Key highlights
- 2027 Kia Sonet and 2027 Hyundai Creta spotted in Manali
- Both cars are scheduled to launch in India next year
- New-gen Creta will be based on a longer K3 platform
Hyundai and Kia are on a roll. And by roll, we mean that both brands are actually rolling down the streets of Manali with their two separate upcoming models, i.e. the next-gen Sonet and next-gen Creta. Know all the details about these new SUVs below.
Also read: Tata cars to become expensive from July 2026 in India
What to expect from the 2027 Kia Sonet?
The next-gen Sonet is going to be based on the K1 platform, which made its debut in India with the new Hyundai Venue in November 2025. Although the car will remain sub-4 metre, the new platform will ensure that it gets better safety and new electronics.
The camouflaged test car seen in the spy shots has interesting visual upgrades. The front, for example, now packs a more upright and boxy stance, which makes it look like a proper SUV. We suspect that it will get the vertical LED headlamps and a wider grille, mimicking the new-gen Seltos’ design.
The side profile has also undergone a big update as the car gets a new greenhouse, new alloy wheels, new mirrors, and a butch body line. The rear has vertical LED taillights visible, which again look identical to the Seltos.
Similar to the exterior, the interior layout of the new Sonet will also undergo a massive update. It will feature a light-coloured cabin with the trinity display, a new three-spoke steering wheel, and new features. Everything will get a redesign, including the seats, storage spaces, door pads, etc. The new platform is also likely to offer more rear space for the passengers.
Mechanically, the car will remain unaltered. Although we do expect it to offer better drivability and a quieter cabin experience with the improved NVH levels.
What to expect from the new-gen Hyundai Creta?
The second test car seen in Manali along the 2027 Sonet is the upcoming Creta. This is going to be the most-awaited product launch for 2027 in India as the Creta is the best-selling car already, and people are eagerly waiting for the new-gen model.
Well, Hyundai is going to do justice to this wait, as the new-gen model will be based on the K3 platform, which debuted on the new-gen Seltos recently. Hence, the Creta will not only get a wider footprint, but it will also grow in size considerably.
The test car has been covered smartly to hide all the design details, but the overall silhouette of the car shows us the new styling, and the new elements like the dual-tone alloys, new segmented horizontal LED taillights, a sleek roofline, and a muscular front profile.
As expected, the interior design is also going to get a substantial improvement. The previous spy shots taken in South Korea by a digital media agency have already revealed the new seats, new door panels, and improved rear seat space, especially the legroom. Hyundai will fit the segment-first features like the Pleos infotainment on it, as it is set to become the best Hyundai car in India once again.
Under the bonnet, it will offer the current engine and gearbox options as it is. While we do expect it to get retuning for better comfort and efficiency, rumours are that Hyundai will also bring a self-charging hybrid engine in the future.
The new-gen Creta will be launched next year, and it will be priced in the same ballpark as the current Kia Seltos.
