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.
The 1.0T EX+ sits at the top of the Kia Sonet range and comes loaded with additional features and a modern powertrain. Read our review now!
www.cars.co.za









