In a remarkable feat, Kia’s compact SUV, the Sonet, has achieved a monumental milestone by surpassing 400,000 sales worldwide within a mere 44 months since its launch. The Sonet, acclaimed for its premium features and dynamic performance, has carved a niche for itself in both domestic and overseas markets.
Domestically, the Sonet has garnered substantial traction with 317,754 units sold, while an impressive 85,814 units have been dispatched to international markets, solidifying its global appeal. Launched in September 2020 as Kia’s third offering in India, the Sonet has redefined the compact SUV segment with its innovative features, striking design, and exceptional performance.
A striking trend among Sonet customers reveals a preference for variants equipped with a sunroof, with a staggering 63% opting for this feature. Engine-wise, while 37% of customers favor the powerful 1.5L diesel engine, the majority, constituting 63%, opt for petrol engine options. Notably, there has been a notable shift towards automatic variants, with the 7DCT transmission witnessing a significant surge of 37.50% since 2020.
Mr. Myung-sik Sohn, Chief Sales Officer, Kia India, expressed his delight at the Sonet’s success, attributing it to the vehicle’s futuristic design, technological advancements, and cost-effective ownership experience. He emphasized the Sonet’s appeal to first-time buyers, marking it as a pivotal innovation for Kia.
Further reinforcing its lineup, Kia recently introduced four new variants, enhancing the entry and mid-level offerings with additional features such as sunroofs, LED Connected Taillamps, Fully Automatic Temperature Control (FATC), and Rear Defogger.
Underlining its commitment to the ‘Make in India, for the World’ initiative, Kia’s Sonet has emerged as a top choice for modern consumers, averaging over 9,000 units sold per month. Its recent refresh in January 2024, incorporating advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and cutting-edge design elements, has propelled it to secure a commanding 14% share in the competitive compact SUV segment in Q1 CY2024.
Kia’s journey in India has been marked by significant milestones since the inauguration of its manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh in 2019. With a diverse portfolio including the Seltos, the Carnival, the Carens, and the EV6, Kia has established itself as a prominent player in the Indian automotive market, epitomizing its brand ethos of “Movement that Inspires.”
