Kia debuts Sonet small SUV in Delhi, not for Oz

KIA Motors has used the Delhi Auto Expo to unveil its new Sonet concept, the latest addition to the Korean brand’s ever-growing line-up of small SUVs, though it is reportedly not on the agenda to head Down Under.

Despite recent patent filings for the Sonet nameplate, Kia Motors Australia media and corporate communications general manager Kevin Hepworth confirmed to GoAuto there were no plans to introduce the baby SUV locally.

Primarily designed for and targeted at the Indian market – Kia Motors India was responsible for the reveal – Kia says the Sonet will be made “for the young, social, connected, tech-savvy”.

Style-wise, the new car looks a bit like a Seltos that has been exposed to some sort of mutation.

While smaller than the Seltos, the Sonet concept looks a whole lot meaner with black mesh grilles, gaping intakes fed by flowing lines and ridges, chrome accents, chunky alloy wheels and aggressive looking headlights sitting below what Kia calls ‘tiger-eyeline’ daytime running lights.

Significantly flared wheelarches help add an extra layer of chunkiness to the design and enhance the already posturing stance.

At the rear, everything is fairly standard Kia with the tailgate and C-pillar bearing a close resemblance to the one of the current Sportage.

Kia says the Sonet concept “previews a future global compact SUV from the brand”, but as previously mentioned, one that won’t be coming to Australia.

“The announcement that Stonic will be arriving in Australia late this year pretty much sealed that as they sit in pretty much the same segment,” he said.

“Filing for the name is just a protective move to prevent any other use of the name in Australia.”

Inside, occupants are greeted by a prominent 10.25-inch infotainment and navigation system, paired with a premium Bose sound system and “intelligent manual transmission”.

Other details including powertrains and trim levels are yet to be revealed, with the finished product due to be launched in the Indian market in the second half of 2020, according to Kia.