Kia Sonet And Seltos Facelifts – 2023 Auto Expo Updates

Kia Sonet And Seltos Facelift Absent From Auto Expo 2023

Kia launched the Sonet sub-compact, B2-segment SUV back in September 2020 and launched a mildly refreshed version in 2021. When launched, the Sonet was an instant success for Kia. It offered 3 engine options and 5 transmission options. The sheer number of variants meant that there was a Sonet for every budget. However, the current version of the Sonet has become a bit long in tooth now, especially since its cousin, the Hyundai Venue, received a mid-life facelift last year. Even Maruti launched a thoroughly updated version of the Brezza SUV last year, and it’s been setting the sales chart on fire ever since. Hence, we were confident Kia would showcase the Sonet facelift at the 2023 Auto Expo to take on these 2 sub-compact SUVs along with other popular SUVs such as the Tata Nexon and Renault Kiger turbo, among others.

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In the meantime, the current Sonet will continue to compete with other B2-segment SUVs like the Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, Nissan Magnite turbo and Renault Kiger turbo. Because of the price overlap, the normal petrol variants of the Kia Sonet also face competition from cars like the Citroen C3, Tata Punch, Magnite normal petrol and Renault Kiger normal petrol. Despite such stiff competition, Kia have managed to dispatch an average of 5,000 units of the Sonet for the past few months. All in all, we expect Kia to launch the Sonet facelift later this year. Meanwhile, Kia have been working on a CNG powertrain for the Sonet for some time now. It is likely to be based on the 1.0L turbo petrol engine and Kia could be delaying its launch for the introduction of the Sonet facelift. Hence, we can expect a launch around the 2023 festive season to cash in on the increased demand for cars during that time of the year.

Track our complete 2023 Auto Expo coverage at: Auto Expo 2023 – Latest News in Auto Show India

In a similar vein, we expected Kia to showcase the Seltos facelift at the 2023 Auto Expo. Although Kia officials confirmed the Seltos facelift will not go on sale in 2023, we expected the carmaker to showcase the updated SUV to give prospective customers a closer look at the updated Hyundai Creta rival. But with reports suggesting Hyundai, too, are unlikely to launch the Creta facelift this year, we can expect the updated versions of both C-segment SUVs to go on sale in 2024. Like the Sonet, the Seltos’ sales does not seem to be affected much by the introduction of more rivals, Which is this case are the Maruti Nexa Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. The latest SUVs from Maruti and Toyota come with strong hybrid powertrains while Kia and Hyundai continue to offer the Seltos and Creta with diesel engines. Despite the growing competition, the Seltos’ sales figure in December 2021 was just 5 units shy of the 6,000 unit mark.

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However, Kia did not showcase either SUVs at the auto show and instead chose to display the KA4, which is basically the current global version of the Kia Carnival. They also took the wraps off of the EV9 electric SUV concept, which generated a lot of interest thanks to its SUV styling, large dimensions and 3-row seating. You can read more about the Kia EV9 by clicking the link below.

Also Read: Kia EV9 Showcased At 2023 Auto Expo