The Kia Sonet 1.0 Turbo launches in South Africa this week. Here’s what’s on offer, plus how much you can expect to pay for it.

The Kia Sonet is one of our favourite compact crossovers. It offers excellent value for money, commendable after sales and doesn’t feel like its a budget vehicle.

Now Kia South Africa has made good on its promise that it would be introducing more powerful derivatives of the Sonet. At its local launch in May 2021, we had the chance to inspect and drive some Indian-spec Sonet homologation units, which were armed with 1.0-litre turbocharged triple engines and packaged in striking GT-Line trim. First impressions were good!

What’s on offer?

Now, while we’re not getting the full GT-Line treatment, the turbocharged Sonet comes to market with a pair of derivatives. There are two trim levels EX and EX+. The difference between these newcomers and the models we’ve sampled thus far can be found in the engine.

Instead of the 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine, there’s a 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol, paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Outputs of 88 kW and 172 Nm are claimed, and the Korean carmaker says the Sonet 1.0 T-GDI is good for an 11.3 second run to 100 kph.

Size-wise, you’re looking at a length of 4120 mm, a width of 1790 mm, height of 1631 mm and a wheelbase of 2500 mm. A boot space of 392 litres and a ground clearance of 190 mm gives it an element of lifestyle applications.

Kia Sonet 1.0 Trim Levels

EX

8-inch HD touchscreen infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoBluetooth with voice controlHeight-adjustable driver’s seatLeather-trimmed steering wheel and gear shifterRear-view camera and rear park distance control (PDC)Combination artificial leather and cloth seat trimElectronic Stability Control (ESC)ABS with EBDHill-start Assist Control (HAC)Dual front airbagsISOFIX child-seat anchoring points16-inch alloy wheelsAutomatic headlamp activation

EX+ (The above content plus:)

Side and curtain airbags (6 in total)Rear combination LED lights with signature graphic2-inch TFT LCD Supervision clusterArtificial leather seats with contrast red stitchingFolding electric side mirrorsElectrochromatic rear-view mirrorCruise controlAutomatic climate controlDrive Mode Select

We will be driving the Kia Sonet 1.0 at its local launch and will update the final specifications plus warranty details as soon as we have that information.

How much does the Kia Sonet 1.0 Turbo cost in South Africa?

Kia Sonet 1.0 T-GDI EX R359 995

Kia Sonet 1.0 T-GDI EX+ R389 995

All Sonet models ship as standard with Kia’s industry-leading Unlimited Kilometre, 5-year warranty (inclusive of Roadside Assistance), as well as a prepaid 4-year / 60,000 km service plan.

Some Kia dealerships regularly offer great deals.See our New Car Specials!

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Further Reading

Kia Sonet Review

8 Cheapest crossovers under R300k