Kia Sonet

Kia Sonet turbo (2022) Review

FAST FACTS

Model: Kia Sonet 1.0T EX+
Price: R389 995
Engine: 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol
Power/Torque: 88 kW/172 Nm
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch transmission
Fuel consumption: 6.0 L/100 km (claimed)
0-100 kph: 11.3 sec (claimed)
Boot capacity: 392 litres

Price and After-sales support

The Kia Sonet 1.0T EX+ goes for R389 995 and is sold with an unlimited kilometre, 5-year warranty (with roadside assistance), as well as a prepaid 4-year / 60 000 km service plan.

Verdict

With the introduction of a turbocharged “triple” petrol motor – mated with a slick dual-clutch automatic transmission – to the range, the Sonet line-up is now complete. The 1.0T EX+ is one of those derivatives that demonstrates it does not need to be an ignominy to “buy down” if you choose wisely (empty nesters may not need the extra space that Kia’s larger Seltos offers, for example), plus the Sonet flagship comes packed with many “big-car” features.

So, should you buy one? The addition of a punchy-yet-efficient powertrain has broadened the appeal of the two top-end Kia Sonet derivatives. However, if your budget can’t stretch to this flagship version, you won’t feel short-changed if you opt for one of the “lesser” derivatives.

If you live at sea level and don’t need to contend with the loss of power (approximately 17%) that the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine suffers at the Reef (it will be most noticeable when the Sonet is fully loaded with people and their things, less so otherwise), the 1.5 EX offers exceptional value for money, even if it doesn’t have the nice-to-haves fitted to the 1.0T EX+. It does not have a dual-clutch transmission, but to reiterate, the CVT is quite tolerable.

Considering Kia’s substantial after-sales support (the 5-year warranty and service plan are very competitive), the Sonet is one of the better buys in this hotly contested segment.


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REVIEW: Kia Sonet Turbo offers style, performance and practicality

VERDICT

In conclusion, the Kia Sonet Turbo offers a great combination of style, performance and convenience, and it is a great option for those looking for a relatively affordable SUV. It is well-equipped with a host of tech and convenience features, and it comes with a generous list of safety features.

If you’re looking for an affordable and feature-packed SUV, the Kia Sonet is definitely worth considering. It’s a popular car which, we believe, will become even more popular thanks to the addition of this 1.0-litre turbocharged variant.

The Kia Sonet Turbo is priced between R379 995 (1.0T EX) and R409 995 (1.0T EX+).

 
Kia Sonet (2023) Specs & Price

The line-up of the Kia Sonet, which competes in the popular budget crossover segment, now comprises 6 derivatives and Kia South Africa is offering all versions of the model with a 0% deposit car-finance deal, starting from R5 399 p/m.

The Indian-built Sonet was launched in the South African new-vehicle market in 2021; it competes with models such as the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, Ford EcoSport, Honda WR-V, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser as well as the Volkswagen T-Cross.

The Sonet is based on the same platform as the Hyundai Venue, but it is produced at a different plant to its cousin (in Bangalore, which is the same facility that builds the popular Kia Seltos for South Africa). In terms of dimensions, the Sonet is 4 120 mm long, 1 790 mm wide, stands 1 610 mm high and has a 2 500-mm wheelbase, with 190 mm of ground clearance and a claimed load-bay capacity of 392 litres.

How much does the Kia Sonet cost in South Africa*?

1.5 LXR323 995
1.5 EXR343 995
1.5 LX autoR344 995
1.5 EX autoR364 995
1.0T EXR386 995
1.0T EX+R416 995

* Based on May 2023 prices. All Sonets derivatives are sold (from new) with a 5-year/unlimited km warranty and roadside assistance as well as a 4-year/60 000 km service plan.

 
Hi,

I recently got the Sonet EX+ and been experiencing issues with my carplay and iphone. The carplay would throw out a black screen and then say phone not responding, but when you go and see if the device is connected, it is. What i usually do is then is reset the unit using the small reset button on the right side.

Has anyone else experienced the same issue perhaps? I have spoken to Kia and they say they will have to strip the unit out and get the serial number and send it to Kia SA to asses if something is wrong.

A bit annoying, but also not sure if it might be my phone, but doubt it, as my work phone does the same thing on some occasions.
 
Hi,

I recently got the Sonet EX+ and been experiencing issues with my carplay and iphone. The carplay would throw out a black screen and then say phone not responding, but when you go and see if the device is connected, it is. What i usually do is then is reset the unit using the small reset button on the right side.

Has anyone else experienced the same issue perhaps? I have spoken to Kia and they say they will have to strip the unit out and get the serial number and send it to Kia SA to asses if something is wrong.

A bit annoying, but also not sure if it might be my phone, but doubt it, as my work phone does the same thing on some occasions.
Dumb Q perhaps but you have tried it with another high quality cable (MFI certified)?

Also are you running the latest SW on your iPhone?
 
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