New Kia Sonet launched in South Africa – Pricing and features

The new Kia Sonet has launched in South Africa with six models of the restyled crossover on offer, including a new flagship SX derivative.

The starting price for the Sonet remains pegged at R366,995, though the rest of the range got slightly more expensive than the outgoing version.

Sonet specifications

The facelifted Sonet received a light nip-and-tuck with cosmetic changes encompassing a new grille and front bumper, more aggressive-looking headlights, restyled “Star Map” taillights with an edge-to-edge lightbar similar to that on the recently launched Picanto, and a revised selection of wheel designs.

It is now sold in LX, EX, EX+, and the new SX trim levels, with the entry-level model providing combination cloth/artificial leather seating, a multifunction steering wheel, a 4.2-inch multi-info driver’s display, an 8-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six speakers, automatic headlights, and 16-inch steel rims with styled plastic covers.

It also brings ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, electronic stability control, two airbags, hill-start assist, and a reverse camera.

The EX builds upon this list with a leather steering wheel and shifter, cruise control, a centre console armrest with an integrated storage box, rear parking sensors, LED daytime running lights, auto-folding wing mirrors, and a roof rack.

Buyers of the EX+ can expect an upgraded digital driver’s display and central touchscreen both measuring 10.25 inches, automatic airconditioning, full artificial leather upholstery, an electro-chromatic rearview mirror, and 16-inch alloy wheels.

The top-spec SX then gets keyless entry and start, a wireless charger, lane-follow assist, lane-keep assist, forward-collision assist, front parking sensors, LED headlights, LED fog lights, and a drive mode selector with Normal, Eco, and Sport settings.

The engine selection for the new Sonet remains unchanged from the outgoing one.

The LX, EX, EX+, and SX trim levels are all available with a 1.5-litre, naturally-aspirated petrol engine that connects to either a six-speed manual or a CVT gearbox.

The setup puts out 85kW and 144Nm with average fuel usage pegged at 7.0l/100km for the manual and 7.2l/100km for the CVT.

Meanwhile, the turbocharged 1.0-litre option is now only equipped to the EX specification whereas it was previously also sold in EX+ guise.

The power unit generates 88kW and 172Nm and is paired exclusively with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission, with combined fuel usage coming in at 6.0l/100km.