The opening gambit to Kia South Africa’s crossover/SUV portfolio, the Sonet is arguably one of the best vehicles in its segment, with its eye-catching design language and tech-laden cabin making for a package that’s worthy of consideration were you in the market for a vehicle of this ilk.
Now, building on the provisos of the pre-facelifted iteration, which we’ve driven in turbo and naturally aspirated guises, the revised version of Kia’s popular crossover has touched down on local shores. Here’s what you can expect, including pricing and spec, of the updated Sonet…
Priced from R366 995, the local Sonet portfolio comprises six derivatives, available with the choice of two engine options, a trio of transmissions, and a quartet of trim grades.
Starting with the powertrains and transmissions, there are a 85/144 N.m 1.5-litre, naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol, which is available with a six-speed manual or CVT, and a seven-speed dual-clutch-equipped 1.0-litre turbo-triple, which churns out 88 kW and 172 N.m of torque. Kia claims fuel consumption figures of 7.0 L/100 km (1.5 manual), 7.2 L/100 km (1.5 CVT) and 6.0 L/100 km (1.0 DCT).
Now repositioned to offer customers maximum choice, the four trim lines on offer are LX, EX, EX Plus, and SX. The entry point to the range, the LX package includes 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment, replete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system, a multifunction steering wheel, automatic headlamps, and 16-inch wheels. In addition to these features, the EX gains LED lamps, rear park distance sensors, aft fog lamps, and roof rails.
EX Plus grade upgrades to Kia’s 10.25-inch ’Supervision’ digital instrument binnacle and a touch-enabled infotainment screen of similar size. A wireless smartphone charging pad is also present, as are artificial leather upholstery and an electrochromatic rear-view mirror. EX Plus models sit on 16-inch diamond-cut alloys.
A new addition, the Sonet is now available in SX guise. Specified in this flagship level of specification, the Sonet gains a raft of driver assistance systems, which include blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and more.
Kia Sonet pricing
- 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
As standard, all models ship with a four-year/60 000 km service plan and a warranty of five years or unlimited km.
