The 2025 Kia Sonet has cemented its place as one of India’s most sought-after compact-SUVs, and its automatic range is the real crowd-puller. With four distinct transmission choices, five broad trim levels and a feature list that could shame cars a segment above, deciding “which Sonet automatic to buy” can feel overwhelming. This guide strips away the jargon, lists every variant’s ex-showroom price, details the features you actually care about, and tells you which one delivers the best value for your driving style and budget.
Understanding the 2025 Kia Sonet Automatic Lineup
The 2025 model year brings fresher styling, more connected-car tech and additional safety kit without touching the core mechanical package. All automatic versions continue to ride on the same 2 500 mm wheelbase and 205 mm ground clearance that made the Sonet a darling of urban and weekend duties alike.
Engine & Transmission Matrix
Kia offers three engines and four automatic gearboxes in 2025:
- 1.2 l Kappa petrol (83 PS / 115 Nm) – paired only with 5-speed iMT (clutch-less manual), available in HTE, HTK & HTK+.
Note: Not a torque-converter or CVT, so we’ll skip it in this guide. - 1.0 l Turbo-GDi petrol (120 PS / 172 Nm) – 7-speed DCT (wet clutch) or 6-speed iMT.
- 1.5 l CRDi diesel (115 PS / 250 Nm) – 6-speed TC (torque-converter) or 6-speed iMT.
Only the DCT, TC and 6-speed iMT are available with a proper automatic driving experience, so the article will focus on them.
Key Components of the 2025 Sonet Automatic Variants
Price Break-up (Ex-showroom, Delhi – June 2025)
| Variant | Engine & Gearbox | Price (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| HTK+ 1.0 T-GDi iMT | Petrol 6-speed iMT | ₹ 9.99 lakh |
| HTK+ 1.5 CRDi iMT | Diesel 6-speed iMT | ₹ 10.69 lakh |
| HTK+ 1.5 CRDi AT | Diesel TC automatic | ₹ 11.89 lakh |
| HTX 1.0 T-GDi DCT | Petrol 7-speed DCT | ₹ 12.29 lakh |
| HTX 1.5 CRDi AT | Diesel TC automatic | ₹ 13.09 lakh |
| HTX+ 1.0 T-GDi DCT | Petrol 7-speed DCT | ₹ 13.59 lakh |
| HTX+ 1.5 CRDi AT | Diesel TC automatic | ₹ 14.39 lakh |
| GTX+ 1.0 T-GDi DCT | Petrol 7-speed DCT | ₹ 14.89 lakh |
| GTX+ 1.5 CRDi AT | Diesel TC automatic | ₹ 15.69 lakh |
| X-Line 1.5 CRDi AT | Diesel TC automatic | ₹ 15.99 lakh |
Standard Safety & Tech Across All Automatics
- Six airbags, ESC, VSM & Hill-start Assist from HTX upwards.
- Rear disc brakes in GTX+ & X-Line.
- Tyre-pressure monitoring, rear-parking sensors & camera with dynamic guidelines.
- ISOFIX, 3-point seatbelts for all seats.
Feature Ladder Explained
HTK+ Automatic (₹ 9.99–11.89 lakh)
- 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay.
- Projector fog lamps, auto headlamps, cruise control, electrically foldable ORVMs.
- Arkamys-tuned 4-speaker audio, cooled glovebox, rear AC vents.
Best for: First-time automatic buyers wanting diesel economy or petrol pep at the lowest possible entry price.
HTX Automatic (₹ 12.29–13.09 lakh)
- 16-inch diamond-cut alloys, LED DRLs & positioning lamps.
- Electric sunroof, push-button start with keyless entry.
- Rear defogger & wiper, LED sound mood lighting.
- UVO Lite connected-car tech (remote engine start, vehicle tracking, last parked location).
Best for: Tech-savvy urban families that need comfort features without stretching to the “+” trims.
HTX+ Automatic (₹ 13.59–14.39 lakh)
- 10.25-inch HD touchscreen, Bose 7-speaker premium sound.
- Full LED headlamps & tail-lamps, front ventilated seats.
- Wireless phone charger, air-purifier, drive & traction modes.
Best for: Highway cruisers who demand segment-best audio and long-distance comfort.
GTX+ Automatic (₹ 14.89–15.69 lakh)
- Full digital instrument cluster (10.25-inch), blind-view monitor, front parking sensors.
- Leatherette upholstery, LED projector headlamps, smart-pure-air purifier with virus & bacteria protection.
- Paddle shifters (DCT only), electric sunroof with voice command.
Best for: Gadget lovers who crave all the tech and want the top-spec safety net.
X-Line Limited Edition (₹ 15.99 lakh – Diesel AT only)
- GTX+ feature list + exclusive matte graphite exterior, martian orange accents, leatherette & suede upholstery.
- 18-inch crystal-cut alloys (largest in segment).
Best for: Style-conscious buyers who want stand-out curb appeal and are willing to pay the premium.
Benefits and Importance of Each Automatic Gearbox
DCT (7-speed Dual-Clutch) – 1.0 T-GDi Petrol
- Pros: Lightning-quick shifts, excellent fuel economy (ARAI 18.2 km/l), sporty paddle shifters.
- Cons: Slight low-speed hesitation in bumper-to-bumper traffic; higher maintenance cost.
Torque-Converter (6-speed) – 1.5 CRDi Diesel
- Pros: Proven reliability, smooth crawling on inclines, higher torque handling – great for hills and full-load highway runs.
- Cons: Marginal fuel-efficiency penalty vs iMT (ARAI 19 km/l vs 23 km/l).
iMT (6-speed Intelligent Manual) – Both Engines
- Pros: Retains manual-like control without clutch pedal, lighter, cheaper to service.
- Cons: Not a true automatic; still requires driver-initiated gear changes.
Practical Applications: Which Variant Suits Which Buyer?
City Commuter (Daily Office Runs, 30 km/day)
If you battle stop-go traffic and want stress-free driving, the HTX 1.0 T-GDi DCT at ₹ 12.29 lakh hits the sweet spot. The DCT’s creep function and the sunroof make the daily crawl bearable, while the price stays below the psychological ₹ 12.5 lakh mark (on-road ~₹ 14.4 lakh).
Highway Mile-Muncher (Weekend Trips & Touring)
Pick the HTX+ 1.5 CRDi AT. The torque-converter keeps the engine unstressed at 100 km/h in top gear, while the Bose audio, ventilated seats and 55-litre fuel tank deliver 400+ km legs without fatigue. ARAI 19 km/l translates to a real-world 16 km/l on the expressway.
First-Car Family (Safety Above All)
The HTK+ 1.5 CRDi AT (₹ 11.89 lakh) brings six airbags, ESC and hill-hold for the price of a mid-size hatchback automatic. The diesel torque keeps overtakes effortless with a full cabin and luggage.
Tech Enthusiast (Must-Have Gadgets)
GTX+ 1.0 T-GDi DCT is the only way to get the 10.25-inch digital cluster + Bose + paddle shifters + blind-view monitor. Pair it with Kia Connect’s OTA map updates and you have a mini luxury-SUV cockpit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the real-world mileage of the 2025 Sonet DCT vs Diesel AT?
In bumper-to-bumper city traffic, expect 12–13 km/l from the DCT petrol and 14–15 km/l from the diesel AT. On the highway, the numbers rise to 16 km/l and 18 km/l respectively when driven at 90–100 km/h with AC on.
Does the 7-year extended warranty cover the DCT gearbox?
Yes. Kia’s 7-year / 1.5 lakh km platinum warranty includes the DCT clutch pack and mechatronics unit, but regular wear items like the clutch plates are only covered till 3 years / 40 000 km. Keep the gearbox software updated and follow the 20 000 km/12-month service schedule to avoid claim hassles.
Is the iMT really easier than a manual in traffic?
Absolutely. You never engage a clutch pedal—the actuator does it for you—so left-foot fatigue vanishes. However, you still slot gears manually, so stop-and-go crawls are smoother than AMT but not as effortless as DCT/TC.
Which variant gets Level-2 ADAS features?
None of the 2025 Sonet automatics offer adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist or auto emergency braking. These are expected in the mid-cycle facelift later this year. For now, GTX+ gives you the blind-view monitor and front parking sensors
