2026 Kia Sonet Launched With Diesel Automatic and Turbo DCT Under Rs 10 Lakh
2026 Kia Sonet gets diesel automatic and turbo petrol DCT under ₹10 lakh - Full details
Kia India has launched the 2026 model year Kia Sonet with new automatic transmission options. A key highlight of this update is that both the Diesel Automatic and Turbo Petrol Automatic variants are now available at a price point under ₹10 lakh (ex-showroom).
With this move, automatic cars have become even more accessible within the compact SUV segment. Now, the Sonet has emerged as one of the few SUVs to offer two distinct types of automatic transmissions at competitive prices.
New Diesel Automatic Option
The 2026 Kia Sonet now comes with a 1.5-litre diesel engine paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission, with prices starting at ₹9.77 lakh (ex-showroom).
Kia is offering this Diesel Automatic option across several trims, including HTE(O), HTK(O), HTK+, and HTK+(O), which gives buyers the flexibility to choose a trim that fits their budget without being compelled to opt for a higher-priced variant.
The Diesel Automatic option is typically well suited for those seeking strong torque at lower speeds and excellent fuel efficiency on highways. With the presence of an automatic transmission, there is no need to manually shift gears, which makes driving in city traffic effortless.
New Turbo Petrol Automatic Option
The 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine in the Sonet is now available with a 7-speed Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission (DCT). The price of this turbo petrol automatic variant starts at ₹9.89 lakh (ex-showroom).
This variant is available in the HTK(O) and HTK+(O) trims, and thanks to the Dual Clutch Transmission, gear shifts are faster and the driving experience is smoother.
Prices and Trim Details
| Engine | Trim | Transmission | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel 1.5L | HTE(O) | 6-Speed Automatic | Rs 9,77,900 |
| Diesel 1.5L | HTK(O) | 6-Speed Automatic | Rs 10,72,900 |
| Diesel 1.5L | HTK+ | 6-Speed Automatic | Rs 11,08,900 |
| Diesel 1.5L | HTK+(O) | 6-Speed Automatic | Rs 11,56,900 |
| Turbo Petrol 1.0L | HTK(O) | 7-Speed Automatic | Rs 9,89,900 |
| Turbo Petrol 1.0L | HTK+(O) | 7-Speed Automatic | Rs 10,83,900 |
New Color Option
As part of the 2026 model year update, Kia has also introduced a new exterior color called “Magma Red”, which gives the Sonet a fresher and more modern appearance.
Success of the Kia Sonet in India
Since its launch in the Indian market in 2020, the Sonet has proven to be a massive success for Kia. Recently, this compact SUV crossed the milestone of 500,000 cumulative sales in the country.
This demonstrates how popular the Sonet has become among Indian car buyers, and the Sonet continues to remain one of the leading models in the compact SUV segment.
What Kia Said About This Update
Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Kia India stated that with the 2026 model update, the company is further expanding its automatic lineup. He noted that by offering Diesel Automatic and Turbo Petrol 7DCT options at competitive price points, more customers will be able to experience the convenience of automatic driving.
He also added that this update will further strengthen the Sonet's position within the compact SUV segment.
For Buyers
The 2026 Kia Sonet has now emerged as an automatic SUV that offers excellent value for money, making it possible to purchase an automatic SUV for under ₹10 lakh.
The Diesel Automatic makes for an excellent choice for those who frequently drive on highways, as it delivers superior fuel efficiency, while the Turbo Petrol Automatic is well suited for city driving, offering brisk acceleration and a smooth driving experience.
Furthermore, since both engine options are available across multiple trims, buyers can select a variant equipped with features that best fit their budget.
Hari Babu
I'm Hari Babu, a freelance automotive journalist with over three years of experience. I cover stories from national highways to rural roads and currently serve as Chief Editor at Gaadi Journal.
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