In addition to launching the Carnival MPV at the Auto Expo 2020, Kia Motors India also took the wraps off the Sonet Concept. Designed to enter the subcompact SUV space in India, it will gain a production form and a price list by the end of the year. Not everything you see here will make it to the production line. However, Kia has given us some hints on what the SUV will pack when it launches.

Kia Motors says that the Sonet will feature a 10.25-inch infotainment and navigation system with UVO connect, a Bose premium audio system and an intelligent manual transmission (iMT). The company also goes on to mention that the end product will have “best-in-class interior space and several first-in-class features, specially crafted for the Indian consumers.”

It is too soon to start guessing on the rest of the Sonet’s package. However, for it to effectively compete against in the sub-4 metre SUV segment, the model has to offer features such as LED DRLs (a much sought-after gizmo), auto headlamps and wipers, wireless mobile charging, push-button start/stop, automatic climate control and a powered sunroof.

As far as the powertrain options are concerned, the Sonet might borrow them from its step-sister – the Hyundai Venue. That means a 1.2-litre petrol engine, 1.4-litre diesel mill and a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol. Power and torque figures should tally as well and, in addition to manual transmission options, Kia could offer the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic as well.

Once launched, the Kia Sonet will rival the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport, Mahindra XUV300 and, of course, the Hyundai Venue. Out of the lot, only the Vitara Brezza is heading into the BS6 (Bharat Stage 6) era with a petrol-only range. How do you like the Kia Sonet?