Kia South Africa has just launched the revamped Sonet, and it’s set to make another strong impact on local buyers. Since its introduction in 2021, the Sonet has quickly become a favourite in the competitive A-SUV market, and this latest update promises to make it even more appealing.
The updated Sonet boasts a sporty, eye-catching design. The Sonet is inspired by Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, combining nature and modernity for a futuristic look. With a new front bumper, an updated ‘tiger nose’ grille, and redesigned taillights, this compact SUV has a bold, confident stance.
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Despite these stylish updates, the Sonet retains its compact dimensions, ensuring it’s just as manoeuvrable and practical as before. With a height of 1 610 mm, length of 4 110 mm, and width of 1 790 mm, it offers plenty of cabin space without compromising on ease of handling. The 385 L boot capacity is one of the largest in its class, perfect for storing all your adventure gear.
Interior & Tech
Inside, the Sonet is all about comfort and technology. The high-quality interior features two infotainment screen options: an 8-inch colour touchscreen or a 10.25-inch integrated colour touchscreen, depending on the model. These screens are designed to keep important controls within easy reach.
The seating is a mix of black cloth and artificial leather, with higher-end models offering full artificial leather upholstery. The air conditioning is either manual or automatic, depending on the variant. The LX model includes an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
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Standard features across the range include ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Electronic Stability Control, Hill-start Assist Control, and dual front airbags. The top-of-the-line SX model even includes advanced driver assistance systems like Blind Spot Collision Avoidance, Lane Keep Assist, and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist.
The entry-level LX model is packed with features, including electric windows, a reverse camera, and Bluetooth connectivity. The EX model adds rear parking sensors, roof rails, and LED lights, while the EX Plus model boasts a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, full artificial leather upholstery, and a wireless charging pad. The new SX model offers advanced driver assistance systems and Drive Mode Select, allowing drivers to tailor it to their needs.
Familiar engine
The new Sonet comes with the dependable 1.5-litre MPI and turbocharged 1.0-litre GDi petrol engines. The 1.5-litre engine delivers 85 kW of power and 144 N.m of torque, while the 1.0-litre turbocharged engine offers a bit more punch with 88 kW of power and 172 N.m of torque. You can choose between a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT for the 1.5-litre engine, or the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission for the 1.0-litre engine.
Available from 18 June 2024, with the EX Plus and SX models hitting the market in late July, pricing for the new Kia Sonet is as follows:
- Kia Sonet 1.5 LX Manual: R366 995
- Kia Sonet 1.5 LX CVT: R391 995
- Kia Sonet 1.5 EX CVT: R411 995
- Kia Sonet 1.0 T-GDi EX DCT: R436 995
- Kia Sonet 1.5 EX Plus CVT: R454 995
- Kia Sonet 1.5 SX CVT: R484 995
All Sonet models ship as standard with Kia’s Unlimited km/5-year warranty, inclusive of Roadside Assistance, and a pre-paid 4-year/60 000 km service plan
