All-new Kia Sonet – Begin your SUV life
The all-new smart urban compact Kia Sonet SUV was officially launched on May 11. It has marked the brand’s entry into the B-SUV segment in South Africa.
“With its sporty, eye-catching design language, fun-to-drive dynamics and the high-quality features Kia is renowned for, the all-new Sonet puts an exclamation point on our ambition to make Kia the brand of choice for trendy urbanites,” comments Gary Scott, CEO, Kia South Africa. “ The Sonet fulfils an important role in Kia’s local line-up, and is well-positioned to attract a large number of customers who value design, comfort and quality.”
According to Motorpress, the Kia Sonet was developed and engineered from the ground-up between Kia Motors India and Kia’s global R&D headquarters in Namyang, South Korea.
“The B-SUV segment is continuously growing and evolving, with strong competition from multiple brands. This segment is a launchpad for consumers actively upgrading their lifestyle, whether because of a notable life change, or a desire to see more, do more and experience more,” comments Stephen Crosse, Sales & Marketing Director, Kia South Africa. “We’re confident that these consumers, keen to start their SUV life, will be attracted to the complete package the Sonet represents.”
The all-new Kia Sonet boasts the emotive styling of Kia along with a very youthful appeal. It has a fresh tiger-nose grille and a front skid plate underneath. It has a sporty look to it, enhanced with a unique design.
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.
Customers are able to opt for one of four two-tone exterior colour options: Glacier White or Intense Red with a black roof, or Gravity Grey or Intelligency Blue with a white roof.
Interior
There is plenty of leg room, head room and shoulder room, with a large luggage area of 392-litres.
At the centre of the dashboard is an 8.0-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system that has a reverse camera with dynamic guidelines, which is standard throughout the range.
Offering Kia’s intuitive and friendly voice-control technology and sports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, providing customers with the crucial safety advantage of hands-free connectivity.
Engine
The new Sonet is powered by a fuel-efficient 1.5 MPI petrol engine that delivers 85kW and 144 Nm of torque. Customers have the option of either a 6-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Two trim levels will be available with both transmission options. Here are a few feature highlights on the entry-level LX derivatives:
- 8,0-inch infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Remote central locking
- Air-conditioning
- Bluetooth
- Front and rear electric windows
- Electric mirrors
- 6 speakers
- 15-inch steel wheels
- Height-adjustable driver’s seat
- 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
- Front fog lights
Safety
Customer safety is a top priority for Kia globally. Complementing its strong cabin structure are a number of key safety features:
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- ABS with EBD
- Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
- Dual front airbags
- ISOFIX child-seat anchoring points
Price and specifications
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
All Sonet models come with a 5-year warranty (inclusive of Roadside Assistance) and a 4-year/60 000 km service plan.
Picture/s: Motorpress