Kia India has updated its popular compact SUV, the Kia Sonet, for the 2026 model year, and the biggest change this time around is the increased availability of automatic transmissions. The SUV now offers automatic transmissions on both engine options – the 1.5-liter diesel and 1.0-liter turbo petrol – and starts at less than ₹10 lakh. This means that driving with an automatic gearbox has become even easier and more accessible during city traffic and long journeys.
Diesel and Petrol Automatic Options
The most notable feature is the 6-speed torque converter automatic paired with the 1.5-liter diesel engine, priced starting at ₹9.77 lakh (ex-showroom). The 1.0-liter turbo petrol engine is also available with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT), priced starting at ₹9.89 lakh. With this update, the Sonet joins the few SUVs in its segment to offer both transmission technologies at such a competitive price.
The diesel automatic option is now available in HTE(O), HTK(O), HTK+, and HTK+(O) trims, while the turbo petrol DCT is available in HTK(O) and HTK+(O) grades. This means customers can choose the automatic option at different price points without having to upgrade to higher trims.
Price and Trims Details
| Engine | Trim | Transmission | Price (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (1.5L) | HTE(O) | 6AT | 9,77,900 |
| Diesel (1.5L) | HTK(O) | 6AT | 10,72,900 |
| Diesel (1.5L) | HTK+ | 6AT | 11,08,900 |
| Diesel (1.5L) | HTK+(O) | 6AT | 11,56,900 |
| Turbo Petrol (1.0L) | HTK(O) | 7DCT | 9,89,900 |
| Turbo Petrol (1.0L) | HTK+(O) | 7DCT | 10,83,900 |
Suitable for Urban Driving
Kia India says this move is in keeping with changing city traffic and long commutes. More customers are opting for automatic transmissions over manual gearboxes, making everyday driving more comfortable. Diesel-automatic combinations, in particular, are becoming popular among those who want low-end torque and highway efficiency, but don’t want the hassle of manual shifting.
Sales and New Color Options
Since its launch in India in 2020, the Kia Sonet has been contributing significantly to the brand’s sales and recently crossed the five lakh cumulative sales milestone. As part of the MY26 update, Kia India has also introduced a new Magma Red exterior paint. Atul Sood, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Kia India, said:
“With the Model Year 2026 update, we are expanding our automatic lineup, including diesel automatic and turbo petrol 7DCT options. This gives customers the opportunity to experience automatic driving at a highly competitive price point and further strengthens Sonet’s segment leadership.”
With this update, the Kia Sonet has not only enhanced its technical features but also set a new standard for comfort and convenience in city SUVs.
FAQs
Q1. What are the new automatic transmission options in Kia Sonet MY26?
The MY26 Kia Sonet now offers a 6-speed diesel automatic (torque converter) and a 7-speed turbo petrol DCT.
Q2. What is the starting price for the automatic variants?
The diesel automatic starts at ₹9.77 lakh, and the turbo petrol DCT starts at ₹9.89 lakh (ex-showroom).
Q3. Which trims offer the diesel automatic option?
Diesel automatic is available in HTE(O), HTK(O), HTK+, and HTK+(O) trims.
Q4. Which trims offer the turbo petrol DCT option?
Turbo petrol DCT is available in HTK(O) and HTK+(O) trims.
Q5. What’s new in the MY26 update besides transmissions?
The update also introduces a new Magma Red exterior paint and expands the automatic lineup for better convenience in urban driving.
