Kia Motors Selects 'Sonet' as Name for India-Specific Strategic SUV...Concept Unveiled for the First Time

Kia Motors Unveils New SUV 'Sonet (SONET)' Concept at India Delhi Motor Show
Strengthening 'RV Specialized Brand' Position with Sonet and Carnival Local Strategy Models Following Seltos

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Kia Motors has unveiled the concept of a locally strategic compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) for the first time at the India Delhi Motor Show. Named 'Sonet,' this model is set to strengthen Kia's push into the Indian market alongside the Seltos.

On the 5th, Kia participated in the '2020 India Delhi Auto Expo (Delhi Motor Show)' held at India Expo Mart in Noida, India, launching the premium MPV 'Carnival' and unveiling the 'Sonet Concept.' Shim Guk-hyun, head of Kia's India subsidiary, stated at the press conference, "Since debuting in the Indian market last year with the launch of the Seltos, Kia has achieved remarkable results thanks to the generous support of Indian customers. We promise to provide the highest quality and service with the Carnival and Sonet Concept introduced today, as a way to repay the love of Indian customers."

The Sonet Concept was developed as a smart urban SUV equipped with high-tech technology. The official production model 'Sonet' is scheduled for release in the second half of this year, targeting the 'SUV-low' segment, one of the largest volume segments in India. The name Sonet is a compound of 'Stylish' and 'Connected,' emphasizing its strong style and class-leading IT convenience features.

The Sonet Concept features an impressive design with an upgraded Tiger Nose grille with a robust shape, and a character line running from the lamps to the bumper sides on the front. The dynamic volume of the body and the speedy roofline harmonize to create a highly refined side profile. The rear emphasizes solidity with widely connected line lighting and a two-tone skid plate that exudes strength and luxury.

The interior incorporates vibrant lighting effects tailored to the lifestyle of Indians, vertical air vents, and multi-color mood lamps. It boasts class-leading fuel efficiency, a competitive interior space considering the high frequency of second-row occupancy typical in India, and numerous specialized features designed for India's climate and environment. High-tech convenience features such as an armrest air purifier, 10.25-inch AVN-based remote start, and vehicle theft alert represent advanced connectivity technologies.

Kia plans to export the Sonet not only to India but also to emerging markets in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions.

The Carnival, the second model produced and sold at Kia's India plant following the Seltos, was newly developed based on the third-generation Carnival (YP) in Korea. Developed as a premium MPV targeting the socially successful upper class in India, the Carnival is equipped with top-tier convenience features such as Nappa leather seats, a 10.1-inch rear-seat touch screen, dual-panel electric sunroof, and one-touch sliding doors. Despite its high price, it recorded 1,410 pre-orders on the first day of pre-booking on the 21st of last month, with cumulative orders exceeding 3,500 units to date.

Kia plans to solidify its position as a specialized brand strong in RV models by introducing two new locally strategic RV models to the Indian market this year. It also aims to provide a differentiated digital-centric user experience targeting young elites who value style and new IT technologies.

Along with new model launches, Kia will also implement comprehensive digitalization centered on mobile platforms across customer touchpoints such as sales and service. It will conduct circular marketing linking online and offline channels based on digital platforms and continuously provide digital experiences throughout all sales and service processes. Furthermore, following the establishment of 265 sales and service networks in 160 cities nationwide last year, Kia plans to secure over 50 additional locations this year.

Meanwhile, the Seltos, which Kia first introduced to the Indian market in August last year, sold 45,292 units in about five months, ranking second in sales within the mid-size SUV segment in India. Kia ranked ninth overall in brand sales with a single model. Kia aims to become a 'Top 3' brand in India by establishing a sales system of 300,000 units by 2022.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.