A bold statement - A Sonet review

With its daring new design, the NEW Sonet boasts a  revamped interior and enhanced features, promising to deliver more bang for your buck. Join DrivenMag as they take a closer look at how the compact powerhouse manages to pack full-sized ambitions into its city-friendly dimensions.

Kia South Africa recently showcased the arrival of its updated Sonet compact SUV to the local market. Building on its successful launch in 2021, the Sonet now features a refreshed exterior, an upgraded interior, and a repositioned range in the competitive A-SUV segment.

Known for its increasingly daring designs, Kia has again pulled a rabbit out of their design hat with the updated Sonet, following the guidelines of its “Opposites United’ philosophy, blending nature and modernity for a harmonious look. The sporty compact SUV now has an even bolder and more futuristic appearance. The front features a new light signature, an updated bumper, a refreshed “tiger nose” grille, and a redesigned fender and bonnet. At the rear, redesigned taillights and a new rear light signature complement the refreshed tailgate and bumper. Despite these changes, the Sonet retains its dimensions: 1,610 mm in height, 4,110 mm in length, and 1,790 mm in width. The long wheelbase (2,500 mm) and short rear overhang provide ample cabin and boot space, making it one of the roomiest in its class with a 385-litre boot capacity. Comfort is ensured through a MacPherson strut setup at the front and a coupled torsion beam axle at the rear.

For the interior, the Sonet retains its high-quality, tech-savvy interior. Depending on the grade, it offers an 8” or a 10.25” colour touchscreen. The layout is intuitive, reducing distracted driving. Standard features include black cloth and artificial leather seats, with higher models offering full artificial leather upholstery. The Sonet continues with its reliable 1.5-litre MPI and 1.0-litre GDi petrol engines. The 1.5-litre engine produces 85 kW and 144 Nm, while the 1.0-litre turbocharged engine delivers 88 kW and 172 Nm. Transmission options include a five-speed manual, CVT, or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.  

The Sonet is built with high-strength steel and features advanced safety systems like ABS with EBD, ESC, Hill-start Assist Control, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and dual front airbags as standard. Central locking with an immobiliser is also standard.

RATIONALISED RANGE

LX: Features body-coloured bumpers, new 16” wheels, black cloth upholstery with artificial leather, and an 8” touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a reverse camera.

EX: Adds rear parking sensors, fog lamps, roof rails, and LED lights. Inside, it includes a storage box with an armrest, leather-clad steering wheel and gear shifter, and conventional cruise control.

EX Plus: Upgrades to a 10.25” touchscreen, full artificial leather upholstery, an electrochromatic rearview mirror, and a wireless charging pad. Exterior enhancements include a diamond-cut alloy wheel design.

SX: The top-tier SX trim introduces advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Follow Assist, and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist. It also includes Drive Mode Select, offering Comfort, Eco, Sport, or Smart settings.

Kia’s commitment to offering a compact yet fully-featured range is evident in the new Sonet. Manufactured to high standards at Kia’s facility in Anantapur, India, the Sonet is designed to turn heads and provide an enjoyable driving experience. With its blend of style, technology, and safety, the Sonet is set to remain a popular choice in the A-SUV segment.

PRICING

Kia Sonet 1.5 LX manual - R366,995

Kia Sonet 1.5 LX auto - R391,995

Kia Sonet 1.5 EX - R411,995

Kia Sonet 1.0T EX - R436,995

Kia Sonet 1.5 EX+  - R454,995

Kia Sonet 1.5 SX  - R484,995