New Delhi: In a country where bumper-to-bumper traffic is practically a daily fitness test for your left leg, Kia India has decided to offer some much-needed relief. With the launch of the Model Year 2026 (MY26) Kia Sonet, the brand has expanded the compact SUV’s automatic line-up, introducing Diesel 6AT variants starting from ₹9.77 lakh and Turbo Petrol 7DCT variants from ₹9.89 lakh (ex-showroom).
The move makes the Sonet the first SUV in its segment to offer both a 6-speed automatic diesel and a 7-speed dual-clutch petrol transmission below the ₹10-lakh mark, bringing automatic convenience to a wider audience who are increasingly tired of clutch-brake-clutch routines in urban traffic.
Automatic Convenience Goes More Mainstream
With Indian cities witnessing rising traffic congestion, the demand for automatic vehicles has steadily grown. Kia’s MY26 update aims to meet this shift by making automatic transmissions available across more trims and at more accessible price points.
The 1.5-litre Diesel engine paired with a 6-speed Automatic (6AT) will now be available in HTE(O), HTK(O), HTK+, and HTK+(O) variants. Meanwhile, buyers looking for a sportier drive can opt for the 1.0-litre Turbo Petrol engine with a 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (7DCT) offered in HTK(O) and HTK+(O) trims.
For buyers who love the fuel efficiency of diesel but hate constant gear-shifting in city traffic, this new diesel automatic option might feel like the automotive equivalent of finding a free parking spot in Connaught Place—rare and extremely satisfying.
Kia Responds to Changing Customer Preferences
Commenting on the announcement, Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said the update reflects changing customer expectations.
“We have been closely listening to evolving customer needs, particularly the growing preference for the convenience of automatic driving in everyday conditions. With the Model Year 2026 update, we are expanding our automatic line-up with Diesel Automatic and Turbo Petrol 7DCT options at highly competitive price points, enabling more customers to experience the ease of automatic mobility while further strengthening Sonet’s leadership in the segment.”
A Strong Performer in the Compact SUV Segment
Since its launch in 2020, the Kia Sonet has emerged as one of the most successful compact SUVs in India. The model recently crossed the 5-lakh sales milestone, reinforcing its popularity among buyers looking for a stylish yet feature-packed urban SUV.
The Sonet continues to offer five powertrain options, combining bold design with advanced technology. The SUV comes equipped with 15 standard safety features, 10 Level-1 ADAS features, and over 70 connected car features, ensuring it remains competitive in one of India’s most crowded automotive segments.
A Fresh Splash of Colour
Adding a visual twist to the MY26 update, Kia has also introduced a new Magma Red exterior colour, designed to enhance the Sonet’s bold and youthful personality. In other words, if the traffic around you refuses to move, at least your car will look stunning while waiting.
With the MY26 update, Kia has taken a significant step in making automatic vehicles more affordable in India’s compact SUV space. By offering both Diesel 6AT and Turbo Petrol 7DCT options below ₹10 lakh, the Sonet now combines convenience, performance, and accessibility—three ingredients that urban Indian drivers increasingly demand.
And perhaps most importantly, it might just save a few million clutch pedals across the country from premature retirement.
MY26 Sonet Lineup Expansion; Prices (Ex-Showroom)
| Engine | Trim | Transmission | Price (INR) |
| Diesel (D1.5) | HTE(O) | 6AT | 9,77,900 |
| HTK(O) | 6AT | 10,72,900 | |
| HTK+ | 6AT | 11,08,900 | |
| HTK+(O) | 6AT | 11,56,900 | |
| Petrol Turbo (G1.0T) | HTK(O) | 7 DCT | 9,89,900 |
| HTK+(O) | 7 DCT | 10,83,900 |
