Kia India has officially introduced the Kia Sonet MY26 update, bringing a key change to the popular sub-compact SUV. The highlight of this update is the introduction of more affordable automatic variants, making the Sonet diesel automatic price fall below the ₹10 lakh mark for the first time.
The Kia Sonet 2026 price now starts from around ₹7.99 lakh and goes up to approximately ₹15.77 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the variant and powertrain. With this update, Kia is clearly targeting buyers looking for the convenience of an automatic SUV at a more accessible price point.
The Sonet continues to remain one of the most feature-loaded compact SUVs in India, competing with several strong rivals in the segment.
Kia Sonet MY26 Update: New Automatic Variants Introduced
The biggest highlight of the MY26 update is the introduction of entry-level automatic variants in the Sonet lineup. These new trims allow buyers to access automatic transmissions without moving to higher-priced variants.
- HTE(O) Diesel Automatic – ₹9.78 lakh (ex-showroom)
- HTE(O) Turbo Petrol DCT – ₹9.89 lakh (ex-showroom)
This move makes the Sonet one of the few SUVs in India offering a diesel automatic gearbox under ₹10 lakh. The update is expected to attract buyers upgrading from hatchbacks and compact sedans.
Kia Sonet 2026 Price Range
With the MY26 update, the Kia Sonet 2026 price now spans across multiple variants and engine options.
| Variant Type | Starting Price (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|
| Base Petrol Variant | ₹7.99 lakh |
| Diesel Automatic Variant | ₹9.78 lakh |
| Turbo Petrol DCT Variant | ₹9.89 lakh |
| Top Variant | ₹15.77 lakh |
This competitive pricing ensures that the Sonet remains a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.
Why the Sonet Diesel Automatic Price Is Important
Automatic transmission demand in India has grown rapidly in recent years, especially in metro cities where heavy traffic makes manual driving inconvenient.
With the Sonet diesel automatic price starting below ₹10 lakh, Kia has introduced a compelling option for buyers who want the efficiency of a diesel engine combined with the convenience of an automatic gearbox.
This strategy also strengthens Kia’s position against competitors that typically offer automatic transmissions only in higher trims.
Engine Options in Kia Sonet MY26
The MY26 update does not introduce any mechanical changes. The Sonet continues with the same engine lineup as before.
Petrol Engines
- 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 83 PS
- 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine producing 120 PS
Diesel Engine
- 1.5-litre CRDi diesel engine producing 116 PS
These engines are known for delivering a balanced combination of performance and fuel efficiency.
Transmission Options
The Sonet continues to offer a wide variety of transmission options, making it one of the most versatile SUVs in its segment.
- 5-speed manual
- 6-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT)
- 6-speed automatic (diesel)
- 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (turbo petrol)
New Colour Option Added
As part of the MY26 update, Kia has introduced a new exterior colour called Magma Red. This shade adds a sportier look to the SUV and expands the existing colour options available to buyers.
Features and Design
The MY26 update does not introduce any exterior design changes since the Sonet already received a major facelift in 2023.
The SUV continues to offer several premium features such as:
- LED headlamps and connected LED tail lamps
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Digital instrument cluster
- Ventilated front seats
- Wireless phone charging
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
These features help the Sonet remain one of the most tech-loaded SUVs in its category.
Kia Sonet Rivals in India
The Sonet competes with several popular compact SUVs in the Indian market.
- Tata Nexon
- Hyundai Venue
- Mahindra XUV 3XO
- Maruti Suzuki Brezza
Among these rivals, the Sonet stands out for offering multiple engine and gearbox options along with premium features.
Final Thoughts
The Kia Sonet MY26 update focuses mainly on making automatic variants more accessible rather than introducing major design or feature upgrades.
By bringing the Sonet diesel automatic price under ₹10 lakh, Kia has strengthened the SUV’s value proposition and made it a more attractive option for buyers seeking convenience and efficiency.
With competitive pricing, strong engine options, and feature-packed variants, the Sonet is likely to continue performing well in the highly competitive compact SUV segment.