Kia India has introduced a significant update to the 2026 Kia Sonet, expanding its automatic variant lineup to make both diesel and turbo petrol automatic options more affordable. With the latest revision, entry prices for automatic versions now start below Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom), marking an important shift in the compact SUV segment.
The update aims to attract buyers seeking the convenience of automatic transmission without needing to opt for higher-priced trims. By introducing new lower and mid-level automatic variants, Kia has widened the appeal of the Sonet among urban commuters and performance-focused customers.
Diesel Automatic Variants Become More Accessible
One of the biggest highlights of the update is the introduction of entry-level diesel automatic trims. Previously, buyers had to choose higher variants such as HTX or above to access the automatic transmission, which pushed the starting price beyond Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom).
With the new additions, the Sonet diesel automatic variants now start from Rs 9.77 lakh. This change makes the diesel automatic configuration up to Rs 2.25 lakh more affordable than before.
2026 Kia Sonet Diesel Automatic Price Comparison
| Variant | Automatic Price | Price Difference | Manual Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTE (O) | Rs 9,77,900 | Rs 79,491 | Rs 8,98,409 |
| HTK (O) | Rs 10,72,900 | Rs 78,971 | Rs 9,93,929 |
| HTK Plus | Rs 11,08,900 | Rs 79,152 | Rs 10,29,748 |
| HTK Plus (O) | Rs 11,56,900 | Rs 78,796 | Rs 10,78,104 |
| HTX | Rs 12,02,575 | Rs 77,906 | Rs 11,24,669 |
| GTX Plus | Rs 14,00,475 | – | – |
The diesel version of the Sonet is powered by a 1.5-litre engine producing 116 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque. It is available with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Notably, the top GTX Plus variant is offered only with the automatic transmission.
Turbo Petrol Automatic Variants Also Expanded
Kia has also made the turbo petrol automatic more accessible by introducing new lower trims equipped with dual-clutch transmission. Earlier, buyers had to select higher variants such as HTX, GTX Plus, or X-Line to get this transmission.
With the addition of the HTK (O) variant, the turbo petrol automatic now starts from Rs 9.89 lakh. This makes it approximately Rs 1.7 lakh cheaper than before, bringing performance-oriented automatic options within reach of a broader customer base.
2026 Kia Sonet Turbo Petrol Automatic Price Comparison
| Variant | DCT Price | Price Difference | ACMT Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTE (O) | – | – | Rs 8,79,178 |
| HTK (O) | Rs 9,89,900 | Rs 1,10,722 | Rs 9,10,125 |
| HTK Plus | – | – | Rs 9,46,532 |
| HTK Plus (O) | Rs 10,83,900 | Rs 79,117 | Rs 10,04,783 |
| HTX | Rs 11,59,514 | Rs 79,186 | Rs 10,80,328 |
| GTX Plus | Rs 13,50,652 | – | – |
| X Line | Rs 13,65,214 | – | – |
The turbo petrol variant is powered by a 1-litre engine delivering 120 PS of power and 172 Nm of torque. Buyers can choose between a 6-speed auto-clutch manual transmission and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Similar to the diesel lineup, top variants such as GTX Plus and X-Line are offered only with the automatic gearbox.
Lower Entry Price Reflects Changing Buyer Preferences
The expansion of automatic variants in the 2026 Kia Sonet lineup reflects evolving customer preferences in Indian cities. Increasing traffic congestion has encouraged more drivers to choose automatic transmissions, as they reduce fatigue during stop-and-go driving and offer greater convenience in daily commuting.
By introducing automatic options in lower and mid variants, Kia has lowered the entry barrier for customers considering a compact automatic SUV. This approach is expected to improve accessibility and strengthen the Sonet’s competitiveness in its segment.
New Exterior Colour Enhances Styling Appeal
Alongside the expanded variant range, Kia has also introduced a new exterior paint option called Magma Red. This vibrant shade adds to the Sonet’s youthful and sporty design identity.
Colour updates often help maintain buyer interest in existing models while providing additional personalisation choices. The introduction of a fresh colour scheme complements the broader update aimed at enhancing value and desirability.
Wider Choice of Transmission Options Across the Lineup
With the latest update, customers now have multiple automatic configurations to choose from across both diesel and turbo petrol powertrains. This wider selection enables buyers to prioritise their preferences for performance, efficiency, or budget.
Such flexibility supports Kia’s strategy of offering practical features at competitive price points. It also allows the brand to cater to first-time SUV buyers as well as existing customers looking to upgrade from manual transmission vehicles.
Conclusion: What the Sonet Update Means for Buyers
The introduction of new lower-priced automatic trims in the 2026 Kia Sonet lineup marks a significant development in the compact SUV market. By making the Sonet diesel automatic variants and turbo petrol DCT options more affordable, Kia has broadened the vehicle’s appeal.
This update matters because it aligns with rising demand for automatic vehicles in urban environments. Buyers should understand that the revised lineup offers more flexibility in terms of pricing, transmission options, and variant choices.
Going forward, such changes are likely to intensify competition in the segment while giving customers more convenient and value-focused SUV options.