KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Kia Seltos, Sonet to get manual diesel soon
- A move to diversify customer base
- Expect the launch soon around this festive season
In a piece of recent information doing rounds, the Kia Seltos and the Sonet are gearing up for a relaunch. Wait! But aren't they already on the shelves? Yes, they are, and we are not talking about a whole relaunch of the SUVs, but the return of their specific variants. According to some sources, both these SUVs are coming back with a manual diesel gearbox option.
Let's look at what are the possible causes leading us all to here at this point in time.
Kia Seltos, Sonet Diesel Manual Coming Back!
The advent of the iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission) marked a significant advancement for many Kia and Hyundai vehicles, initially introduced for petrol variants and later extended to diesel models. While the iMT offers various advantages, including clutchless gear shifts, it comes with a learning curve, especially for those accustomed to traditional manual gearboxes. Inside sources have revealed that Kia is preparing to reintroduce manual transmission options for the diesel variants of its popular Seltos and Sonet models.
This move could be aimed at wooing the traditional manual gearbox users who moved onto the rivals for a diesel manual version. As the festive season unfolds, Kia aims to swiftly reintroduce the diesel manual transmissions for the Seltos and Sonet, seeking to rekindle their competitiveness in the market, given the intensified competition from rival models.
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In the compact SUV segment, the Seltos traditionally ranked second, following the Hyundai Creta; however, newer entrants like the Maruti Grand Vitara have occasionally surpassed it. The Sonet, on the other hand, faces formidable competition from new rivals like the Maruti Fronx and Hyundai Exter and slipped to ninth place among the best-selling sub-compact SUVs in September. The potential reintroduction of diesel manual transmissions could aid in regaining lost ground.
Kia Seltos & Sonet: Under The Hood
Both the Seltos and Sonet share the same 1.5-liter CRDi VGT diesel engine, capable of producing 116 PS of maximum power and a peak torque of 250 Nm. These models offer transmission options, including the 6iMT and the 6AT. It's worth noting that the petrol engine choices vary between the Seltos and Sonet. The Seltos is equipped with a 1.5-liter NA (naturally aspirated) petrol engine that delivers 115 PS and 144 Nm. This engine can be paired with either a 6MT (6-speed manual) or an IVT (intelligent variable transmission).
In contrast, the turbo petrol unit generates an impressive 160 PS and 253 Nm, and it offers transmission choices of 6iMT or 7DCT (7-speed dual-clutch transmission). The Sonet provides petrol options that include a 1.2-liter NA petrol engine, providing 83 PS and 115 Nm, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. For those seeking more power, the 1.0-liter turbo unit produces a robust 120 PS and 172 Nm, with transmission choices of 6iMT and 7DCT.
Verdict
The return of diesel manual transmission options for the Kia Seltos and Sonet signals a resurgence of traditional driving experiences. While modern innovations like the iMT have their merits, the reintroduction of manual gearboxes offers a nostalgic touch for driving enthusiasts. With this comeback, Kia aims to provide a broader range of choices for consumers who value the hands-on control and engagement that manual transmissions offer. Also, If you are someone with a passion for engines mounted on wheels, you must join our Whatsapp Group Community of petrolheads to find out more exciting stuff about the Auto world.
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