New Kia Sonet and Kia Seltos launched in India.
Having unveiled its new brand logo in the country a few days ago, Kia India today launched the 2021 Kia Seltos and 2021 Kia Sonet, and both SUVs have gotten some key additions. The 2021 Kia Seltos has priced from Rs 9.95 lakh to Rs 17.65 lakh, while the 2021 Kia Sonet prices range from Rs 6.79 lakh to Rs 13.25 lakh (all prices ex-showroom). Both SUVs are now more expensive by a notable margin, but along with the new Kia logo, they also include a few more features and changes to trim levels across all variants.
Also, read Ford Ranger Raptor X pick-up truck revealed features.
Prices for the updated 2021 Kia Seltos range from Rs 9.95 – 17.65 lakh (ex-showroom). Image: Tech2
One of the key additions to the Kia Seltos is the arrival of the intelligent manual transmission (iMT) option. Kia first launched this ‘clutchless’ gearbox on its Sonet compact SUV and is now offering it with the larger Seltos as well, with a new HTK + 1.5 petrol variant priced at Rs 12.19 lakh. That’s Rs 40,000 more than the HTK + variant with a manual transmission, but the iMT version also has automatic climate control and a power moonroof, both of which are lacking in the equivalent manual variant.
The Kia Seltos is the first midsize SUV to get an intelligent manual transmission (iMT) option. Image: Kia
In addition, the GTX + 7 DCT and GTX + AT versions of the Kia Seltos now feature shift paddles. There is also a new GTX (O) variant with black and beige leatherette seats, and electronic stability control is now offered from HTX onwards. The UVO connected car technology has also been updated and now brings new features including a voice-operated sunroof and a driver-side window.
Shift paddles are now standard on all automatic variants of the Kia Sonet. Image: Kia
Similarly, the Kia Sonet also gets two new variants: HTX diesel-automatic and HTX 1.0 DCT. Paddle shifters are now standard on all automatic variants of the Kia Sonet, and like the Seltos, the compact SUV also has a voice-operated sunroof.
Prices for the 2021 Kia Sonet range from Rs 6.79 – 13.25 lakh (before showroom). Image: Tech2
Electronic Stability Control is now available from HTX trim onwards, as are rear sunshade curtains and all-wheel drive and multi-drive modes (for automatic variants).
Both the 2021 Kia Seltos and Kia Sonet now offer electronic stability control in a wider range of variants. Image: Kia
A power moonroof is now available from the HTK + iMT variant onwards, and 16-inch alloy wheels are now offered from the HTX variant onwards. A smart key with push-button start and remote engine start functions are now available from HTK + models onwards (1.5 diesel and 1.0 turbo variants only).
Both the Kia Sonet and the Kia Seltos continue with the same engine options as before.
In related news, Kia will enter a new market segment in early 2022. This new model is rumored to be a new Kia MPV, likely to sit between the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and the Toyota Innova Crysta, both in terms of size and price.
She is a freelance blogger, writer, and speaker, and writes for various entertainment magazines.