Kia Sonet to Feature Clutchless Manual Gearbox

Kia Motors is all set to launch the Sonet SUV in August 2020 in the Indian market. We have learnt that Kia Sonet will come with a first-in-segment clutchless manual gearbox. The sub-compact SUV segment comprises of the likes of Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport and Mahindra XUV300. Earlier, it was speculated in some sections of the media that the launch of the Sonet has been pushed back by a few months due to the COVID-19 pandemic but it turned out to be untrue as confirmed by the company officials.

"We intend to go with our pre-existing idea of launching it in the festival season irrespective of COVID issues. Our vendors, our suppliers, everyone is on track for us to come out with the vehicle in the festive season which is August-October period," Hindustan Times quoted Manohar Bhat, Head of Sales

& Marketing, Kia Motors India as saying. Being showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo, Kia Sonet will flaunt the signature 'Tiger Nose' grille upfront and twin headlamp design. The SUV will boast of massive air intakes while the front bumper will come with silver lining. The rear end will boast a red horizontal LED strip that integrates into the tail-lamp cluster on either side.

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Kia Sonet interior cabin would get a big touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The other premium features will include automatic climate control, steering mounted audio controls, ventilated front seats, cruise control, sunroof and a wireless charging system. "Sonet has a clutchless manual gearbox which is new for the segment. Basically, it will have a manual gear but won't have a clutch at all. So, it will have the fun of engaging gears without the tedium of having to press the clutch - best of both worlds," Bhat added. The engine options will be a 1.2L petrol and a 1.0L turbocharged petrol unit. Kia Sonet price is expected to start at Rs 8 Lakhs (Ex. Showroom).