Kia Sonet - ludicrous pricing, what a rip off (IMHO)

[Rocket-Boy]

That's what I will never understand, don't people believe in the concept of value for money? If a Polo has more spec than an Audi A1 you will have a problem because it's a Polo?

In SA cars are more status symbols than means of transport.
In most other countries they dont really put a lot of value into the car they drive so long as its reliable, comfortable and gets the job done.

 

[Jeeper]

No at Haval - will go look at the Toyota some time, it appears to have all the features I am looking for, and, unlike KIA, I'm sure it comes painted.

The Toyota Urban Cruiser is actually a Suzuki Brezza Vitara, why not rather look at the original thing at Suzuki. I’m also sure it cost less as well.

 

[lived666]

The Toyota Urban Cruiser is actually a Suzuki Brezza Vitara, why not rather look at the original thing at Suzuki. I’m also sure it cost less as well.

Yes, I am aware - will look at both.

 

[TheChamp]

Ì don't have a Ford. Actually neither does my wife. We both drive Toyota.
Man, when you assume too much and look like a fool afterwards!

Stick with your Chinese cars dude. There's a real reason why they don't sell as much here. Unproven, and a tough market to break into really. Go see the sales stats.

I didn't actually mean you have a Ford, I don't know you, why would I assume you have a Ford?

As for sales, did you know that Haval and GWM sells more cars than Honda and Opel?

 

[JohnStarr]

I didn't actually mean you have a Ford, I don't know you, why would I assume you have a Ford?

Take the time and go read back. Sure, it's a generalization, but not how it's worded. But hey, stick to Chinese...they'll be running the show eventually here.

 

[TheChamp]

Take the time and go read back. Sure, it's a generalization, but not how it's worded. But hey, stick to Chinese...they'll be running the show eventually here.

That's not what I meant, it's just unfortunate that you took it too literally, it really wasn't my intention.

 

[JohnStarr]

That's not what I meant, it's just unfortunate that you took it too literally, it really wasn't my intention.

Words and how they're used to construct sentences count. I know, but the next person won't.

 

[Exaelea]

Fair enough, that's very reasonable, I thought it was one one of those silly reasons.

Yup, I wouldnt touch a polo with a barge pole. It might have good value.. but whats the point if you have to constantly worry about hijacking/theft/high insurance premiums.

 

[TheChamp]

Words and how they're used to construct sentences count. I know, but the next person won't.

True, I will be more careful next time, it would really be unfortunate if I gave people the impression that you drive a Ford.

 

[nazmo]

That's what I will never understand, don't people believe in the concept of value for money? If a Polo has more spec than an Audi A1 you will have a problem because it's a Polo?

Boring story for you. Wife bought an A1 90kw TFSi when it launched, purely based on looks. i bought a Polo Gti 132kw because 132kw. Same price. polo came standard with heated seats, more power, more standard features... I will tell you this, the A1 was built better (yes yes, same platform). better materials, probably better sound deadening. Polo way more fun (relatively). I didnt, and dont care about brand names (I drive a renault now over a golf gti).... bottom line, Audi is a nicer place to be than VW, but my preference was the polo. wife's preference audi, due to looks and comfort. She replaced the A1 with a Tiguan 110kw R line (loved the looks, but in retrospect happy with it as we now have twins, and a golf/A3 wouldnt fit our two prams). Tiguan holds the best resale value in 2020, so as a logical purchase, much better than equivalent segment cars like the Q3 and BMW. Spec wise too really good, but not a cheap car... However 4 yrs later, we are exceedingly happy with it. reliability, build quality, economy.

 

[dj_jyno]

Looking at the top in the range Automatic and went to test drive the Nissan and KIA - luckily, neither of these had all the features I want for a lazy car owner such as keyless (essential), auto lights and automatic rain sensors.

Long story short, the KIA Sonet is advertised as R305,999.00 except guess what - if you want paint, yes standard paint on your car, that is extra, WTF, hell no. Even if that was the car of my dreams just no. What next KIA - if you want tyres on your car that's an extra R10,000 or it only comes with a driver's seat, you want passenger setas, cough up?

It really sounds like your salesman was misinformed (more common than you'd think). It's probably like most manufacturers where metallic paint is an extra-cost option, but your standard solid paints are included in the price.

As an aside, a 2 year old Kia Sportage fits in that price bracket.

 

[Voicy]

A little off topic, but I couldn't find the Kia Sonet under the list of available models up here in Norway, but it had me do a double take at some of the other prices.

The Kia Sorento 2.2L Diesel (No 4WD) in RSA starts at R 680k

The same car in Norway starts at NOK 820k ... with today's conversion rate of 1.66, that's R 1,36M !!! 1.36 bar for no 4WD. Eeeyoh.

Even the Tesla Model X currently retails for under NOK 800k.

Cars are so expensive it's making me sad.

EDIT: Just checked out the entry lvl Sportage and even that is going for R750k

 

[TheChamp]

A little off topic, but I couldn't find the Kia Sonet under the list of available models up here in Norway, but it had me do a double take at some of the other prices.

The Kia Sorento 2.2L Diesel (No 4WD) in RSA starts at R 680k

The same car in Norway starts at NOK 820k ... with today's conversion rate of 1.66, that's R 1,36M !!! 1.36 bar for no 4WD. Eeeyoh.

Even the Tesla Model X currently retails for under NOK 800k.

Cars are so expensive it's making me sad.

EDIT: Just checked out the entry lvl Sportage and even that is going for R750k

That is surprising, why are they so expensive?

 

[tcofran]

Feels cheap, looks cheap, very under powered.

Owned a Haval H2 Lux Auto (bought new), for 6 months, and traded it....

MAYBEEEE not under powered as such, but the auto box had a mind of it's own..... I swear it had a different setting everyday..... not to mention the cold start / early mornings trying to get going..... On a level road.... sort of fine.... but any incline.... eish....... Ossewa is quicker.... Not bad on the long road though

Plus the old chestnut of bad fuel consumption lol

Now this is a different kettle of fish.... In town, with the auto box....... Horrendous fuel consumption

 

[Voicy]

That is surprising, why are they so expensive?

Emissions, import- and sales taxes on new vehicles are meant to dissuade purchasing ICE vehicles.

Our VAT alone sits at 25% - so that adds a stack to any purchase. Electric cars on the other hand are exempted from nearly all these taxes - as well as being exempt from parking fees or eTolls...AND they can use the Bus/Taxi lanes.

 

[nazmo]

Few years ago KIA hit a sweet sport. they just poached head of Audi's design, was still affordable, offered 7 yr warranty and had lots of standard kit. It seems their manufacturing cost or ego has priced them in line with German and Japanese counterparts. My folks got a 2011 kia Rio with 45000kms. Car is still mint. They are good cars. i just think they pricing themselves out of contention

 

[SirFooK'nG]

Haval is Chinese and unproven with possibly old technology.

This is why you stick with brands such as Toyota, Suzuki, VW, Ford etc if you can.

People like you that comment on a vehicle you probably have not even driven have zero knowledge other than the complaints you have read about fuel consumption. I'm into my fourth year driving an H6C. It been brilliant, can't complain at all about build, ride quality or cosmetics. It looks good, has all the luxury you need plus some and pulls plenty strong. When this one is paid up, I will get another Haval. Absolute value for money. Oh, and real consumption figures are closer to 11L/100km with 80% town driving. Which is not that bad, was on par with my previous Kia Sportage 2.0l Manual.

 

[JohnStarr]

People like you that comment on a vehicle you probably have not even driven have zero knowledge other than the complaints you have read about fuel consumption. I'm into my fourth year driving an H6C. It been brilliant, can't complain at all about build, ride quality or cosmetics. It looks good, has all the luxury you need plus some and pulls plenty strong. When this one is paid up, I will get another Haval. Absolute value for money. Oh, and real consumption figures are closer to 11L/100km with 80% town driving. Which is not that bad, was on par with my previous Kia Sportage 2.0l Manual.

"People like me" won't drive Chinese. It's simple preference dude. I prefer Toyota FWIW. By the same token I prefer Mercedes-Benz to BMW (where you might prefer Audi). Who the hell mentioned fuel consumption? I mean jeez, take a swipe with the biggest assumption of the thread.
You don't come in and then start spouting off.
When I talk about proven I mean the following: Service levels and quality; quality of car and materials; resale and after-market support; access to parts etc. That proven.

Off your high horse a bit there.

 

[JohnStarr]

Sh

True, I will be more careful next time, it would really be unfortunate if I gave people the impression that you drive a Ford.

Shame, still trying. Ok, good on you.

 

[nazmo]

aaah. good old car forums