Kia Sonet

On the open road, keeping to the high way speed limit I average 5.6 L/100km. In back to back N1 morning traffic crawling at 5km/h I get around 7.5 L/100km.

My colleague recently bought a new Lexus Hybrid that costs almost R700k. He does a very similar morning commute as I and he gets around 5.9L/100km with the combined electric and ICE engine. I guess 7.5L/100km is pretty good then.
 
On the open road, keeping to the high way speed limit I average 5.6 L/100km. In back to back N1 morning traffic crawling at 5km/h I get around 7.5 L/100km.

My colleague recently bought a new Lexus Hybrid that costs almost R700k. He does a very similar morning commute as I and he gets around 5.9L/100km with the combined electric and ICE engine. I guess 7.5L/100km is pretty good then.

That’s good, what engine does it have?
 
I've had mine for just over 6 months now and I must say that I am extremely happy with it.

A friend bought a Toyota Urban Cruiser (which I also considered at the time of buying) at the same time that I bought my Sonet and he left it with me for a while and I did a pretty extensive comparison and concluded that I made the right decision.
would enjoy hearing your thoughts on the comparison?
 
NA or turbo?
NA

would enjoy hearing your thoughts on the comparison?
For starters, both are very similar. Both have 1500cc motors, both compact SUV's, both have exactly the same sized Apollo tyres and both are about the same physical size.

I did also test drive the Suzuki Brezza version and had the Toyota Urban Cruiser for just over a week as my daily driver. Where the Toyota beats the Kia is in bells and whistles. The Toyota has climate control, cruise control, stop/start button, keyless entry and an auto dimming rear view mirror - the Kia has none of this.

The downside to the Toyota is a very very aged interior, speedo dials that looks as if it comes out of the 90's, lots of road noise coming from the back and wind noise from the front mirrors. The Toyota has 3 major flaws IMO, the first is the 4 speed auto box. Gearing is long in first and second and in fourth you really need another gear to bring revs down. This impacts fuel economy. Gear changes are also hard and pronounced. The second is the excess body roll. the Toyota is quite a soft ride but it does result in quite a bit of body sway. The third is the antiquated infotainment system which should not feature in 2022 car that costs in excess of R325k. The radio does not even have RDS.

The Kia on the other hand looks more modern, has a more powerful stance, has an ultra modern interior, has wireless apple airplay and very bright and user friendly infotainment system, the CVT gearbox is fantastic, the fuel economy is much better, it feels peppier than the Toyota, I prefer the driving position to the Toyota and it has a much quieter interior. The Kia also has a 3 year service plan and 5 year/unlimited km warranty - the Toyota's warranty is only 3 years/100k km.

There is only aspect of the Kia that I would change and that is the fact that it only has 2 airbags compared to the Toyota's 6. Other than that, I personally think the Kia is a better looking, better driving, more fuel efficient and more modern car than the Toyota.

Those are my thoughts on the subject. The Urban Cruiser is obviously a very good car and its sales numbers is proof of how popular it is. Toyota does make very reliable, but often unexciting cars, If it was not for the Sonet in this market segment, I would be happily driving an Urban Cruiser.

This is the way.
 
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Awesome thanks

Okay sounds like it was the top spec Urban Cruiser. Do you have the top spec Sonet?

This is the way.
Yes, I have the top spec (CVT) Sonet and I compared it to the top spec (auto) Urban Cruiser/Brezza.

This is the way.
 
I see sooo much more Urban Cruisers & Brazzers on CPT roads relative to Sonets. Sales wise it is no contest but objectively your mini review details lots.

This is the way.
 
I see sooo much more Urban Cruisers & Brazzers on CPT roads relative to Sonets. Sales wise it is no contest but objectively your mini review details lots.

This is the way.
This is so. My take on the reasons for this:
- Many old Omies and Anties grew up with Toyota and will never drive anything else.
- There is a Toyota dealer around every corner, not so with Kia.
- The dealer supply of available Urban Cruiser cars far exceeds that of the Sonet's. I know there was a 6 month waiting list for the Sonet. I got lucky with a dealer demo.

Just my opinion of course.
 
There is only aspect of the Kia that I would change and that is the fact that it only has 2 airbags compared to the Toyota's 6.

Toyota's Urban Cruiser (and Suzuki Vitara brezza too) have 2 airbags regardless of derivative so it's the same as the Sonet.

The Sonet Turbo was supposed to arrive with 6 airbags but never really got here.
 
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Fun fact, you can actually see what the top derivative Sonet 1.0 Turbo should have launched with in South Africa.

On the Sonet specifications, there are features which all the models do not have but are still on the sheet. It's not features on higher models that were left behind, because else there would be full leather seats not just artificial seats, etc.


So before the delays due to car stock shortage (and possibly because it would have cost too much in comparison to rivals), we should have got a top spec Sonet 1.0 Turbo (possibly GT?) with :
- Alloy pedals
- Artificial leather seats
- Auto-folding side mirrors
- Centre console armrest with storage box
- Chrome-coated door handles
- Cruise control
- Drive select mode
- Electrochromatic rear view mirror
- Front grille with black gloss and satin chrome detailing
- LED Daytime running lights
- LED headlamps
- LED rear combination lights
- Mood lighting
- Red brake calipers
- Smart Entry with Push Button Start & Remote Start
 
Kia is pushing out very great vehicles lately. I think from what you get out of them is value for money. If you ask around what the Kia Sonet value is, most people guess towards R400k mark! I have the Sonet 1.5 EX MT, and must say that 6 gear is a bonus. I have also noticed that since I put in my order December the Kia Sonet pricing when up 3 times already...I have no regrets.
 
Fun fact, you can actually see what the top derivative Sonet 1.0 Turbo should have launched with in South Africa.

On the Sonet specifications, there are features which all the models do not have but are still on the sheet. It's not features on higher models that were left behind, because else there would be full leather seats not just artificial seats, etc.


So before the delays due to car stock shortage (and possibly because it would have cost too much in comparison to rivals), we should have got a top spec Sonet 1.0 Turbo (possibly GT?) with :
- Alloy pedals
- Artificial leather seats
- Auto-folding side mirrors
- Centre console armrest with storage box
- Chrome-coated door handles
- Cruise control
- Drive select mode
- Electrochromatic rear view mirror
- Front grille with black gloss and satin chrome detailing
- LED Daytime running lights
- LED headlamps
- LED rear combination lights
- Mood lighting
- Red brake calipers
- Smart Entry with Push Button Start & Remote Start
I think some of these are on the GT model which is available overseas.

Would have made this car an instant buy for me if they were included... Now I keep sneaking glances at the Chery Tiggo 4. Not as good looking as the Sonet (IMHO), and definitely not as good fuel economy, but comes with all the techy features that you could want.
 
DRIVEN: Kia Sonet 1,0 T-GDi 7DCT EX

Overall

Given the Sonet’s already impressive showing in our market (more than 3 500 examples have found homes since its introduction just over a year ago) and the virtues of its road manners, solid build and distinctive styling, the addition of a torquey turbopetrol has only gone to bolster its already considerable appeal.

Factor in a solid standard specification line-up and competitive pricing and the turbocharged models will no doubt give Kia’s little crossover a much-deserved shot in the arm.

 
PRICING: Kia Sonet gets more punch with new turbo engine option

The Kia Sonet is now available with more power and luxury with the local introduction of the new 1.0 T-GDI models.

When it was launched last year the Kia Sonet was only available with a normally aspirated 85kW 1.5-litre petrol engine, which we found to be perfectly adequate for the smaller SUV, even at altitude.

But for those seeking an even more effortless experience, Kia is offering a new 1.0-litre, three-cylinder direct injection turbocharged petrol engine option in the Sonet, an engine already found in the Hyundai Venue. The turbo-triple produces 88kW at 6000rpm, while a brawny 172Nm of torque is available between 1500 and 4000rpm.

Whereas the 1.5 models are available with either manual or CVT transmission, the 1.0 T-GDI is sold only with a seven-speed DCT dual-clutch automated transmission, with power still going to the front wheels only.

Kia Sonet Pricing (July 2022)

1.5 LX Manual - R296 995

1.5 LX CVT - R317 995

1.5 EX Manual - R316 995

1.5 EX CVT - R337 995

1.0 T-GDI EX 7DCT - R359 995

1.0 T-GDI EX+ 7DCT - R389 995

 
New turbocharged Sonet is the one Kia SA has been waiting for, and with good reason

• Kia recently launched its final model in its refreshed Sonet line-up.

• The 1.0-litre T-GDi engine completes the range and has been highly anticipated.

• Power figures might not look good on paper with 88kW and 172Nm, but you'll be more than surprised.

Pricing


The two new 1.0 T-GDI derivatives are priced from R359 995 and R389 995 respectably. All Sonet models come standard with Kia's Unlimited Kilometre, f-ar warranty (inclusive of Roadside Assistance), a prepaid 4-year or 60 000km service plan.

Pricing for Kia Sonet full range:

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

 
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