By Khulekani Dumisa

The attractive Kia Sonet has landed in Mzansi and our colleague Otsile will be sampling it in the Cape.

Exterior

The Sonet stands out with its fresh interpretation of Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose grille.’ This and the stylish front skid plate with chrome accents (on the EX models) feature prominently upfront. Chrome accents can also be seen on either side of the grille. Adding to the overall smart look are the bonnet and bumper which feature strong and expressive lines.

On the side, the uniquely designed structure of the Sonet’s C-pillars and parts of the wrap-around rear windscreen make the Sonet hard to ignore. The back features bespoke rear LED lights which are connected via a light strip.

At 4,120 mm long, sitting on a wheelbase measuring 2,500 mm, Kia says it’s one of the largest and most spacious vehicles in the B-SUV segment.

The Sonet is offered in seven one-tone exterior colours: Glacier White, Steel Silver, Gravity Grey, Aurora Black, Beige Gold, Intense Red and Intelligency Blue.

Two-tone exterior colour options include Glacier White or Intense Red with a black roof, or Gravity Grey or Intelligency Blue with a white roof.

Interior

Inside, the Sonet is tastefully designed. Taking centre stage on the dashboard is an 8,0-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system that incorporates a reverse camera with dynamic guidelines, a standard fitment throughout the range. The setup offers Kia’s intuitive and friendly voice-control technology and sports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

Other stand out features are the flat-bottom steering wheel and oval shaped air vents.

Two trims

The Sonet is offered in two trim levels. Feature highlights on the entry-level LX derivatives, to name but a few, include: an 8,0-inch infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, front and rear electric windows, electric mirrors, 15-inch steel wheels, automatic headlamp activation, rear-view camera, combination artificial leather and cloth seat trim.

Building on the comprehensive features available at the entry point into the Sonet range, the mid-spec EX models add rear park distance control, leather steering wheel and gear knob, silver skid plates, 16-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, side repeater lamps and front fog lights.

Safety

Kia says the safety of the Sonet starts with the structural integrity of the passenger cell. More than two-thirds of the Sonet’s body are made up of high-strength and advanced high-strength steel the company state. This, according to the company, creates a lightweight yet robust structure. Complementing this strong structure are a number of key safety features, including: Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS with EBD, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and dual front airbags.

Power

The Sonet is offered with a new engine for the South African market. The 1.5 MPI petrol engine makes 85 kW at 6,300 r/min and 144 Nm of torque at 4,500 r/min. Customers have a choice between a 6-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The two trim levels will be available with both transmission options.

Pricing

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

Prices include Kia’s industry-leading Unlimited Kilometre, 5-year warranty (inclusive of Roadside Assistance) and a 4-year / 60,000 km service plan.