The Kia Sonet now with turbo power
By Murali Naidu
The Kia Sonet finds itself in the ever changing B-segment alongside some stiff competition. The Sonet however, since its introduction has been a favourite within the segment. It offers much in terms of features and value. Now though Kia has added a turbocharged motor to the line-up and we gave it a go.
Design
The Kia Sonet incorporates Kia’s DNA of emotive styling along with a premium and youthful appeal to create a strong presence on the roads. 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.
It’s actually spacious
Contributing to the Sonet’s unmistakable SUV stance is its size. At 4,120 mm long, sitting on a wheelbase measuring 2,500 mm, it’s one of the largest and most spacious vehicles in the B-SUV segment, ensuring that there is more than enough space for all passengers – and everything that’s needed on the journey.
Interior
Inside, the Sonet offers a sophisticated cabin with a smooth, flowing dashboard to appeal to young-at-heart and always-connected consumers. Keeping the comfort of the driver and passengers in mind, intelligent packaging has liberated plenty of leg room, head room and shoulder room, and created a large luggage area measuring 392 litres.
All the tech you expect
Taking centre stage on the dashboard is an 8,0-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system that incorporates a reverse camera with dynamic guidelines, a standard fitment throughout the range. The setup offers Kia’s intuitive and friendly voice-control technology and sports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Additionally, the digital instrument cluster presents important information to the driver in vivid clarity.
About that engine
Supplementing the critically acclaimed Sonet range, powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine in entry-level LX and mid-tier EX specification, the new Kia Sonet 1.0 T-GDi options build on the current range and offer a new flagship in EX+ specification.
The 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. You can expect 88kW and 172Nm of torque. The combination of engine and transmission also allow for an impressive fuel consumption figure.
Overall
The Sonet is a very appealing package. It offers much in terms of design, quality, technology and now performance. It’s a popular car which we think will become even more popular thanks to the addition of this 1.0-litre turbocharged variant.
Also worth a look: the Kia Seltos and the Kia Sportage.
FAQ
Q: What does the Kia Sonet cost in South Africa?
The Kia Sonet range starts from around R389,995 for the base model, with the new turbocharged variants priced from approximately R459,995, making it competitive in the B-SUV segment against rivals like the Hyundai Venue and Nissan Magnite.
Q: Is the Kia Sonet worth buying in 2024?
The Kia Sonet is definitely worth considering, especially with the new turbo engine adding proper punch to an already well-equipped package that offers excellent value, a spacious interior, and Kia's solid 5-year/150,000km warranty.
Q: What engine does the turbocharged Kia Sonet have?
The turbocharged Kia Sonet features a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine producing 88kW and 172Nm of torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for peppy performance.
Q: How does the Kia Sonet compare to the Hyundai Venue?
The Kia Sonet edges out the Hyundai Venue with more interior space (392-litre boot vs 350 litres), better standard features like the 8-inch touchscreen across the range, and now with turbo power, it offers more driving excitement than the Venue's naturally aspirated engine.
Q: What is the fuel consumption of the Kia Sonet turbo?
The turbocharged Kia Sonet achieves a claimed fuel consumption of 5.3 litres per 100km with the manual transmission and 5.7 litres per 100km with the automatic, making it reasonably economical for daily driving despite the added performance.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, the Kia Sonet with turbo power is absolutely worth buying if you're shopping for a B-SUV under R500,000 in South Africa. At R459,995 for the turbo automatic, it's the best all-rounder in its class, offering proper performance, excellent build quality, loads of standard kit, and one of the most spacious cabins in the segment. The new 1.0-litre turbo engine finally gives the Sonet the driving dynamics to match its handsome looks and practical interior. Sure, you could save some cash with a Nissan Magnite or Renault Kiger, but the Sonet's superior refinement, longer warranty, and now genuinely fun driving experience make it worth the extra spend. The best B-SUV under R500,000 in SA is undoubtedly the turbocharged Kia Sonet.
