The Kia Sonet was introduced to the world in 2020, to take advantage of the emerging, popular market
for subcompact crossover SUVs. After taking the motoring world by storm in Asia and Europe, the Kia
Sonet was launched with much acclaim in Mzansi in 2021.
The latest model is a facelift unveiled in 2023 and arrived in SA this year with an expanded range, all to
keep up with the latest design sensibilities of the market, and to keep in touch with new technology for
comfort and safe motoring.
So, what does the updated Kia Sonet present? We can’t say it is a perfect model but one thing it’s clear:
the new Kia Sonet is more beautiful, slightly bigger and higher, and highly competent product than the
previous Sonet. It also competes very well in its class, with the likes of the Hyundai Venue, VW T-Cross
and Chery Tiggo 4 Pro.
The 2024 Kia Sonet is available in four trim levels, namely the LX, EX, EX Plus and SX and all have
been equipped to provide fair value for money despite the somewhat steep price tags. The entry-level
LX, however, manages to provide the comfort of the Kia despite its budget-spec package – starting from
R366,995.
Exterior
You can’t miss the 2024 Kia Sonet’s restyled front, the design that puts the appearance of the model up
there with the best the Kia can offer in terms of design. The front grill and light housings are inspired by a
tiger’s eyes and nose, which speak of the intention to make the Sonet to have a strong presence beyond
its size.
The C-pillars behind the rear doors have sporty trim accents that highlight the tailgate and rear side
windows. And the rear tail light clusters feature Heartbeat graphics that continue the design of the front
headlamps.
Interior
Inside, the Sonet is equipped with modern features, which include digital instrumentation. The aircon is
effective despite being the manual type, while electric windows are standard and run very smoothly. The
touchscreen infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth and voice commands.
Engine and performance
The Kia is a quiet and relaxed car to drive, even when it’s traversing poorly maintained road surfaces,
which is a testament to its good build quality; we discerned neither a rattle nor a squeak from the cabin.
The 2024 Sonet is powered by a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine run by a practical naturally aspirated
motor. The engine delivers maximum outputs of 85 kW power and 144 Nm torque, a decent combo that
affords the driver and their passengers a quiet and relaxed drive. Fuel efficiency for the 1.5 LX is very
impressive, with an average consumption figure of 7.2 L/100 km. But well-controlled drives can return
figures below 7-litres per 100km.
Safety
The 2024 Kia Sonet facelift has several safety features, which include two airbags for all derivative;
Electronic stability control; ABC (anti-lock braking system ); brake assist; HAC (hill-start assist control),
which helps to start safely on an incline; PDW (parking distance warning), which warns about any
obstacles when driving in tight spaces; and ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) for the SX grade
trim. The ADAS helps the driver to stay within the lane follow and assist in keeping the legal follow
distance.
Verdict on this little charmer is that it is very competent, safe and very comfortable family car.
Pricing
Sonet 1.5 LX Manual R366,995
Sonet 1.5 LX CVT R391,995
Sonet 1.5 EX CVT R411,995
Sonet 1.0T EX DCT R436,995
Sonet 1.5 EX Plus CVT R454,995
Sonet 1.5 SX CVT R484 995
Prices include a 5-year/unlimited km warranty, inclusive of Roadside Assistance as well as a 4-year /
60,000 km service
