Kia has filed to trademark the “Sonet Max” badge in South Africa, leading to speculation the brand might be preparing to offer its small crossover in 2 sizes…
- New “Sonet Max” trademark filing unearthed
- Is a larger Sonet being planned for Mzansi?
- Kia has not yet released any official details
Cars.co.za has discovered that Kia recently filed a trademark application for the “Sonet Max” badge in South Africa, leading us to speculate that the South Korean firm might have plans to offer its small crossover in 2 distinct sizes.
We can confirm that, as recently as 14 September 2026, Kia’s head office in Seoul applied to trademark the “Kia Sonet Max” name in South Africa. After some digging, we discovered that the company submitted similar filings in Peru, Sri Lanka and Paraguay around the same time.
While no official details have yet been released (it would be far too early for Kia’s local division to comment), it’s worth noting the “Max” suffix is a naming convention often used denote a slightly larger version of a particular product. For instance, GWM will soon introduce the Haval Jolion Max, slotting this model above the standard Jolion.
As such, we’d speculate that Kia South Africa might have plans to offer a somewhat bigger version of the Sonet crossover. Considering the recently introduced SP3-series Seltos is significantly larger than its predecessor, there is now theoretically space to accommodate such a model between the existing Sonet and the new Seltos.
So, how might this all play out? Well, reports out of India – where the QY-series Sonet has been in production since 2020, arriving in SA the following year – suggest the 2nd-generation model is due to launch in 2027. Set to switch to the automaker’s latest K1 platform, the upcoming new Sonet could potentially be larger than the current model.
As such, there could be an opportunity for the current Sonet to soldier on in South Africa as a so-called “prolonged-lifecycle vehicle” (a strategy Kia SA at least considered with the Seltos), with the 2nd-generation version – likely featuring a longer wheelbase to unlock extra rear legroom – then free to adopt the new “Sonet Max” badge.
Still, it’s worth keeping in mind Kia also has plans to launch the new Syros in South Africa, with our latest information suggesting a local arrival is scheduled for the middle of 2027. The Syros is similar in size to the Sonet, being only slightly wider and taller (though its 2 550 mm wheelbase is some 50 mm longer).
Since the Syros is set to be positioned above the current-generation Sonet, there’s also the outside possibility that Kia might badge it as the “Sonet Max” in South Africa (in an attempt to leverage the power of the Sonet name locally). Still, we’d say this theory is the less likely of the two we’ve put forward here.
Of course, Kia could have another plan entirely. In addition, we should point out that a trademark application is by no means a guarantee that the automaker will use the badge in question. Indeed, Kia holds the local rights to numerous other nameplates it has yet to employ in South Africa.
As a reminder, the current Sonet range in Mzansi comprises 7 derivatives (excluding a pair of panel-van variants), with pricing running from R299 995 to R484 995. The brand’s local division recently rejigged the line-up, dropping the turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine and leaving all derivatives to employ the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol motor.
The Sonet is easily Kia SA’s best-selling model, with 6 601 units (excluding panel-van derivatives registered in the light-commercial vehicle segment) sold in Mzansi over the opening 8 months of 2026. It was also comfortably the brand’s top seller in 2025, with 10 671 units registered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the “Kia Sonet Max” trademark filing in South Africa?
A: According to Cars.co.za, on 14 September 2026, Kia’s head office in Seoul applied to trademark the “Kia Sonet Max” name in South Africa and other international markets, sparking speculation about a larger crossover variant.
Q: Why might Kia introduce a larger “Sonet Max” model in South Africa?
A: With the 2nd-generation Seltos growing significantly in size, a gap has opened up between the current Sonet and the new Seltos. A “Sonet Max” could potentially accommodate a larger, next-generation Sonet.
Q: Is the Kia Sonet Max confirmed for release in South Africa?
A: No, Kia has not yet officially confirmed any product details. A trademark application reserves the nameplate rights but does not guarantee the badge will be used on a production model.
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