The New Kia Sonet: An Urban Warrior with a Makeover
Get ready, South Africa! The revamped Kia Sonet has rolled into town, and it’s here to make a statement. With a bold new look and a bunch of cool features, this compact SUV is set to conquer our city streets.
A Fresh Face with Attitude
First things first, the Sonet’s new design is all about the drama. Inspired by Kia’s award-winning ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, the Sonet sports a more futuristic and sportier look. The front end now boasts a new light signature, a revamped bumper, and an updated ‘tiger nose’ grille. The fender and bonnet have also received a makeover, giving the Sonet a confident and assertive stance. The rear isn’t left out either, with redesigned taillights that stretch across the width of the car, enhancing its wide and sporty appearance.
Space and Comfort: Big Car Feel in a Compact Package
Despite its compact dimensions (height: 1610 mm, length: 4110 mm, width: 1790 mm), the Sonet offers an impressively roomy cabin. Thanks to its long wheelbase (2500 mm) and smart design, it provides ample legroom and headroom, making it one of the roomiest in its class. The boot space is also generous, with a 385-litre capacity to handle your grocery runs, weekend getaways, or spontaneous road trips.
Interior: Tech-Savvy and Stylish
Inside, the Sonet continues to impress. Depending on the model, you can choose between an 8-inch or a 10.25-inch integrated colour touchscreen infotainment system. These screens are user-friendly and positioned to minimize driver distraction. The seats come in a mix of black cloth and artificial leather, with higher-spec models featuring full artificial leather upholstery. The interior layout is familiar yet upgraded, ensuring that all controls are within easy reach.
Power and Performance
Under the hood, the Sonet retains its reliable engine options. The 1.5-litre engine delivers 85 kW of power and 144 Nm of torque, available with either a 5-speed manual or a CVT. If you’re looking for a bit more punch, the 1.0-litre turbocharged GDi engine churns out 88 kW and 172 Nm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). These engines are designed for efficiency and performance, making your city drives and highway cruises equally enjoyable.
Safety and Convenience: No Compromises
Kia has packed the Sonet with a host of safety features to ensure peace of mind. Standard across all models are dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, Hill-start Assist Control, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. The higher-spec SX model goes even further, introducing Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) like Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist. These features are designed to make driving safer and less stressful, particularly in busy urban environments.
Trim Levels: Something for Everyone
Kia has cleverly positioned the Sonet range to cater to a variety of preferences and budgets:
LX Models: These come with body-coloured bumpers, 16-inch styled wheels, black cloth upholstery, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and manual air-conditioning. It’s a great entry point with plenty of features.
EX Models: Building on the LX, the EX adds rear parking sensors, roof rails, LED lighting updates, cruise control, and a few interior upgrades for added comfort and convenience.
EX Plus Models: These upgrade the touchscreen to a 10.25-inch unit, add full artificial leather upholstery, a wireless charging pad, and more.
SX Models: The top-spec SX includes all the bells and whistles, plus ADAS features for enhanced safety and convenience.
Value Proposition
One of the standout aspects of the new Sonet is its value for money. Kia has ensured that even the entry-level models are well-equipped, making it feel like you’re getting more than what you pay for. Prices start at R366,995 for the 1.5 LX Manual and go up to R484,995 for the fully-loaded 1.5 SX CVT. Plus, every Sonet comes with Kia’s industry-leading Unlimited Kilometre/5-year warranty and a 4-year/60,000 km service plan.
Conclusion: A Compact SUV with Big Ambitions
The new Kia Sonet is more than just a facelift; it’s an evolution. It’s designed for those who want style, space, and a suite of features without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a young urban professional or a small family, the Sonet offers a compelling package that’s hard to ignore.
