2026 Kia Sonet: Kia India has introduced the Model Year 2026 update for the Kia Sonet, expanding the availability of automatic transmission options across the range.
The update brings both a diesel automatic and a turbo-petrol dual-clutch automatic variant priced below Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom), a move aimed at making automatic SUVs more accessible to buyers in the compact segment.
With the revision, the 2026 Kia Sonet becomes one of the few SUVs in its class to offer multiple automatic transmission options at relatively affordable price points.
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Diesel Automatic Now More Accessible
The biggest highlight of the update is the introduction of a 6-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox paired with the 1.5-litre diesel engine.
This configuration now starts at Rs 9.77 lakh (ex-showroom) in the HTE(O) trim. The diesel automatic option has also been made available across several mid-level trims including HTE(O), HTK(O), HTK+ and HTK+(O).
By expanding the diesel automatic lineup into lower trims, Kia aims to offer buyers more flexibility when choosing a variant without having to move to higher-priced versions.
Turbo Petrol DCT Also Available Under Rs 10 Lakh
Alongside the diesel automatic, 2026 Kia Sonet has also broadened the availability of the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The turbo-petrol DCT variant now begins at Rs 9.89 lakh (ex-showroom) in the HTK(O) grade and is also offered in the HTK+(O) variant.
This makes the Sonet one of the few models in the segment to offer both a torque-converter automatic and a dual-clutch automatic at relatively competitive prices.
2026 Kia Sonet Automatic Variants And Prices
| Engine | Trim | Transmission | Price (Ex-Showroom) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L Diesel | HTE(O) | 6AT | Rs 9,77,900 |
| 1.5L Diesel | HTK(O) | 6AT | Rs 10,72,900 |
| 1.5L Diesel | HTK+ | 6AT | Rs 11,08,900 |
| 1.5L Diesel | HTK+(O) | 6AT | Rs 11,56,900 |
| 1.0L Turbo Petrol | HTK(O) | 7DCT | Rs 9,89,900 |
| 1.0L Turbo Petrol | HTK+(O) | 7DCT | Rs 10,83,900 |
Rising Demand For Automatic Cars
According to Kia India, the decision to expand automatic variants comes in response to changing driving patterns in urban areas. Increasing traffic congestion and longer commute times are encouraging many buyers to move toward automatic transmissions for convenience.
Diesel-automatic combinations, in particular, are gaining popularity among customers who want strong torque for highway use while avoiding manual gear shifting in city traffic.
Other Updates For MY2026
As part of the MY2026 update, the 2026 Kia Sonet also receives a new exterior colour option called Magma Red, adding to the SUV’s existing paint choices.
Commenting on the update, Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President – Sales and Marketing at Kia India, said the expanded automatic lineup is intended to make automatic mobility more accessible for buyers while strengthening the Sonet’s position in its segment.
The Sonet has been one of the brand’s most successful models in India since its launch in 2020, recently crossing five lakh cumulative sales in the domestic market.
Conclusion
The 2026 Kia Sonet focuses on improving accessibility to automatic transmissions by introducing both diesel and turbo-petrol automatic variants at competitive prices.
By expanding automatic options across multiple trims, Kia India is targeting urban buyers looking for a convenient driving experience in the compact SUV segment.
Note: Prices and variant details mentioned are based on manufacturer announcements at the time of publication. Final on-road prices, features and availability may vary depending on location, dealership policies and applicable government taxes.
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Raj Prajapati is a senior automobile content writer at How2Guidess.in with over 3 years of experience in auto news, vehicle launches, comparisons, and EV updates. With a background in Computer Science & Engineering, he focuses on research-based, clear, and reader-friendly automobile content.