New Kia Sonet vs VW T-Cross – Entry-level crossover comparison

Kia has updated the Sonet for South Africa, giving it a subtle visual touch-up while expanding the line-up and equipment sheet.

The crossover now consists of six models with prices varying from R366,995 to R484,995.

The Sonet is competing in one of the country’s most popular segments alongside the fan-favourite VW T-Cross, which has a similar line-up with seven variants costing R407,600 and R553,400.

Considering that the Volkswagen’s price tag has seen quite the climb over the last few years, it’s interesting to check out what it delivers in this day and age, and whether the Sonet’s revisions make a compelling argument in its favour.

Engines

The Kia has access to two different engines, while the VW has three.

Looking at both vehicle’s starting powertrains, the Sonet uses a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated mill producing 85kW and 144Nm, which is paired to either a five-speed manual or CVT transmission and averages around 7.0l/100km.

The T-Cross, on the other hand, begins with a 1.0-litre turbo that can put out 70kW and 175Nm, incorporates a five-speed manual box and consumes 4.8l/100km.

There’s also an uprated version of the this powerplant which pumps out a greater 85kW and 200Nm, and connects to a seven-speed dual-clutch (DCT) automatic gearbox to achieve a consumption of 5.3l/100km.

The Korean also has access to a 1.0-litre turbo plant with 88kW and 172Nm mated to a seven-speed DCT, letting it average 6.0l/100km.

Finally, the German’s flagship R-Line is granted a 1.5-litre turbo, giving it the highest cap of the group with 110kW and 250Nm.

This block also uses a DCT and sips roughly 5.5l/100km.

Features

Looking at the base models of both vehicles, standard equipment includes a multifunction steering wheel, an infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six speakers, air conditioning, automatic headlights, 16-inch wheels, and hill assist.

In terms of where they differ, the Kia has partial leather seats, a 4.2-inch multi-info driver’s display, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a rearview camera; while the VW features a digital instrument cluster, a 6-inch media screen, alloy rims, cruise control, LED daytime running lights (DRLs), and front and rear parking sensors.

Shifting to the top-end versions, both offer a leather steering wheel, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, a digital driver’s display, automatic climate control, artificial leather upholstery.

The Sonet also benefits from a 10.25-inch infotainment system, keyless entry and start, a wireless charger, lane-follow assist, lane-keep assist, forward-collision assist, and LED headlights.

The T-Cross, meanwhile, gets larger 17-inch rims and paddle shifters, though other items like a camera, keyless entry, a charging pad, and driver assistance functions are sold as optional extras.

Pricing

The South African pricing for the updated Kia Sonet is as follows:

• Kia Sonet 1.5 LX – R366,995
• Kia Sonet 1.5 LX Auto – R391,995
• Kia Sonet 1.5 EX – R411,995
• Kia Sonet 1.0T EX – R436,995
• Kia Sonet 1.5 EX+ – R454,995
• Kia Sonet 1.5 SX – R484,995

The local pricing for the VW T-Cross is as follows:

Each purchase comes with a 5-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, 4-year/60,000km service plan, and 5-year/unlimited-kilometre roadside assistance.

• VW T-Cross 1.0TSI 70kW Comfortline – R407,600
• VW T-Cross 1.0TSI 70kW Comfortline R-Line – R430,100
• VW T-Cross 1.0TSI 85kW Comfortline – R465,800
• VW T-Cross 1.0TSI 85kW Comfortline R-Line – R488,300
• VW T-Cross 1.0TSI 85kW Highline – R507,500
• VW T-Cross 1.0TSI 85kW Highline R-Line – R530,000
• VW T-Cross 1.5TSI 110kW R-Line – R553,400

This includes a 3-year/120,000km warranty, and a 3-year/45,000km service plan.

Kia Sonet

VW T-Cross