The Kia Sonet has become a firm favourite in the wildly popular small SUV segment. In fact, Kia has struggled to satisfy customer demand for the model. However, the Korean brand’s local subsidiary is confident that its stock shortage will soon ease and, last week, it added two 1.0-litre turbopetrol derivatives to the Sonet line-up.
What’s new with the Kia Sonet?
The new EX+ version features more standard features and a turbocharged engine.
With the introduction of a new 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine to its range, the Sonet, which was powered exclusively by a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine since its local launch last year, now offers a pair of derivatives that directly rival the similarly-powered Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, Volkswagen T-Cross and Hyundai Venue. The 1.5 litre still propels the bulk of the range – the 1.0-litre turbo features only in the top two versions.
A new EX+ derivative now sits at the top of the range and features a few more tech and safety bits and pieces. This is the second tweak of the Sonet line-up… In August 2021, Kia also introduced LX entry-level derivatives.
For a full list of Sonet specifications, click here
What’s the new engine like?
The new engine and gearbox deliver one of the better automatic driving experiences in the segment.
The Sonet’s 1.0-litre turbopetrol motor is the same unit as used in the Hyundai Venue and produces peak outputs of 88 kW and 172 Nm of torque. The engine is mated with a dual-clutch automatic transmission and, by the standards of self-shifting ‘boxes fitted to “small turbos”, this is one of the best. It shifts smoothly and is very well matched with the motor’s performance characteristics. Small-turbo autos tend to struggle with gearing because they don’t have much torque to work with and, as a result, they can shift awkwardly at low speeds and hold onto gears for longer than needed.
The Kia probably does the best job of mitigating many of these problems and delivers a very smooth drive and hassle-free experience. What’s more, the powertrain seems quite spritely – facilitating quick overtaking manoeuvres and climbing steep(ish) gradients present no problems for the 1.0-litre motor. Well, within reason; the Sonet’s no performance SUV, but feels to have a little more shove than its rivals and will certainly feel stronger than its 1.5-litre siblings upcountry.
Fuel efficiency is becoming a deal-breaker for many buyers. The T-GDI EX and EX+ are claimed to consume an average of 6.0 L/100 km and, during the course of our 200-km loop of the Cape Peninsula, we averaged 6.5 L/100 km, which was not far off the manufacturer’s estimate. The (1.0-litre) Volkswagen T-Cross is claimed to be the most efficient model in the segment (4.8 L/100 km), but, as we have found with “small turbos”, an efficiency-minded driving style is critical to achieving a miserly fuel consumption. It always is, of course, but it’s especially true for derivatives powered by downsized (small-capacity, forced-induction) engines.
Search for fuel-efficient cars for sale here
What new features are there?
A new digital instrument cluster is available on the EX+.
The introduction of the EX+ derivative to the Sonet range adds some useful safety features, such as 6 airbags (up from 2 in the rest of the range) 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, but no wireless charging pad is fitted (it’s not available as an option, either).
Compared with its rivals’ standard specifications, the Sonet comes quite well-equipped, but there are a few strange omissions from its features list… The steering column, for example, has no reach adjustment – only rake (up and down) – and the driver’s electric window doesn’t feature a one-touch auto up/down feature. I’m pretty certain that buyers who are shopping in the upper bracket of the segment may also want LED daytime running lights and front parking sensors.
8 Compact SUVs for under R300k
What’s the Kia Sonet turbo like to drive?
Of all the offerings in the small SUV/budget crossover segment, the Sonet delivers the most accomplished driving experience. The Kia’s ride quality is really good and the cabin offers decent noise insulation. At freeway speeds, the wing mirrors can generate a little bit of wind buzz, but the road noise is kept well at bay.
The surfaces inside the cabin appear smart with a mix of plastics and artificial leather. The EX+’s red stitching adds a bit of colour to the interior and, overall, it feels well built and a slight cut above Japanese (but also built in India) offerings such as the Honda WR-V, Suzuki Vitara Brezza and Toyota Urban Cruiser.
Kia Sonet price after-sales service
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.
| 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 |
Summary
The Sonet remains an excellent choice in a very crowded segment.
Kia South Africa says it could sell many more Sonets – if it could secure more stock of the model. Some easing on that front is expected over the next few months and, with its current lineup, the Sonet is undoubtedly a match for its rivals.
It’s right up there with the best-built models in the segment and the new 1.0-litre turbopetrol engine (in combination with a slick transmission) seems a good addition to the range. For those who looking to purchase an upper-end small SUV in automatic guise, which we suspect would be the majority of buyers (in this price bracket), the Sonet 1.0 T-GDI EX and EX+ offer a notably upmarket driving experience.
