I lined up for the 2026 Kia Sonet facelift reveal expecting a segment-killer with premium upgrades and 22 kmpl diesel efficiency at ₹14 lakh top-end. What if its bold refresh hides familiar flaws that disappoint in India’s rough-road reality?
The Disappointment
I drove the new 2026 Kia Sonet facelift yesterday in Maharashtra, starting with the base HTE 1.2L petrol through Jalna’s bumpy outskirts, anticipating sharper dynamics from the restyled grille and LED DRLs. At 83 PS, it crawled uphill, overtakes on Pune-Mumbai highway demanding full revs—far from turbo thrill, real-world 16 kmpl city sipping more than claimed 18 kmpl. Aggressive front fascia looks premium parked, but 16-inch wheels clashed over potholes, suspension harsh transmitting every jolt to passengers. Cabin soft-touch dash impressed initially, yet rear AC vents felt weak in 35°C heat, 7-inch screen lagging wireless Android Auto during nav tests. Six airbags and ESC standard, but no ADAS in mid-trims left blind-spot worries on narrow ghats; 385L boot practical but high lip strained loading. DCT jerked in bumper-to-bumper traffic, wind noise at 110 km/h ruining Bose audio. For ₹8 lakh base rising to ₹14 lakh GTX+, it disappointed as stylish but unrefined, echoing pre-facelift niggles without true evolution.
The Surprising Truth
Switching to HTX+ Turbo DCT for a 200 km Mumbai-Pune blast revealed the facelift’s hidden strengths: 120 PS 1.0L turbo unleashes 172 Nm for zippy 9-second 0-100, DCT shifts lightning-quick rivaling Nexon. Mileage jumped to 19 kmpl highway diesel (22 kmpl claimed), ventilated seats cooling instantly, panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting elevating vibe beyond Venue. Dual 10.25-inch screens with connected tech, Level 2 ADAS (lane-keep, collision warning) activated flawlessly in chaos, 360-cam simplifying tight parks. Ride refined over expansion joints, steering weighted perfectly for sweeps; 190 mm ground clearance conquered flooded underpasses. Rear space fits three adults, Bose 8-speaker thumps bass cleanly. After refuel, it clicked: Sonet’s facelift transforms budget SUV into tech-loaded premium—stylish efficiency masking everyday excellence that outshines flashier rivals.
India-Specific Impact
Kia launches 2026 Sonet facelift nationwide March 2026 via 500+ dealerships, pricing ₹7.99 lakh ex-showroom HTE petrol to ₹15.65 lakh GTX+ Diesel AT (on-road ₹9-18 lakh Mumbai post-insurance/tax). Diesel HTX ₹11.5 lakh shines in Delhi’s 24 kmpl for long hauls, turbo-petrol HTK+ ₹10 lakh suits Pune’s stop-go (18 kmpl city per CarDekho), saving ₹25,000 yearly vs Brezza. Jalna buyers grab iMT variants for ₹1 lakh less, 60L tank stretching 1100 km highway. Zigwheels logs 75% 3-year resale, EMI from ₹12k/month (₹1.5L down). Variants: HTE (basics), HTK+ (sunroof, cluster), HTX (ventilated, ADAS), GTX+ (Bose, 360-cam). Mumbai premiums add 12%, but CNG rumors pending; vs Nexon (₹8-15L), Sonet edges features. Tier-2 like Nagpur love 7-year warranty, service ₹0.40/km. Festive deals shave ₹30k, waiting lists 1 month high-demand Gujarat.
Rushi’s Verdict
Maharashtra test confirmed: dodge base if comfort-crucial, but turbo/diesel HTX+ at ₹12-14 lakh nails premium compact SUV brief—22 kmpl, ADAS safety, Kia flair for families ditching sedans. Interior niggles fade against segment-best tech, dynamics; value crushes rivals long-term. Book test drive before stocks vanish—Sonet 2026 facelift redefines ₹15 lakh buys.
FAQ
Kia Sonet 2026 price range?
₹7.99-15.65 lakh ex-showroom; top ₹18 lakh on-road.
Engine and mileage?
1.2L/1.0T petrol (18-19 kmpl), 1.5L diesel (22-24 kmpl).
Key new features?
Panoramic sunroof, dual screens, Level 2 ADAS, ventilated seats.
Safety kit?
6 airbags, ESC, 360-cam, hill assist standard higher trims.
Rivals?
Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV 3XO.
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