What a R300,000 Kia SUV looks like in South Africa in 2024

Kia recently introduced a new, more affordable model to its popular Sonet series in South Africa, reducing its base price by a considerable R67,000.

The new starter unit, designated the LS, clocks in at R299,995, making it the only Kia SUV in the country that falls under the R300,000 mark.

This is likely to be the cheapest price consumers will pay for a Kia crossover in South Africa, as the Korean carmaker has made no indication that it will follow in Hyundai’s footsteps with the introduction of a new entry-level option like the Exter.

With that in mind, it’s worth examining the Sonet to see what the more upmarket of the two brands is prepared to offer on a R300,000 SUV in 2024.

Kia’s “budget” SUV

Since the LS is cheaper than the previous starter model – the LX – it’s reasonable to expect that a few things have been shaved off the equipment list to reduce its sticker.

These dropped contents include daytime running lights, 16-inch wheels, a front passenger vanity mirror, and back seats with a 60:40 split.

Other than this, you can still look forward to a fleshed-out spec sheet comprising automatic headlights, 15-inch steel wheels with plastic covers, a multifunction steering wheel, a 4.2-inch multi-info driver’s display, partial cloth and artificial leather upholstery, a height-adjustable driver seat, manual aircon, six speakers, three USB ports, and an 8-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The carmaker hasn’t skimmed on the safety functions, either, as the Sonet still has Isofix child-seat anchors, hill-start assist control, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, electric stability control, two airbags, and a reverse camera.

The spec downgrade has not affected the Sonet’s powertrain, as it remains motivated by a 1.5-litre, naturally-aspirated petrol engine with 85kW and 144Nm.

Customers do have a choice of either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), but the latter will raise the crossovers price to R324,999.

Those who grab the manual will see a fuel consumption return of 6.6l/100km, while the two-pedal setup achieves a more frugal 6.2l/100km.

In South Africa, the Kia Sonet is sold with a 5-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, a 3-year/45,000km service plan, and 5-year/unlimited-kilometre roadside assistance.