To shake things up in the continuously growing and evolving B-SUV segment, Kia introduces their new compact crossover, the Kia Sonet. With the aim to offer consumers the best experience and value for their money.
Competing against some of the well know compact-SUV in the segment such as the Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Toyota Urban Cruiser, Honda WR-V, and Ford EcoSport. The Sonet Available in two trims derivatives, an entry-level LX model and the range-topping EX model, both sharing the same powertrain.
Exterior
Fresh and stylish design, the Sonet show cases a bold and distinctive look, with Kia’s front-end signature of tiger-nose grille with a front skid plate giving it a bit of a sporty look.
With a wheelbase of 2500 mm, the Kia Sonnet is claimed to be the largest and most spacious in its segment. The Sonet is available in seven one-tone or four two-tone exterior colors and comes fitted standard with 15-inch steel wheels on the LX model, while the range-topping EX rides on 16-inch alloy wheels
Interior
Staying modern and competitive, the interior of the Sonet boasts a 3.5-inch mono T FT full-colour instrument cluster display and an 8-inch touch screen infotainment system display fitted as standard across the range with an integrated reverse camera, compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
With few things to set both trim level apart, the entry-level Sonet LX comes fitted standard with electric windows all around, automatic headlamp, remote central locking, and seats made of a mix of leather and cloth upholstery while the Sonet EX features a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, roof rails, rear parking sensors, front fog lights, and silver skid plates.
The luggage capacity of the Kia Sonet is claimed to be the best in the B-SUV segment with a roomy 392Litres.
Powertrain
The new Kia Sonet is powered by a 1.5L four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, developing 85kW and 144 Nm of torque, sending all power through the front wheel through either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT)
Kia claims that the Sonet equipped with a manual transmission can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 11.3sec while the CVT can achieve it in 11.8 sec.
Safety
I term of safety, the new Kia Sonet range Comes fitted with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS with EBD, Hill-start assist control, dual front airbags, and ISOFIX child seat anchor points.
Pricing and After-sales
The all-new Kia Sonet range is priced as follows
Sonet 1.5 LX Manual R264,995
Sonet 1.5 LX CVT R285,995
Sonet 1.5 EX Manual R284,995
Sonet 1.5 EX CVT R305,995
All prices include a 5-year warranty with road side assistance and a 4-year/60 000 km.
