The opening gambit to Kia’s crossover/SUV portfolio, the Sonet is one of the best compact crossover/SUVs currently available in Mzansi. With the local line-up, priced from R366 995 to R484 995, comprising a selection of six models (available with the choice of four trim grades, a trio of transmission options, and two engine options), the local arm of the South Korean carmaker has ensured there is a Sonet to suit most consumers’ tastes and, notably, budget.
However, in a bid to expand the Sonet’s footprint and, at the same time, offers customers more choice, in South Africa, Kia SA has expanded its Sonet portfolio, introducing a duo of new entry-level, LS models to our shores. Priced from R299 995 (for the derivative equipped with a six-speed manual cog swapper) to R324 995 (for the CVT-equipped variant), here’s what you can expect from the newcomers…
How much does the Kia Sonet cost in South Africa?
Included in their respective sticker prices, each Sonet ships with a five-year/unlimited km warranty and a service plan spanning three years or 45 000 km.
- 1.5 LS MT — R299 995
- 1.5 LS CVT — R324 995
- 1.5 LX MT— R366 995
- 1.5 LX CVT — R391 995
- 1.5 EX CVT — R411 995
- 1.0 T-GDi EX DCT — R436 995
- 1.5 EX Plus CVT — R454 995
- 1.5 SX CVT — R484 995
The box-fresh Sonet models exclusively employ Kia’s 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine. Sans breathing apparatus, the naturally aspirated powertrain (the same unit found in the flagship, SX derivative) churns out 85 kW and 144 N.m of torque, the latter on tap from 4 500 r/min. As mentioned, two transmission options are on offer: a six-speed manual and CVT. Equipped with the former, the 1.5-litre unit sips, on average, a claimed 6.6 L/100 km, while the model driving its front axle via a CVT has a claimed fuel consumption figure of 6.2 L/100 km.
As a reminder, locally, there is another engine option to choose from: a 1.0-litre, turbo-triple producing 88 kW and 172 N.m of torque. Exclusively available with EX level of specification, the three-pot is coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Kia claims an average fuel consumption figure of 5.8 L/100 km. The model sporting this drivetrain is priced from R436 995.