Driven: The Kia Pegas - A Budget-Friendly Sedan with Ample Space
By Murali Naidu
As a segment, the sedan has seen a decline in popularity, with SUVs dominating sales in recent years. These high-riding alternatives have taken over from the humble hatchback, saloon car, and two-door coupé. However, the sedan still holds a place in the South African vehicle market, particularly in the budget category, where small sedans continue to post impressive sales figures. For more insights into Kia’s offerings, visit KIA Reviews on AutoAdvisor.
The Kia Pegas: A New Competitor in the Sedan Market
The Kia Pegas is the latest entrant into the small sedan market, competing with the likes of the Ford Figo Sedan, Volkswagen Polo Sedan, and Suzuki Ciaz. The Kia Pegas appeals to drivers looking for value-for-money motoring without sacrificing boot space or practicality. One of the key differentiators of the Pegas is its size. Although not massive, the Pegas measures over four metres in length, which translates into generous boot space and enhanced rear passenger comfort.
Subtle and Tasteful Styling
The styling of the Kia Pegas is subtle yet tasteful. At the front, it features Kia’s signature ‘Tiger nose’ radiator grille, with a resemblance to the Kia Rio. The rear of the car is neatly styled, making the Pegas both discreet and inoffensive in its design.
Competitive Pricing and Impressive Features
Kia has priced the Pegas very competitively, with the range starting from just R225,995. We tested the range-topping Pegas, which is equipped with a lengthy list of features and retails for R236,995. In terms of safety, the Pegas comes standard with two airbags, ABS brakes, and ISOFIX child seat anchorages. However, it's the convenience features that truly stand out.
A seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with Bluetooth connectivity. Electric windows are standard, and the EX model adds faux leather seats, front fog lamps, and cruise control.
Spacious Interior and Large Boot
One of the most impressive aspects of the Kia Pegas is the amount of space available for rear passengers. The rear cabin is exceptionally roomy, offering ample knee room and headroom, making it an ideal choice for families or ride-share vehicles. The boot space is equally impressive, offering 475 litres of luggage capacity.
Peppy Performance and Fuel Efficiency
Under the hood, the Kia Pegas is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.4-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 69 kW and 132 Nm of torque. While these numbers may not sound particularly powerful, the Pegas feels peppy on the road. Fuel consumption is claimed at 5.7 L/100 km, and during our week of driving, we achieved a close figure of 5.9 L/100 km, proving the car’s impressive fuel efficiency.
Smooth Gearbox and Refined Ride
One of the highlights of the driving experience is the five-speed manual gearbox, which offers a smooth and precise shifting experience. Budget cars often suffer from notchy or uncoordinated gearboxes, but the Pegas’s gearbox stands out as the best in its segment. The ride quality is equally impressive, with the Pegas offering a refined and comfortable driving experience, making it feel like a far larger and more expensive car.
Verdict
Overall, the Kia Pegas impressed us with its ability to offer value without significant compromises. Unlike many budget vehicles, the Pegas is good-looking, well-built, and generously equipped, with plenty of passenger space. While we would have liked to see stability control as a standard feature, the Pegas remains a stellar sedan, reminding us that sedans are still rewarding to drive.
