Sonet, recognised as one of the most premium Compact SUVs, has achieved a significant milestone, surpassing 400,000 sales in both domestic and overseas markets in under 44 months. Of these, 317,754 units were sold domestically, while an additional 85,814 units were dispatched to overseas markets. Kia’s third launch in the country in September 2020, Sonet has already created multiple benchmarks and revolutionised the Compact SUV segment with its first-in-segment features, captivating bold design, and dynamic performance.
In 44 months since launch, 63% of customers prefer Sonet variants equipped with a Sunroof. Regarding engine preference, Sonet’s powerful 1.5L diesel engine is preferred by 37% of its customers, while 63% prefer petrol engine options. Kia has also observed a favourable consumer shift towards automatic variants. The popular 7DCT transmission in Sonet has gained traction, growing by 37.50% since 2020. While automatic transmissions (7DCT & 6AT) contribute 28%, the iMT has a steady fanbase with a 23% sales contribution to Sonet.
Commenting on Sonet success, Mr. Myung-sik Sohn, Chief Sales Officer, Kia India, commented, “The compact SUV segment presents a big opportunity, with many first-time buyers entering the segment directly. Sonet is our second-best innovation, and it has captured their imagination perfectly. It offers them a futuristic, tech-enabled, comfortable mobility solution designed very well and with low ownership costs.”
Recently, Kia also strengthened its entry and mid variants of Sonet by introducing 4 new HTE(O) and HTK (O) variants in Diesel and Petrol engine options. While the HTE(O) gets a sunroof, HTK(O) offers a sunroof along with LED Connected Taillamps, Fully Automatic Temperature Control (FATC) and Rear Defogger.
Launched under the visionary ‘Make in India, for the World’ initiative, Sonet has been one of the popular choices for new-age customers, with an average sale of more than 9,000 units per month. Sonet was refreshed again in January 2024, when it got segment-best ADAS, a new-age design, and 70 connected features, which helped it command a 14% share in the highly competitive CSUV segment in Q1 CY2024.
About – Kia India
In April 2017, Kia India signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the State Government of Andhra Pradesh, India, to build a new manufacturing facility at Anantapur District. Kia commenced mass production in August 2019 and has an installed annual production capacity of 300,000 units. In April 2021, Kia India reimagined itself in line with its new brand identity, “Movement that Inspires” aimed at offering customers meaningful experiences backed by innovative products and services. Under the new brand identity, Kia has set out to find ways to achieve new benchmarks and inspire consumers to be more and do more. Till date, Kia India has launched five vehicles for the Indian market – the Seltos, the Carnival, the Sonet, the Carens, and the EV6. Kia India has completed over 1.16 million vehicle dispatches from its Anantapur plant, including over 9.1 lakh domestic sales and close to 2.5 lakh exports. With almost 3.8 lakh connected cars on Indian roads, it is among the connected Car leaders in the country. The brand has a widespread network of 522 touchpoints across 236 cities and is focused on strengthening its footprints across the country.
Prashant Chaudhary
An android fan and A Computer Engineer who fell in love with the world of Internet Marketing. Worked on different SEO techniques for small to large Internet properties at Initial days of my Career. I am in love with my passion for Blogging and running several blogs in variety of category.
