Kia Expands Automatic Options for MY26 Sonet with Diesel 6AT and Turbo 7DCT

Kia India has updated the Sonet for the 2026 model year, adding new automatic variants to its compact SUV lineup. The MY26 Sonet now gets a diesel engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission starting at ₹9.77 lakh, while the 1.0-litre turbo petrol with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission starts at ₹9.89 lakh (ex-showroom).

The move comes at a time when more buyers are opting for automatic transmissions, especially in cities where stop-and-go traffic has become part of everyday driving. By bringing automatic options to more variants, Kia is clearly trying to make the convenience of an automatic gearbox available to a wider set of customers.

The 1.5-litre diesel 6AT is now offered across several trims including HTE(O), HTK(O), HTK+ and HTK+(O). On the petrol side, the 1.0-litre turbo engine with the 7-speed DCT is available in HTK(O) and HTK+(O) variants. With these additions, the Sonet becomes one of the first SUVs in its segment to offer both a diesel automatic and turbo petrol DCT priced below ₹10 lakh.

Apart from the new powertrain combinations, the Sonet continues with its existing list of features including Level 1 ADAS with 10 driver assistance features, over 70 connected car functions and 15 standard safety features. Kia has also introduced a new Magma Red exterior colour, giving the SUV a slightly refreshed look.

Since its debut in 2020, the Sonet has become one of Kia’s most popular models in India and recently crossed the five-lakh sales mark, highlighting its strong presence in the competitive compact SUV space.

With the MY26 update, Kia is looking to build on that success by widening the Sonet’s appeal, particularly for buyers who prefer the ease of an automatic transmission.