Sonet

The Kia Sonet falls into a hotly contested mini-SUV segment. Image: supplied

Sweet Sonet: Kia’s entry-level SUV joins the market

The Kia Sonet joins its big brothers, the Seltos, Sportage and Sorento in the Korean firm’s SUV market assault. It looks the part, and is equipped to boot.

Sonet

The Kia Sonet falls into a hotly contested mini-SUV segment. Image: supplied

There’s no denying that SUVs have become the order of the day. Not just in South Africa, but globally. Buyers prefer the body style that has them sit higher and therefore feel more secure on the road. Kia’s new baby SUV, the Sonet, joins an already hotly contested segment.

But just because a Sorento is out of reach doesn’t mean you have to settle for a Rio hatchback. If you want to stick it to your neighbours who are pulling out in a Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Nissan Magnite, Toyota Urban Cruiser and Volkswagen T-Cross, but still remain loyal to the brand then you can do it with a Sonet.

“With its sporty, eye-catching design language, fun-to-drive dynamics, and the high-quality features Kia is renowned for, the all-new Sonet puts an exclamation point on our ambition to make Kia the brand of choice for trendy urbanites. The Sonet fulfils an important role in Kia’s local line-up, and is well-positioned to attract a large number of customers who value design, comfort and quality.”  

Gary Scott, Chief Executive Officer of Kia South Africa

When it was speculated that the Sonet was more than just a Hyundai Venue clone

Proportionally correct

The Sonet is unmistakably a Kia, with the same tiger-nose design that’s marked the front end of the brand’s models for the last decade. Its dimensions stand at 4 120 mm long, with a 2 500 mm wheelbase. Kia says it offers one of the biggest cabins in the segment, and when you view it from the profile, there’s a similarity with those that are the most successful in the market. There’s just enough detail to set it apart, even from its Hyundai Venue cousin.

The colour palette offers buyers a choice of seven solid paint finishes: white, silver, grey, black, gold, red and blue. But those who want to stand out from the crown might opt for one of the four two-tone options; white or red with a black roof, and grey or blue with a white roof.

Sonet gets its own engine for SA

The Sonet is powered by a new engine for the local market, Kia’s 1.5 MPI normally aspirated four-cylinder. It produces 85 kW at 6 300 rpm and 144 N.m of torque at 4 500 rpm. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox or a CVT.

Sonet spec and features

Standard across the range is an 8-inch infotainment screen that incorporates a rear-view camera, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, central locking, air-con, front and rear electric windows, electric side mirrors and auto-on headlamps.

The EX trim levels adds front fog lamps, roof rails, silver skid plates and side repeater indicator lamps. Inside, there’s leather wrapped around the steering wheel and shift knob and the infotainment system also features park distance control.

Prices

  • Kia Sonet 1.5 LX manual – R264 995
  • Kia Sonet 1.5 LX CVT – R285 996
  • Kia Sonet 1.5 EX manual – R284 995
  • Kia Sonet 1.5 EX CVT – R305 995
Sonet
Everything you’d expect from a vehicle in this class, especially to remain connected. Image: supplied.
Sonet
The dimensions are very similar to those of the segment’s best. Image: supplied.