Automatic Variants Now Start at ₹9.78 Lakh
One of the most significant highlights of the update is the introduction of an entry-level diesel-automatic variant in the Sonet lineup. Previously, customers had to choose higher trims such as HTX or above to get the diesel automatic option, which pushed the starting price beyond ₹12 lakh.
With the new pricing strategy, the Kia Sonet 2026 diesel-automatic is now approximately ₹2.25 lakh more affordable than before. This move positions it among the most accessible diesel-automatic SUVs currently available in India.
Variant-Wise Diesel Automatic Prices
| Variant | Automatic Price | Manual Price | Price Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTE (O) | ₹9,77,900 | ₹8,98,409 | ₹79,491 |
| HTK (O) | ₹10,72,900 | ₹9,93,929 | ₹78,971 |
| HTK Plus | ₹11,08,900 | ₹10,29,748 | ₹79,152 |
| HTK Plus (O) | ₹11,56,900 | ₹10,78,104 | ₹78,796 |
| HTX | ₹12,02,575 | ₹11,24,669 | ₹77,906 |
| GTX Plus | ₹14,00,475 | — | — |
The diesel engine powering these variants is a 1.5-litre unit producing 116PS of power and 250Nm of torque. Buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox depending on their preference.
Turbo Petrol Automatic Variants Also Become Cheaper
In addition to diesel models, Kia has expanded the availability of turbo petrol automatic variants in the Sonet lineup. Earlier, these options were limited to higher trims such as HTX, GTX Plus, and X-Line. With the introduction of new lower trims, the turbo petrol automatic is now approximately ₹1.7 lakh cheaper than before.
This update allows performance-oriented buyers to access dual-clutch automatic technology without having to opt for premium variants.
Variant-Wise Turbo Petrol Automatic Prices
| Variant | DCT Price | ACMT Price | Price Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTK (O) | ₹9,89,900 | ₹9,10,125 | ₹1,10,722 |
| HTK Plus (O) | ₹10,83,900 | ₹10,04,783 | ₹79,117 |
| HTX | ₹11,59,514 | ₹10,80,328 | ₹79,186 |
| GTX Plus | ₹13,50,652 | — | — |
| X Line | ₹13,65,214 | — | — |
The turbo petrol engine is a 1.0-litre unit delivering 120PS of power and 172Nm of torque. It is available with either a 6-speed auto-clutch manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Expanded Automatic Options Address Changing Buyer Preferences
The update to the Kia Sonet 2026 lineup reflects a broader shift in the automotive market where automatic transmission vehicles are gaining popularity. Increasing urban traffic congestion has encouraged many drivers to opt for automatic cars that reduce clutch usage and improve driving comfort during stop-and-go conditions.
By offering automatic variants in lower and mid-level trims, Kia has significantly lowered the entry barrier for buyers interested in compact automatic SUVs. This strategy may help the brand attract new customers who were previously limited by higher pricing.
New Exterior Colour Option Introduced
Along with the expanded transmission lineup, Kia has also added a new exterior paint shade called Magma Red. This vibrant colour enhances the sporty design and youthful appeal of the Sonet while providing buyers with an additional customization option.
Such updates to colour choices are often introduced to maintain freshness in the product lineup and attract attention from customers seeking distinctive styling.
Conclusion
The expansion of automatic transmission variants in the Kia Sonet 2026 marks an important pricing and product update in the compact SUV segment. With diesel-automatic and turbo petrol-automatic versions now starting below ₹10 lakh, the brand has made automatic driving more affordable for Indian buyers.
This development is significant because it aligns with evolving customer preferences for convenience and ease of use in urban driving environments. For prospective buyers, comparing variant features, transmission options, and pricing differences will be essential in selecting the most suitable configuration as the updated Sonet lineup becomes available.