2021 Kia Sonet teased for India, Stonic still set for Australia – UPDATE

UPDATE: Kia has handed down a set of new teaser images for the 2021 Kia Sonet, revealing a clearer look – albeit still in stylised sketch form – at its exterior design and new-generation interior themes. We've added those images to the body of this story.

July 24: A first official preview for the upcoming 2021 Kia Sonet has been handed down, but we likely won't see it in Australia.

From the outset, the Sonet has been intended as an India-only offering, revealed as a concept at February's Delhi motor show.

In India, the compact Sonet will square off against the Nissan Magnite, revealed in concept form last week.

Australian buyers shopping in the compact SUV segment will instead be offered the Kia Stonic (shown below), which will enter the line-up below the Seltos that debuted here in late 2019.

CarAdvice first reported the Stonic's upcoming Australian debut earlier this year, and a Kia spokesperson has today reaffirmed a late-2020 timeline.

The Stonic was first revealed in 2017, and was initially ruled out for Australia. In January this year, however, local Kia product boss Roland Rivero said the company was keen to "take a slice" of the "emerging light SUV segment".

Above top: the Sonet in concept form, above bottom: the Stonic

The Stonic's debut will give Kia a viable option for buyers seeking a compact vehicle – but not a conventional hatch like the light Rio and compact Picanto it already offers.

Depending on timing, we might even see the Stonic given a styling and equipment update before it reaches Australia.

For more on the Stonic, and the Sonet, see our coverage at the links below.

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