by Calvin Fisher
Kia South Africa is in rude health, thanks to a much-loved catalogue. The Sonet in particular has risen to the top of a brimming segment, to the point where the marque has an order book sitting at three customers per car. A nice problem to have, that they have managed to quell with this, the turbocharged iteration of the Sonet. How’d we go from not having enough cars to meet the demand, to getting the improved, forcefully aspirated model? Reasons. Factors. Such as how the Indian factories that build them, has introduced a third shift into their operations allowing for more vehicles, and critically, more in SA, the third largest Sonet market. With fuel challenges overcome and supply sorted all that was left was pricing but we’ll get to that just now.
What is it?
The Sonet is smaller than a Seltos, and similar in size to its half-twin, the Hyundai Venue. But, notably cheaper and dare I say, better looking? It’s certainly been my personal favourite in this segment, making the Ford Ecosport look dated, and managing to edge out the stalwarts such as the Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Toyota Urban Cruiser and Nissan Magnite in terms of sheer desirability.
How does it look?
Compared to the usual suspects I just mentioned, the best. Car design is often a mish-mash of feminine and masculine lines, with stylists often leaning in one direction or the other, based on which gender the car is targeted at. It’s an officially old-school way of thinking now, but there’s no getting away from the fact that the Sonet manages to boast an imposing four-square stance whilst at the same time, exhibiting delicate flourishes in its metal. On this new model you’ll also notice the new Kia logo at the front and back, plus a new Sonet emblem on its bum. It’s still a fresh shape on our roads, and if you’ve opted for the flagship EX+ derivative, even features LED tail lamps.
Life inside?
Hop aboard and you’ll drop into a well-appointed cabin that punches above its weight in terms of modern conveniences. Yes within this leathery interior you have Android Auto, Apple Carplay, Bluetooth and USB – it’s all here to pair its infotainment system with your smartphone, and your multimedia needs. Also present, auto folding mirrors on this high-spec model. There’s also cruise control, an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror, several driving modes and auto climate control. Safety spec has been ramped up too in this EX+, now with six airbags, as well as the usual acronyms such as ABS and ESP.
How does it go?
Kia does the new Sonet in LX, EX and EX+ trim levels, with the latter being the new flagship spec. But the turbo 1-litre three-cylinder (T-GDI engine) can only be had on the EX and EX+ at R359,995 and R389,995 respectively. It churns out a respectable 88kW and 172Nm from its blown 1l engine, which has been paired with a 7-speed DCT auto ‘box. This collaboration yields a 0-100kph of 11.3 seconds, and a top speed of 185kph. It’s no rocket ship, but then, it’s not meant to be, instead representing a fair upgrade over the naturally aspirated model. In practice, I wouldn’t call a comparison between the two motors ‘night and day’ but that was on a test drive near the coast. I suspect the turbo unit will do better up at Gauteng’s altitude where naturally aspirated engines lose some of their performance. The suspension is compliant, but firmed up favourably in the corners on the winding asphalt of our test route, spurred on by the plucky powertrain.
Long story, short
Look, I’m not blown away by the new engine, but turbocharged engines just work. They bring down your fuel consumption, performance better at the reef and generally are more efficient. Kia needed to continue to nail that R250-400k sweet spot and they managed to do just that. Furthermore, they’ve somehow undercut the Hyundai Venue that it shares its underpinnings with, by R50,000, plus there’s the fact that it comes with Kia’s unlimited kilometre, 5-year warranty. It’s in my humble opinion, the best this segment has to offer. It’s not perfect, but let’s be honest, nothing in this segment is. Yet, the Sonet stands out, and continues to be the one I recommend the most.