Kia Sonet

@FiestaST Thanks for the info on the thread, nice work! Any idea on the features the new variant of the Sonet will come with, other than the 1.0L turbo? I went to a Kia branch and either they don't know (of course likely) or they're refusing to spill the beans :rolleyes: 6 airbags would be ideal (like some Sonet variants in India) wouldn't say no to keyless entry and stop/start either! I also get this feeling they'll push the launch to next year given the big backlog in orders for the current models.
Let me know if you have some more info. Looking forward to further posts on here :thumbsup:
Use this, it's a great tool that goes beyond the usual bias of the journalists on their favourite brands and lays everything bare.

It has two airbags and a pretty basic safety spec.

 
Use this, it's a great tool that goes beyond the usual bias of the journalists on their favourite brands and lays everything bare.

It has two airbags and a pretty basic safety spec.

Thanks champ! Hoping the variant that comes out at the end of this year ups the safety features. The Sonets released in India have like ALL the options.
I'm not bothered about a turbo engine, but safety is a different story. Here's to hoping it comes with 6 airbags! Until then, guess I'll have to be patient and wait for the official release :confused:
 
Thanks champ! Hoping the variant that comes out at the end of this year ups the safety features. The Sonets released in India have like ALL the options.
I'm not bothered about a turbo engine, but safety is a different story. Here's to hoping it comes with 6 airbags! Until then, guess I'll have to be patient and wait for the official release :confused:
That's what manufacturers do, test the waters to see if they can get away with murder, after that they will do a quick face-lift and put in the right number of airbags, I remember Toyota did the same with the C-HR, two airbags at launch for R320k.
 
Kia Introduces Pocket-Friendly Entry-Level Sonet LX

Kia South Africa has introduced an LX trim derivative of its stylish and well-appointed Sonet compact SUV. Here’s how much it costs, plus what you get for your money.

Just 3 months after its debut on South African soil, the Kia Sonet gains a new member. The cute Sonet has proven popular, thanks to its good driving manners, a generous level of equipment and value for money.

Speaking of value for money, the new model comes in under the current Sonet EX derivative. What you see here is the Kia Sonet LX, which is available in both manual and CVT options.

Being an entry-level model leads to the assumption that the vehicle is bare and lacking in modern convenience features, but based on the info that Kia has sent us, the Kia Sonet LX still appears to have desirable levels of tech and features.
  • 8.0-inch HD touchscreen infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Remote central locking
  • Air-conditioning
  • Bluetooth
  • Front and rear electric windows
  • Electric mirrors
  • 6 speakers
  • 15-inch steel wheels
  • Height-adjustable driver’s seat
  • Automatic headlamp activation
  • Rear-view camera
  • Combination artificial leather and cloth seat trim
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
  • ABS with EBD
  • Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
  • Dual front airbags
  • ISOFIX child-seat anchoring points
From our Cars Compare tool, the only advantage the EX has over the new LX is the addition of 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights and rear park distance control.

Under the bonnet, the same 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine is used. It develops 85 kW and 144 Nm, and customers have the choice of a 6-speed manual gearbox or a CVT.

Kia Sonet LX Price in South Africa

The Kia Sonet is sold with an Unlimited Kilometre, 5-year warranty (inclusive of Roadside Assistance), as well as a prepaid 4-year / 60,000 km service plan.

Sonet 1.5 LX Manual R269 995
Sonet 1.5 LX CVT R290 995
Sonet 1.5 EX Manual R289 995
Sonet 1.5 EX CVT R310 995


Kia 1.jpegKia 2.jpegKia 3.jpegKia 4.jpegKia 5.jpeg
 
Kia's popular Sonet range bolstered by new entry-level LX grade model in SA

• Since launch, the Kia Sonet range has proven to be a hit among South African buyers.

• To supplement the current range, an LX grade derivative now offers buyers entry to the Sonet range.

• The Sonet LX is priced fromR269 995.

Kia South Africa bolstered its local Sonet range with the introduction of a new entry-level model. Dubbed the LX, the derivative slots in below the EX models, pushing the total number of models to choose from to four.

The Sonet has been on sale in South Africa for just three months, but Kia SA says that the vehicle has quickly become a popular choice among buyers. The addition of the LX grade places further emphasis on the value for money offering the Sonet has proven to be.

The four-model Sonet range is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that offers 85kW and 144Nm. A choice of a six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT) send power to the front wheels.

https://www.news24.com/wheels/offro...w-entry-level-lx-grade-model-in-sa-20210823-2
 
REVIEW | Kia's stylish compact Sonet has the ingredients to ruffle rivals' feathers

• The Kia Sonet is priced from R269 995.

• Some of its rivals include Ford EcoSport, Toyota Urban Cruiser and VW T-Cross.

• The Sonet is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine delivering 85kW and 144Nm.

I always thought of Kia as the more sporty Korean brand. In the case of the Sonet, it simply cannot be described as sporty or performance orientated. The Sonet is a crossover styled high riding hatchback geared for the mom's taxi and commuting role, which I think will do well. That does not mean you can't go camping or for a weekend with your family, but you will have to plan overtakes if fully laden, especially on the Highveld, and one should not venture far off the beaten track.

In summary, the Kia Sonet is practical, well equipped and spacious for its niche, the compact crossover, but not particularly exciting to drive, although good value for money.

Pricing

• 1.5 LX Manual - R269 995

• 1.5 LX CVT - R290 995

• 1.5 EX Manual - R289 995

• 1.5 EX CVT - R310 995

For that, you get an unlimited kilometre, five-year warranty (inclusive of Roadside Assistance), as well as a prepaid four-year or 60 000km service plan.

The competition is huge. The biggest seller in this niche is the Ford EcoSport, followed by the Toyota Urban Cruiser and Suzuki Brezza. Hot on their heels is the VW T-Cross, newly launched Nissan Magnite, Honda WR-V, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, Renault Captur and Duster.


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The Magnite has more active safety features, it has traction control and brake assist. It has more convenience features like keyless access, cruise control and climate control, all these are missing in the Kia, I am comparing the two entry level models, R290k for the Kia and R257k for the Magnite. The build quality of the Kia is much better though.

So you get more features but pay less, I would overlook the less premium build on the Nissan and do the right thing with my money.
 
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The Magnite has more active safety features, it has traction control and brake assist. It has more convenience features like keyless access, cruise control and climate control, all these are missing in the Kia, I am comparing the two entry level models, R290k for the Kia and R257k for the Magnite. The build quality of the Kia is much better though.

So you get more features but pay less, I would overlook the less premium build on the Nissan and do the right thing with my money.

Sonet has esc, which imo is the most important safety feature.
Entry level Sonet LX is R270k.
Sonet is also slightly bigger overall.
 
Sonet has esc, which imo is the most important safety feature.
Entry level Sonet LX is R270k.
Sonet is also slightly bigger overall.

Thanks for correction, it is indeed R270k for the LX and even more sparse in terms of features.

I think safety features are important and none of them are just gimmicks, there's a good reason why they are there in the first place, if a car doesn't have any of them it's a disadvantage, I usually expect such a disadvantage to be reflected accordingly in the price, it is unfortunately never the case on Kia/Hyundai cars.
 
Thanks for correction, it is indeed R270k for the LX and even more sparse in terms of features.

I think safety features are important and none of them are just gimmicks, there's a good reason why they are there in the first place, if a car doesn't have any of them it's a disadvantage, I usually expect such a disadvantage to be reflected accordingly in the price, it is unfortunately never the case on Kia/Hyundai cars.

Safety features should be the same in all variants. Only luxurious / nice to have things should cost more.
 
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