daniel chigunwe
The compact SUV market is a highly contested space and while the Kia Sonet has always impressed with its quality and practicality, its pricing has crept out of reach for many buyers.
That should change with the introduction of a new LS model grade, as well as significant “deal assistance” on the remainder of the range.
The new Sonet 1,5 LS comes in at R299 995 in manual guise and R324 995 as a CVT, undercutting the previous base model, the LX, by a considerable R67 000 in the recently facelifted range.
However the remaining models, excluding the new LS of course, are being offered with a R40 000 deal assistance between now and the end of 2024.
Kia South Africa CEO Paul Turnbull said the introduction of the new LS base model came about as a result of the Rio hatchback being discontinued in our market after right-hand-drive production was terminated abroad. This, he said, left a void for customers seeking a spacious and comfortable vehicle priced below the R300 000 mark.
The new Kia Sonet LS is powered by the same 1,5-litre normally aspirated petrol engine that does service in most other models in the range, producing 85kW and 144Nm, and pairing with a six-speed manual or CVT gearbox.
It doesn’t appear to lose much in the way of specification, although the LX model’s 16-inch steel wheels, featuring special covers designed to mimic alloy wheels, have made way for 15-inch wheels with conventional hubcaps.
The LS still comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, as well as central locking, dual front airbags and ABS brakes. The seats are upholstered in a combination of cloth and artificial leather.
After-sales back-up includes a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and three-year or 45 000km service plan, with extension options available.
Doesn’t look like a bad deal at all for R300 000, does it?
Here’s how the Kia Sonet LS shapes up to some of the alternatives
Mahindra XUV 3X0 1,2T MX3 82kW — R274 999
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1,5 Lit 83kW — R279 900
Suzuki Fronx 1,5 GL manual 77kW — R297 900
Toyota Starlet Cross 1,5 XS 77kW — R299,900
Kia Sonet 1,5 LS 85kW — R299 995
Nissan Magnite 1,0T Visia 74kW — R302 800
Hyundai Venue 1,2 Premium 61kW — R309 900
Kia Sonet: Full range and pricing
1,5 LS Manual — R299 995 (new)
1,5 LS CVT — R324 995 (new)
1,5 LX Manual — R366 995*
1,5 LX CVT — R391 995*
1,5 EX CVT — R411 995*
1,0 T-GDi EX DCT — R436 995*
1,5 EX Plus CVT — R454 995*
1,5 SX CVT — R484 995*
* Available with up to R40 000 deal assistance − IOL
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