Kia To Bring Back The 3-pedal Driving Experience On The 2024 Sonet Facelift Diesel

In a move that will surely excite the customers, Kia Motors is set to reintroduce the classic three-pedal driving experience with the upcoming 2024 Sonet Facelift Diesel. The Korean automaker had shifted to the iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission) for its diesel variants earlier, but the customers demand for the traditional manual gearbox has caused the return of the 6-speed manual transmission.

Key Highlights

1. Return of the 6-speed Manual Gearbox - Diesel variants of the 2024 Kia Sonet Facelift will see the return of the 6-speed manual gearbox, providing a traditional driving experience with a clutch pedal.
2. Unveiling on December 14 - The facelifted Sonet is scheduled for its grand reveal on December 14, 2023.
3. Engine Lineup Unchanged - While the diesel variants receive a manual gearbox, other engine options, including the 120PS 1-litre turbo petrol and 83PS 1.2-litre NA petrol, will continue as unchanged.
4. Enhanced Features - Notable additions include a 360-degree camera, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and a digital instrument cluster.
5. Launch and Pricing - The sub-4m SUV is expected to launch in early 2024, with an anticipated starting price of around Rs 8 lakh (ex-showroom).

The 2024 Kia Sonet Facelift marks a significant update to the popular sub-4 metre SUV, introducing the much-loved 6-speed manual gearbox for its diesel variants. Earlier in 2023, Kia had shifted away from the traditional manual option, offering the iMT instead. However, it appears that the customer feedback has steered the company back to the classic three-pedal configuration. The iMT will still be available for those who prefer a clutchless manual experience.

Potential for Manual Option

With the reintroduction of the manual option on the Sonet, there's speculation that Kia might extend this offering to other models, considering the discontinuation of the manual option on models like the Seltos and the Carens.

Feature-Packed Facelift

Beyond the transmission upgrade, the 2024 Sonet Facelift also boasts of an array of new features, including a digital driver’s display, a 360-degree camera, and ADAS technology with forward collision alert and autonomous emergency braking. The SUV will continue to offer the existing features such as wireless phone charging, a sunroof, ventilated front seats, and cruise control.

Powertrain and Safety Features

Apart from the manual gearbox on the diesel engine, the powertrain options will remain consistent. The Sonet will continue to offer the 1.2-litre NA petrol, 1.5-litre diesel, and 1-litre turbo petrol engines with various transmission choices.

Safety features include six airbags, ABS, ESP, front and rear parking sensors, and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Price and Competition

The pricing for the 2024 Kia Sonet is expected to be revealed in early 2024. With the addition of new features, a slight premium over the outgoing model's starting price of Rs 7.79 lakh (ex-showroom) is anticipated. The Sonet will compete against popular rivals in the subcompact SUV segment, including the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Mahindra XUV300, and Nissan Magnite.

Also Read: Kia Sonet Facelift Interior Trim & Color Combination Explained

Verdict: Kia's decision to bring back the 6-speed manual gearbox in the 2024 Sonet Facelift Diesel combines the classic three-pedal experience with modern features. Set to launch early in 2024, this update reinforces the Sonet's appeal in the subcompact SUV market.