The price of the newly released Kia Sonet HTE (O) and HTK (O) variants starts at Rs 8.19 lakh
- HTE (O) and HTK (O), two new Sonet variations, are based on the HTK and HTE trims, respectively.
- The price range for the HTE (O) from Kia is Rs 8.19 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
- The price range for the HTK (O) is Rs 9.25 lakh to Rs 10.85 lakh.
- There is a choice of gasoline and diesel engines available for both new models, but only with a manual shifter.
- The sunroof and sunglass holder from the HTK version that comes next are included in the HTE (O).
- With a sunroof, automated air conditioning, linked LED taillights, and a rear defogger, Kia is selling the Sonet HTK (O).
The HTE (O) and HTK (O), two new lower-spec variants of the Kia Sonet based on the HTE and HTK trims, respectively, have just been released. There is a choice of gasoline and diesel engines available for both of the new (O) models.
Variant-wise Prices
New Variant | Variant It’s Based On | Difference |
Petrol | ||
HTE (O) – Rs 8.19 lakh | HTE – Rs 7.99 lakh | +Rs 20,000 |
HTK (O) – Rs 9.25 lakh | HTK – Rs 8.89 lakh | +Rs 36,000 |
Diesel | ||
HTE (O) – Rs 10 lakh | HTE – Rs 9.80 lakh | +Rs 20,000 |
HTK (O) – Rs 10.85 lakh | HTK – Rs 10.50 lakh | +Rs 35,000 |
The newest (O) variants are priced up to Rs 36,000 more than the HTE and HTK, as can be seen in the above table.
New Characteristics And Variants
At the previously mentioned price premium, Kia is providing the new variations with a few extra goodies above their respective donor grades. What’s new for each variety will be examined now:
- HTE (O): Sunroof and sunglass holder
- HTK (O): Rear defogger, auto air conditioning, linked LED taillights, and sunroof
Features like front power windows, a semi-digital instrument cluster, manually adjustable ORVMs, and a manual air conditioner with rear vents are already included in the base-spec HTE. On the other hand, the HTK trim comes with all four power windows, an 8-inch touchscreen, a 6-speaker sound system, keyless entry, and a driver seat that can be adjusted in height. Six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) are among the safety features that both share. Front parking sensors are also included with the HTK version.
Engine-gearbox Configurations
The following powertrain options are available for the new models:
Specification | 1.2-litre N/A Petrol | 1.5-litre Diesel |
Power | 83 PS | 116 PS |
Torque | 115 Nm | 250 Nm |
Transmission | 5-speed MT | 6-speed MT |
The sub-4m SUV’s higher-spec diesel models also come with a 6-speed iMT (manual without a clutch pedal) and 6-speed automatic transmission. Kia also sells the higher-end Sonet models, which have a 1-liter turbo-petrol engine producing 120 PS and a 6- or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT).
Kia Sonet Competitors
Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, Tata Nexon, Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite, and the soon-to-be Skoda sub-4m SUV are all competitors of the Kia Sonet. It also acts as a substitute for sub-4 million dollar crossover SUVs, like the upcoming Toyota Taisor and the Maruti Fronx.
Also Read: 2024 Kia Seltos
2024 Kia Seltos Will Be Released With Lower-Cost Automatic Transmission Models
- The MY2024 Kia Seltos debuted with numerous improvements but no additional features.
- The HTK Plus variant now has an automatic gearbox, which lowers the price by Rs 1.3 lakh.
- Additional color options were added to the entry-level HTE models.
- The HTK and HTK Plus versions have been updated with new features from higher variations.
Numerous model changes have been made to the Kia Seltos for 2024, most likely in response to input from the market after the facelifted model was introduced in July 2023. The most significant modification is the addition of automatic gearbox options to the mid-spec HTK Plus model, which lowers the price by over a lakh. In addition, Kia has improved the Seltos’ equipment list and color choices, making it a more desirable vehicle overall.
Kia Seltos 2024: New Automatic Models
Previously, the Seltos automated option was available starting with the HTX model. As per Kia, the HTK Plus is the most favored version of the Seltos small SUV; it is available solely with the diesel-iMT, petrol-manual, diesel-manual, and turbo-petrol iMT drivetrains.
The 1.5-liter gasoline CVT and 1. 5-liter diesel AT powertrain options, which were previously exclusive to the HTK version, have now been added to Kia’s lower-spec HTK Plus trim. The automated option in the Seltos is now up to Rs 1.3 lakh less expensive as a result. The most popular Seltos variation will become even more appealing with this update.
Here are the prices for the new variant:
Engine Option | HTX | HTK Plus | Difference |
1.5-litre Petrol CVT | Rs 16.72 lakh | Rs 15.42 lakh | Rs 1.3 lakh |
1.5-litre Diesel AT | Rs 18.22 lakh | Rs 16.92 lakh | Rs 1.3 lakh |
2024 Kia Seltos: Updated Features
The Kia Seltos‘ feature set has been reorganized, with additional amenities from the higher variants being available with the mid-spec model and up. The variants that receive the greatest number of additions are HTK and HTK Plus. The table below contains all the information on these modifications.
Variants | New Features Introduced |
HTK |
|
HTK+ |
|
From HTX Onwards |
|
The Kia Seltos‘ feature set has been reorganized, with additional amenities from the higher variants being available with the mid-spec model and up. The variants that receive the greatest number of additions are HTK and HTK Plus. The table below contains all the information on these modifications.
2024 Kia Seltos: Colour Options Rejigged
Before, Sparkling Silver and Clear White were the only colors available for the Kia Seltos base model. To enhance its appeal, the base HTE and mid-spec HTK Plus models now come in a greater number of Seltos colorways, which are detailed in the table below:
Variants | New Colours |
HTE |
|
HTK+ |
|
Kia Seltos 2024: Competitors
The Kia Seltos package’s overall appeal is increased by these upgrades. See what we thought of the redesigned small SUV in our detailed first-drive review. The Hyundai Creta, Honda Elevate, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, and MG Astor are the competing vehicles of the 2024 Kia Seltos.
Read More On: Honda Amaze, Elevate, And City Prices Increased
7 Cars Scheduled for Release in April 2024
Several new cars are anticipated to go on sale in India as the 2024–2025 fiscal year gets underway, with some of the first releases scheduled for April of this year. This month is predicted to see the release of numerous new vehicles, such as the Toyota Taisor, which is Toyota’s take on the Maruti Fronx, and the fourth-generation Maruti Suzuki Swift. Let’s examine each one in more detail (Release in 7 cars).
Toyota Taisor
The Toyota Taisor, which is based on Maruti Fronx, is the next sub-4 m crossover SUV to hit our market. Anticipate that it will bear the Toyota emblem and have a few minor outward design modifications over the base car. It is anticipated that Toyota would equip it with the same features found on the Fronx, such as a 360-degree camera, six airbags, wireless phone charging, and a 9-inch touchscreen. There should be two different powertrain options available: a 1-liter turbocharged gasoline engine (100 PS/148 Nm) and a 1.2-liter gasoline engine (90 PS/113 Nm). A manual gearbox-equipped CNG powertrain (77.5 PS/98.5 Nm) may also be present. For the 1.2-liter engine, the available transmission options are 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic, and 6-speed automatic transmission.
Mahindra XUV300 in 2024
The Mahindra XUV300 is one of the Mahindra SUVs that has been waiting a long time for an update. The facelifted model has been spotted numerous times with revised design components visible, such as new alloy wheels, linked LED taillights, and LED DRLS and headlights. Images from spy cameras within the cabin have shown that it would have two 10.25-inch screens, similar to the XUV400. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) may even be available for the facelifted XUV300 to keep up with competitors in the premium market, such as the Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet. Mahindra is expected to go with the same powertrain choices seen on the current SUV model, which include a 1.5-liter diesel engine and two turbo-petrol engines (1.2-liter T-GDi and 1.2-liter MPFi, for gasoline direct injection and multi-point fuel injection, respectively).
New Maruti Swift
In its native Japan, the fourth-generation Suzuki Swift has made its debut. The latest hatchback has an updated interior and an evolutionary outward appearance that makes it more angular but recognizable. It has a brand-new 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder Z series petrol engine that produces 82 horsepower and 108 Nm. It can be mated to a CVT or a 5-speed manual transmission. Both gasoline and hybrid Swift models with optional all-wheel drive (AWD) are offered in Japan. These specs, however, can change in India, and the hybrid and AWD models won’t be taken into account. The new Swift has six airbags, blind spot recognition, auto air conditioning, a 360-degree camera, and a 9-inch touchscreen.
Force Gurkha 5-door
The Force Gurkha 5-door off-road SUV is the one that’s most eager to hit the market. After being extensively leaked for the past few years, Force appears to be getting ready for release, as the latest teaser suggests. Compared to the current Gurkha, it boasts a longer wheelbase, an additional set of doors, and other design changes. It will have a three-row seating configuration, most likely with bench seats in the second row and captain seats in the third. Anticipate receiving the same amenities as the 3-door model, such as the dual front airbags, manual AC, and 7-inch touchscreen. The same 2.6-liter diesel engine (90 PS / 250 Nm) that Force currently uses will probably be the Gurkha in its current form. The device will probably be connected to a manual 5-speed gearbox.
Skoda Superb
Having removed the Superb from retail in the first half of 2023, Skoda intends to reintroduce it, although through the completely built-up (CBU) way. The 2-liter turbo-petrol engine in the sedan (190 PS/320 Nm) was the only powerplant available. A 7-speed DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission was fitted to it. To make it a better value for the money, Skoda may even add a few extra creature comforts to the same feature list that it will have at launch. After bringing it here as a fully imported model, Skoda may even limit it as a fully loaded offering.
The Tata Altroz Racer
The Tata Altroz Racer made its debut at the Auto Expo 2023, where it was shown off as a hotter version of the hatchback. More recently, the first Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024 featured a modified version on display. A 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch digital driver display, heated seats, and a sunroof are among the amenities available on board. Six airbags, rain-sensing wipers, and a reversing camera make up its safety net. The 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine from the Nexon, which produces 120 PS and 170 Nm, powers the Altroz Racer Edition underneath the hood. It comes with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard and an automatic transmission option will be available soon.
Volkswagen Taigun GT Plus Sport
Volkswagen unveiled the GT Plus Sport and GT Line Sport, two new, sportier Taigun SUV models, at a recent event. Both inside and out, it receives cosmetic upgrades. The GT Plus Sport has a black alloy grille and wheels. Additionally, it features red highlights within the interior, red brake calipers, and red “GT” emblems. The larger 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine is anticipated to be available for the GT Plus Sport, along with a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DCT. (Release in 7 cars)
We anticipate seeing a handful of these vehicles arrive on our shores around April 2024. What do you think? Which other model do you wish to see released this month in India? Tell us in the comments below.
Also Read: Three Ways India Could See A Rise In The Price Of Hybrids
Three Ways India Could See A Rise In The Price Of Hybrids
Maruti Grand Vitara: To avoid going through the hybrid stage entirely, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have been the main focus of India’s automotive electrification drive. Nonetheless, in recent years, international manufacturers like Honda, Toyota, and even Maruti—whose technology is derived from Suzuki—have debuted hybrid vehicles in India.
These versions, which come with both electric and gasoline propulsion, are far more expensive than their combustion-engined equivalents. For instance, the price difference between the Maruti Grand Vitara’s petrol and hybrid versions is currently about Rs 3 lakh, but the hybrid model comes with a few more goodies. The premium for the hybrid version of the Honda City car can well surpass Rs 4 lakh.
The absence of government incentives in India has prevented other automakers from investigating hybrid powertrain solutions. However given that hybrids are more popular and preferred over pure-EV counterparts due to their lower operating expenses and somewhat lower initial cost, this powertrain technology may become more accessible in the future. Three possible outcomes are as follows:
Lower Taxes
The Indian government, as previously stated, has not been providing any incentives for strong-hybrid powertrain technology, preferring to concentrate on pure electric vehicle technologies. But according to a recent report, Nitin Gadkari, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), said that the tax on hybrid cars should be lowered from the present 48 percent GST to 12 percent GST. As opposed to this, EVs are subject to a 5% GST levy.
If implemented, this modification might significantly lower the premium of a hybrid vehicle over a gasoline vehicle, but it would also need the consent of other ministries.
Reduced Material Expenses
According to one of the primary cost models that project EVs’ growing affordability, raw material costs would decrease as EV adoption and demand increase and associated technologies become more efficient. cheaper battery costs should also result in cheaper prices for hybrid models, as the battery pack is one of the most expensive parts of a hybrid. A rise in hybrid vehicle sales may also contribute to a decrease in the price of the metals and minerals used to make battery packs.
Discounted Offers
While reducing taxes will undoubtedly contribute to hybrid car prices falling, additional financial incentives in the form of discounts may be necessary. To further encourage consumers of new cars to select environmentally friendly choices, these rebates may come from the government or even the car manufacturer. This can include further savings when trading in an outdated gasoline or diesel vehicle for a hybrid one.
These are a few key ways that the most fuel-efficient hybrid cars may see price reductions in the upcoming years. As of right now, the Maruti Grand Vitara, Honda City eHEV, and Toyota Hyryder are the only mass-market strong hybrid vehicles available in India.
Read More On – This Week’s Important Car News (March 25–29): Updates, New Unveils & Teasers, And More