Kia Discontinues Diesel-iMT Gearbox: Key Updates Across Sonet, Seltos, and Carens

Kia Motors has streamlined its Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) offerings, a gearbox that combines manual control with clutch-less convenience. While this technology remains available in select petrol configurations of the Sonet, Seltos, and Carens, the diesel-iMT variants have been discontinued across all three SUVs. Alongside this change, Kia has reorganized the variant lineup, introducing new mid-spec trims while phasing out certain high-end options, including the Gravity Edition in some models. These updates aim to refine Kia’s offerings while enhancing affordability for premium features. Below, we delve into the model-specific changes and their updated powertrain options.

Kia Sonet Updates

The Sonet’s mid-spec diesel-iMT variants have been discontinued. However, Kia has introduced a new HTK+ (O) variant, offering premium features at a competitive price. This trim is available with 1.2L NA petrol and 1.0L turbo-petrol engines. Notably, the stealthy Gravity Edition has also been removed from the lineup.

Powertrain Options:

Engine	Power (PS)	Torque (Nm)	Transmission
1.2L NA petrol engine	83	115	5-speed manual
1.0L turbo-petrol	120	172	6-speed iMT / 7-speed DCT
1.5L diesel engine	116	250	6-speed manual / automatic

Kia Seltos Updates

In the Seltos, the mid-spec diesel-iMT variants have also been discontinued. However, Kia has introduced new trims such as HTK(O), HTK+(O), and HTX(O), making select features more accessible. Meanwhile, the Gravity Edition and the high-spec GTX trim have been dropped.

Powertrain Options:

Engine	Power (PS)	Torque (Nm)	Transmission
1.5L NA petrol engine	115	144	6-speed manual / CVT auto
1.5L turbo-petrol engine	160	253	6-speed iMT / 7-speed DCT
1.5L diesel engine	116	250	6-speed manual / auto

Kia Carens Updates

The Carens follows a similar trend, with the diesel-iMT variant being phased out. The lineup retains the Gravity Edition, but the Luxury trim has been discontinued. Kia has also adjusted powertrain availability across variants.

Powertrain Options:

Engine	Power (PS)	Torque (Nm)	Transmission
1.5L NA petrol engine	115	144	6-speed manual
1.5L turbo-petrol engine	160	253	6-speed iMT / 7-speed DCT
1.5L diesel engine	116	250	6-speed manual / auto

Pricing and Competition

• Sonet: ₹8 lakh – ₹15.70 lakh, competing with Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, and others.
• Seltos: ₹11.13 lakh – ₹20.50 lakh, rivals include the Hyundai Creta, Skoda Kushaq, and Honda Elevate.
• Carens: ₹10.60 lakh – ₹19.70 lakh, directly challenging the Hyundai Alcazar.

The discontinuation of diesel iMT primarily affects drivers seeking a balance between fuel efficiency and the engaging driving experience of a manual gearbox, while offering a more affordable alternative to fully automatic transmissions.