Driven: The Kia Sonet with all round affordable quality

Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

Something for everyone

“The popularity of the Kia Sonet has been overwhelming, and we’re delighted that so many customers are choosing Kia’s newest model to begin their SUV life,” comments Stephen Crosse, sales and marketing director of Kia South Africa. “There is nothing ‘entry-level’ about the Sonet LX derivatives when it comes to comfort, convenience and features, and we’re confident that the LX’s value proposition will further bolster the Sonet’s popularity.”

The luxury of choice

Don’t let the entry-level positioning fool you, though. The Sonet LX models do not compromise on quality or essential comfort and safety features and, like its EX sibling, are offered with Kia’s advanced, punchy and frugal 1.5 MPI naturally aspirated petrol engine delivering 85kW at 6,300r/min and 144Nm of torque at 4,500r/min. Customers have a choice between a six-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Loaded with lots of features

Are you ready for this? Let’s go! First, there is an 8,0-inch HD touchscreen infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Add to that remote central locking, air-conditioning, Bluetooth, front and rear electric windows, electric mirrors and a rear-view camera. Love your music? There are six speakers to pump up the jam! Also, there is an automatic headlamp activation and a combination of artificial leather and cloth seat trim. Safety first, always

Looking good

The Sonet showcases a range of styling attributes that sets it apart from its competitors, including a fresh interpretation of Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose grille’, with a stylish front skid plate underneath. Its sporty silhouette is enhanced by the unique design and structure of its C-pillars, matched with a wrap-around rear windscreen. The profile, meanwhile, has a strong, sporty character thanks to the shape of the bonnet and bumpers, with the strongly raked A-pillars and rounded roofline imparting greater road presence.

Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

Safety bells and whistles

Customer safety is an utmost priority for Kia globally, starting with the structural integrity of the passenger cell. More than two-thirds of the Sonet’s body is made up of high-strength and advanced high-strength steel, creating a lightweight yet robust structure. Complementing this strong structure are several key safety features, including Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS with EBD, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Dual front airbags, Isofix child-seat anchoring points.

Colour me bad!

The Sonet is offered in seven one-tone exterior colours: Glacier White, Steel Silver, Gravity Grey, Aurora Black, Beige Gold, Intense Red and Intelligency Blue. Customers keen to express themselves a bit more may opt for one of four two-tone exterior colour options: Glacier White or Intense Red with a black roof, or Gravity Grey or Intelligency Blue with a white roof.

Aptly summed up

“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,” comments Gary Scott, CEO, Kia South Africa. “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.”

Recommended retail price including VAT

• Sonet 1.5 LX Manual - R269,995
• Sonet 1.5 LX CVT - R290,995
• Sonet 1.5 EX Manual - R289,995
• Sonet 1.5 EX CVT - R310,995

All Sonet models ship as standard with Kia’s industry-leading Unlimited Kilometre, five-year warranty (inclusive of roadside assistance), as well as a prepaid four-year/60,000km service plan.