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.