Kia India has started testing the CNG version of the Sonet sub-compact SUV in the country. Kia Sonet CNG is expected to launch in the coming months in the Indian market. It will be the first Kia model in India to come with a factory-fitted CNG kit. Recently, a test mule of the SUV with a CNG sticker on the rear windshield was spotted by auto enthusiast Varun Rattan. The Sonet CNG upon its arrival will rival the likes of Maruti Vitara Brezza CNG and Tata Nexon CNG, both of which are also getting ready for launch.
Going by the spy-shot, the mule appears to be the standard GT Line version of the Sonet, albeit with a CNG sticker which makes it clear that it is not a petrol or diesel version. Kia Sonet GT Line is offered with a 1.0L turbo petrol and a 1.5L turbo diesel engine. It is believed that the CNG version would get the 1.0L turbo petrol engine alongside the factory-fitted CNG kit. Upon its launch, Kia Sonet could become the first vehicle in India to come with a turbo petrol engine and CNG option. As for the Vitara Brezza CNG, it is learnt that Maruti Suzuki will drop the 'Vitara' from its name while equipping it with the 1.5L DualJet petrol engine that we recently saw with the Ertiga facelift.
Tata Motors, on the other hand, is also planning to introduce the CNG version of the Nexon sub-compact SUV in the second half of this year in India. It could be paired with a 1.2L turbo petrol engine as the Nexon line-up doesn't come with a naturally aspirated petrol engine. Kia Sonet boasts of a naturally aspirated 1.2L petrol engine which generates maximum power of 83 bhp. The buyers are leaning towards CNG models of late due to the skyrocketing fuel prices. Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors are presently dominating the CNG space with multiple vehicles in this segment. Hence, Kia is looking to capture some market share in this segment by launching the Sonet CNG.
The automaker is offering the Sonet in three trim lines: two petrol engines and one diesel engine. ...
It will be exclusively produced at Kia's factory in Andhra Pradesh for both domestic market and export purposes ...
A mechanical engineering dropout by choice, Mayank has been in the auto journalism biz for the past 8 years. He is currently working as an Associate Editor at Droom Discovery and covering each and every aspect of the auto industry. He has worked with a plethora of renowned Auto brands in his illustrious career so far. Being a student of English Literature, his mantras of success are the Never-Say-Never attitude and self-confidence. Mayank likes to travel, read books and listen to music during his free time.
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