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Attention all compact crossover shoppers – we have a new competitor in the fresh and funky aisle. That is right, Kia launched their Sonet crossover.

The Kia Sonet is all-new, developed and engineered from the ground-up jointly between Kia

Motors India and Kia’s global R&D headquarters. Following extensive market input, especially relating to its design, engine and transmission tuning and characteristics, and suspension attributes, the Sonet is designed to offer customers a car that ticks all the boxes. Or so that is what Kia is saying.

The Sonet highlights a range of styling cues that differentiates it from its competitors, including a fresh interpretation of Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose grille,’ with a stylish front skid plate underneath. Its sporty silhouette is enhanced by the unique design and structure of its rear C-pillars and its wrap-around rear windscreen. The profile, meanwhile, has a strong, sporty character thanks to the shape of the bonnet and bumpers, with the strongly sloped windscreen pillar and rounded roofline.

The Sonet’s crossover stance thanks to its size - at 4,120 mm long, sitting on a wheelbase measuring 2,500 mm, it is one of the largest and most spacious vehicles in the compact segment, ensuring that there is more than enough space for all passengers – and everything that is needed on the journey.

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 keen to express themselves a bit more may 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. This is necessary as its ads to the Sonet “cool” appeal.

Keeping the comfort of the driver and passengers in mind, intelligent packaging has liberated plenty of leg room, head room and shoulder room and created a large luggage area measuring 392 litres.

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, providing customers with the crucial safety advantage of hands-free connectivity. Additionally, the digital instrument cluster presents valuable information to the driver in vivid clarity.

The Sonet is offered with a new engine for the South African market. Kia’s fuel-efficient 1.5

MPI petrol engine (85 kW/144 Nm). Customers have a choice between a 6-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). I drove both models and prefer the light action of the manual gearbox over the languid CVT.

Two trim levels are available with both transmission options. Feature highlights on the

entry-level LX derivatives, to name but a few, include:

• 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 has not been overlooked. In fact, it is a highlight with its strong structure and several key safety features, including:

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• ABS with EBD
• Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
• Dual front airbags
• ISOFIX child-seat anchoring points

Within a plethora of competition, the Sonet offers a good overall package. Is it worth running out a buying? I would shortlist the Sonet along with the EcoSport, Opel Crossland, Peugeot 2008 and the T-Cross. Let me know which one you chose?

The competition

Hyundai Venue, Citroën C3 Aircross, Fiat 500X, Ford EcoSport, Honda WR-V/BR-V, Jeep Renegade, Kia Seltos, Mahindra XUV300, Mazda CX-3, Mitsubishi ASX, Opel Crossland, Peugeot 2008, Renault Duster/Captur, Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Toyota Urban Cruiser and Volkswagen T-Cross.

Pricing

Sonet 1.5 LX Manual R269,995

Sonet 1.5 LX CVT R290,995

Sonet 1.5 EX Manual  R289,995

Sonet 1.5 EX CVT R310,995

Service and warranty

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. The all-new Sonet range is on sale across Kia South Africa’s national dealer network

immediately.

My Choice

Sonet 1.5 EX Manual  R289,995

www.kia.co.za