Kia South Africa introduces the new Sonet to the South African market, building on a legacy of success since its initial launch in 2021. With a refreshed exterior design, an upgraded interior, and a redefined range in the competitive A-SUV segment, the new Sonet continues to offer exceptional value to consumers.

Inspired by Kia’s award-winning ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, the new Sonet showcases a bolder and more futuristic look. The updated front end features a new light signature, a redesigned bumper, an evolved ‘tiger nose’ grille, and revised fender and bonnet, all contributing to a more dramatic and confident stance.

At the rear, redesigned taillights horizontally connected beneath the rear windscreen enhance its sporty appearance.

Despite these updates, the Sonet maintains its dimensions: 1 610mm in height, 4 110mm in length, and 1 790mm in width, with a wheelbase of 2 500mm. The spacious interior offers excellent leg- and headroom, and the 385 litre boot capacity is among the largest in its class. Ride comfort is ensured by a MacPherson strut setup at the front and a coupled torsion beam axle at the rear.

Grade specifications

The Sonet’s interior remains high-quality and tech-savvy, with two infotainment screen sizes available: an 8-inch colour touchscreen and a 10.25-inch integrated colour touchscreen, depending on the grade. The cabin layout is designed to minimize distracted driving. Upholstery options include a combination of black cloth and artificial leather, with higher-spec models featuring full artificial leather.

The trim levels are:

• Sonet LX: Features body-coloured bumpers, new 16-inch styled wheels, black cloth upholstery, height-adjustable driver’s seat, electric windows, manual air-conditioning, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with reverse camera, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
• Sonet EX: Adds rear parking sensors, rear fog lamps, roof rails, auto-folding electric side mirrors with indicators, LED lighting upgrades, storage box with armrest, leather-clad steering wheel and gear shifter, and cruise control.
• Sonet EX Plus: Upgrades to a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and TFT LCD instrument cluster, full artificial leather upholstery, electrochromatic rearview mirror, and wireless charging pad, with a distinctive 16-inch diamond cut alloy wheel design.
• Sonet SX: Introduces advanced driver assistance systems including Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Follow Assist, and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist. Also features Drive Mode Select for tailored driving experiences.

Engines and Gearboxes

The new Sonet continues to offer the reliable 1.5-litre MPI and turbocharged 1.0-litre GDi petrol engines. The 1.5 MPI engine produces 85kW of power and 144Nm of torque, while the 1.0 T-GDi engine delivers 88kW of power and 172Nm of torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual, CVT, and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

The new Kia Sonet LX and EX models are available from 18 June 2024, with EX Plus and SX derivatives following in late July 2024.

• Kia Sonet 1.5 LX Manual: R366 995
• Kia Sonet 1.5 LX CVT: R391 995
• Kia Sonet 1.5 EX CVT: R411 995
• Kia Sonet 1.0 T-GDi EX DCT: R436 995
• Kia Sonet 1.5 EX Plus CVT: R454 995
• Kia Sonet 1.5 SX CVT: R484 995

All Sonet models ship as standard with Kia’s Unlimited km/5-year warranty, inclusive of Roadside Assistance, and a pre-paid 4-year/60 000km service plan.