It was only a couple of weeks ago when Kia Motors unveiled the production version of the Sonet. Now, you can book one with a minimum token amount of Rs 25,000. The company will reveal the prices sometime next month. It will become Kia’s third offering in India. And, with the festive period gaining its momentum, the Sonet should get off to a promising start.

As with the Seltos, Kia’s offering the Sonet in two trim lines – Tech and GT. All variants which fall in the former category start with the alphabet ‘H’. Under the GT Line, all derivatives begin with ‘G’. Those who want a more sporty makeover, and don’t mind paying a premium for that, will opt for one from the GT Line. Here’s how the variant list looks like:

The Sonet is available with a range of engine-transmission combinations. You can have 1.2-litre petrol with a 5-speed manual; a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol with a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT; and a 1.5-litre diesel with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic (torque converter). Interestingly, the 1.0-litre motor is not available with an old-fashioned stick-shifter. On the other hand, the diesel-AT combination isn’t on offer with its step-sibling – the Hyundai Venue. The naturally-aspirated petrol engine produces 82bhp/115Nm, whereas the turbocharged one pumps out 118bhp/172Nm. As for the diesel, the output is 99bhp/240Nm with MT and 113bhp/250Nm with AT.

Fun fact: With the diesel-AT configuration, the Kia Sonet offers the same oomph as the much-more expensive Seltos.

In the features department, the Sonet should be right up there amongst the best. The list of creature comforts includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and UVO Connect, a 7-speaker Bose sound system, automatic climate control, push-button start, built-in air purifier and cruise control. If all that is a bit old-school for you, the Sonet will also pack wireless phone projection, electric sunroof, projector fog lamps, front parking sensors, ventilated front seats and a digital instrument cluster.

Depending on the variant chosen, the Kia will offer up to eight monotone colours and three dual-tone options. And, the standard warranty cover is for three years or unlimited kilometres, whichever is earlier. As of now, the Sonet’s list of rivals includes the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport, Mahindra XUV300 and the Honda WR-V. By the end of the month, Toyota would have joined the party with the Urban Cruiser. Later, two more products will arrive in the same segment – Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite. By the time that happens, Indians will have ten subcompact SUVs in the market.