Korean manufacturer KIA, which has had a strong presence in the Sri Lankan market for several decades, has resumed car imports with the unveiling of the all-new Sonet compact SUV.
This is the first of 12 new SUV models to be introduced by Kia Sri Lanka to the local market. These will also include Battery Electric SUVs. KIA also hopes to import several sedan/hatchback models which were very popular in Sri Lanka.
The new KIA Sonet is rated among the best-in-class “smart urban” SUVs on the road today, having set new benchmarks with more than 30 first-in-class features. It is targeted towards a young generation that is tech-savvy, aspirational and highly connected socially, according to KIA.
Latest entry
Developed from the ground up to set new benchmarks in design, technology, dynamics and safety, the Kia Sonet is the brand’s latest entry into the burgeoning compact SUV segment. The Sonet is manufactured at KIA plants worldwide, including South Korea and India.
Addressing the media in Colombo at an exclusive preview of the first Sonet SUVs to arrive in the country, Kia Motors (Lanka) Chairman Mahen Thambiah said: “It has been a long five-year wait for Sri Lankans to see exciting new cars in the metal on their roads, and the Sonet will truly be a breath of fresh air, with its aggressive and modern design language, fun-to-drive dynamics, and Kia’s latest high-tech features.”
Kia Motors (Lanka) Chairman Mahen Thambiah
“Kia’s award-winning design strengths have come into play to make the Sonet every inch a Kia SUV, exemplifying the brand’s confident, young-at-heart attitude, a sporty, rebellious spirit, and a wild-by-design approach,” he added. “The outcome is a striking SUV with irresistible road presence that will turn heads wherever it goes.”
All models and trims of the Kia Sonet SUV are powered by a 1.0 T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) engine with either a seven-speed-Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission (DCT) or Kia’s revolutionary new six-speed Smartstream Semi-Auto transmission (iMT).
This is a technological breakthrough from Kia, offering fatigue-free driving thanks to the absence of a clutch pedal, but with the same driver control as a conventional manual transmission. This means that the driver won’t get tired even in heavy traffic conditions.
Standing out
The Sonet’s dynamics and suspension set-up have been tuned by Kia engineers after extensive road testing to match its sporty design and Kia’s youthful brand image. The new Sonet incorporates Kia’s DNA of emotive styling along with a premium and youthful appeal to create a strong road presence.
With its compact body, the Sonet showcases a range of styling attributes to make it stand apart on roads around the world. This includes a fresh interpretation of Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille flanked by ‘heart beat’ LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) shaped like the electric pulse of a heart, with a stylish front skid plate beneath. The same ‘heart beat’ LED tail lamps also adorn the rear, and the Sonet is fitted with 16-inch crystal-cut alloy wheels that adorn the Apollo tyres.
Interior features
The Sonet is designed around the driver, with a well laid-out, easy-to-use connected infotainment and cluster interface, and high-quality materials all around. Some higher trims come with an all-digital instrument console. Despite the compact exterior dimensions, the interior offers ample ergonomic space for all passengers, for complete comfort, convenience, safety and optimum driving pleasure.
Among the interior features are the largest and best-in-class 10.25-inch (26.03 cm) HD touchscreen with navigation and live traffic; Bose Premium seven-speaker audio with sub-woofer; ventilated driver and front-passenger seats; LED Sound Mood Lighting; remote engine start for automatic and manual transmission via UVO Connect and Smart
Key; Over-the-air (OTA) map updates; multi-drive and traction modes and grip control for automatic models and a wireless smartphone charger with cooling function.
In terms of safety, Kia has ensured that every drive in the Sonet is as safe as possible thanks to an array of safety measures, which include six airbags, Anti-Lock Braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and Brake Assist (BA).
The Sonet also features front and rear parking sensors, projector fog lamps, Highline Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), individual door-open warnings, auto headlamps and ISOFIX child-seat anchoring points.
Kia Motors (Lanka) has represented the Kia brand in Sri Lanka since 1996 and has been instrumental in making it one of the best-regarded automobile brands in the country. Founded in 1944 and a part of the Hyundai Group, Kia sold 3,089,300 units in 2024 in over 190 countries. Kia is spearheading the transition to electric vehicles and pursuing mobility services to help tackle urban challenges around the world. The company’s brand slogan – “Movement that Inspires” – represents Kia’s global commitment to gift the world exciting, inspiring experiences that go beyond the usual expectations. (PDS)
Preview of the first Sonet SUVs in Colombo
Pix by Sulochana Gamage
