Next-Generation Kia Sonet Spied, Shows New LED Lighting

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The upcoming compact SUV gets a completely redesigned front and rear lighting setup, with a more substantial generational update expected for its 2027 launch

Kia has taken the next-generation Sonet to the Himalayan region for high-altitude testing, and fresh spy shots offer another look at the changes coming to the compact SUV. The test vehicle is heavily camouflaged, but its new lighting elements are clearly visible, suggesting a significant departure from the current model.

The second-generation Sonet appears to have new body panels, redesigned doors and changes to its overall structure. The front gets a split headlamp arrangement, with the main lighting units positioned lower down and slim LED daytime running lamps sitting above them. The bonnet also appears to have a clamshell design.

At the rear, the tail lamps get a new, more angular signature. Unlike some of Kia’s recent models, the lighting elements do not appear to be connected by a full-width light bar. The test mule also gets redesigned ORVMs and fresh alloy wheels, which appear to be larger than those on the current Sonet. Their exact size, however, is difficult to establish from the spy shots.

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The bigger changes are expected to be underneath the new Sonet. The SUV is likely to move to Kia’s K1 platform, which also underpins the Syros. This should give Kia more room to work with when it comes to cabin packaging, an important area considering that rear-seat space has been one of the Sonet’s limitations.

A revised dashboard is also expected. The new model could get a dual-screen arrangement with two 12.3-inch displays, along with updated materials and a different cabin layout. A 360-degree camera and a more advanced driver assistance package are among the possibilities, although the final equipment list is yet to be confirmed.

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Kia is expected to retain the current engine lineup, at least initially. This includes the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines. Manual and automatic transmission options are likely to continue, too. There is also talk of a strong-hybrid powertrain being developed for the Sonet, but that is unlikely to be part of the initial launch package. Details of such a version remain scarce.

The next-generation Kia Sonet is expected to arrive in India in 2027. It will continue to compete in the sub-four-metre SUV segment against the Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Hyundai Venue and Skoda Kylaq. With a new platform and a more comprehensive design overhaul, Kia appears to be preparing a much bigger update than the one the Sonet received in 2024.

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