Kia Sonet has achieved a remarkable milestone by surpassing 400,000 sales worldwide in under 44 months since its launch.
This milestone comprises 317,754 units sold domestically and an additional 85,814 units exported to overseas markets. Since its introduction in September 2020, the Sonet has quickly gained traction and redefined the Compact SUV segment with its innovative features, striking design, and outstanding performance.
Customer Preferences and Market Trends
Analysis reveals that 63% of Sonet customers opt for variants equipped with a Sunroof, indicating a strong demand for this feature. Furthermore, there’s a notable preference for petrol engine options, with 63% of customers choosing them over diesel engines. The Sonet’s powerful 1.5L diesel engine remains popular among 37% of buyers. Notably, there’s a growing preference for automatic variants, with the 7DCT transmission witnessing a significant increase of 37.50% since 2020. Automatic transmissions, including 7DCT and 6AT, contribute 28% to sales, while the iMT variant maintains a steady fanbase with a 23% sales contribution.
Insights from Kia India’s Chief Sales Officer
Mr. Myung-sik Sohn, Chief Sales Officer of Kia India, attributes the success of the Sonet to its alignment with consumer preferences and needs. He highlights the Sonet’s appeal to first-time buyers in the compact SUV segment, praising its futuristic design, technological innovations, and cost-effective ownership experience.
Enhancements and Variant Offerings
To further strengthen its position in the market, Kia has introduced four new variants – HTE(O) and HTK (O) – in both Diesel and Petrol engine options. These variants feature enhancements such as sunroofs, LED Connected Taillamps, Fully Automatic Temperature Control (FATC), and Rear Defoggers, catering to a wider range of customer preferences and requirements.
‘Make in India, for the World’ Initiative
The success of the Kia Sonet underscores the effectiveness of Kia’s ‘Make in India, for the World’ initiative, which aims to produce high-quality vehicles for both domestic and international markets. With an average sale of over 9,000 units per month, the Sonet has emerged as a top choice for modern consumers seeking advanced features and cutting-edge design in their vehicles.
Ongoing Innovation and Market Performance
In January 2024, Kia refreshed the Sonet with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), a contemporary design, and 70 connected features, further solidifying its position in the highly competitive Compact SUV segment. As a result, the Sonet commands a substantial 14% share in this segment in Q1 CY2024.