Kia’s portfolio in India primarily focuses on the premium compact and mid-size SUV segments. If you are looking for a Kia car with an ex-showroom price under ₹8 lakh, your options are concentrated within the entry-level variants of their most compact model.
1. Kia Sonet (The Primary Choice)
The Kia Sonet is the only model from the brand currently available with variants starting below ₹8 lakh. It is a feature-rich compact SUV known for its bold styling and multiple powertrain options.
- Variants Under ₹8 Lakh:
- Sonet HTE (Base): Approximately ₹7.30 Lakh (Ex-showroom).
- Sonet HTE (O): Approximately ₹7.75 Lakh (Ex-showroom).
- Key Features (HTE/HTE (O) Variants):
- Engine: 1.2L Petrol (82 bhp) with a 5-speed manual transmission.
- Safety: Standard 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).
- Comfort: Manual AC with rear vents, front power windows, and a semi-digital instrument cluster.
- HTE (O) Addition: This variant typically includes a sunroof and sunglasses holder, making it one of the most affordable cars in India with a factory-fitted sunroof.
2. Upcoming & Alternatives
While no other current Kia models (like the Seltos, Carens, or Syros) fall under the ₹8 lakh bracket, here is what to keep an eye on:
- Kia Syros: Launched recently, this “ultra-compact” SUV sits between the Sonet and Seltos. While its mid-spec and top-spec variants exceed ₹10 lakh, the base entry price starts around ₹8.67 Lakh, which is slightly above your budget but may be reachable with dealer offers.
- Used Market: For a budget of ₹8 lakh, you can find high-trim Certified Pre-Owned Kia Sonets (HTX or HTK+ variants) or entry-level Used Kia Seltos (2020–2021 models) that offer more features and larger engines than a brand-new base variant.
Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | Kia Sonet HTE | Kia Sonet HTE (O) |
| Ex-Showroom Price | ~₹7.30 Lakh | ~₹7.75 Lakh |
| Engine | 1.2L Petrol | 1.2L Petrol |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual | 5-Speed Manual |
| Sunroof | No | Yes |
| Safety | 6 Airbags (Std) | 6 Airbags (Std) |
Important Disclaimer
- Price Variation: All prices mentioned are Ex-showroom. The “On-road” price (which includes RTO registration, Road Tax, Insurance, and other charges) will significantly exceed ₹8 lakh. For example, a ₹7.30 lakh car may cost between ₹8.40 lakh and ₹8.70 lakh on-road depending on your city.
- Availability: Waiting periods for base variants like the HTE can range from 1 to 3 months depending on dealership stock and color choice.
- Updates: Prices and variant features are subject to change by Kia India. Always verify the latest price list at an authorized Kia dealership before making a booking.