The Kia Sonet was launched only last year, to play in the upper-end small SUV market. So what’s new so soon? Clearly the introduction of the 1.0-litre turbopetrol engine models to its range will be a hit with South Africans who love SUVs but feel hard-pressed with the high fuel prices in the country.
Before the new 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine, the Sonet was powered exclusively by a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine. The Sonet now offers a pair of derivatives that directly rival the similarly-powered oppoistion in Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger and Hyundai Venue.
The 1.0-litre turbo, which produces peak outputs of 88 kW and 172 Nm of torque, is found only in the new EX+ derivative which is now the top of the range, with a little bit more tech and safety niceties. The 1.0-litre turbo consume a decent average of 6.0 L/100 km.
The entry-level LX and subsequent derivatives are all driven by the 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine.
Further new additions to the Sonet, clearly via the introduction of the EX+ derivative, are useful safety features such as six airbags (a big improvement from two of the rest of the rage) and cruise control.
All versions of the Sonet are equipped with ABS, EBD and stability control.
Further additions include LED tail-lights, electrically folding mirrors, artificial leather seats, automatic climate control, a digital instrument cluster and a drive mode selector, with which you can toggle between Sport, Normal and Eco modes.
Wireless Apple Carplay/Android Auto is supported in both the EX and EX+ derivatives, which is certainly a step above in terms of connectivity options.
Overall, the Kia Sonet turbo delivers the most accomplished driving experience. Further good about thequality of the Sonet drive is that the cabin offers decent noise insulation.
Prices
Sonet 1.5 LX Manual R296,995
Sonet 1.5 LX CVT R317,995
Sonet 1.5 EX Manual R316,995
Sonet 1.5 EX CVT R337,995
Sonet 1.0 T-GDI EX 7DCT R359,995
Sonet 1.0 T-GDI EX+ 7DCT R389,995
The Kia Sonet is sold with a 5-year/unlimited km warranty and a 4-year/60 000 km service plan, which is one of the most comprehensive after-sales offerings in the segment today.
Smooth, quiet and smart drive is Kia Sonet selling point
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