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In terms of compact crossover SUVs, the Kia Sonet is a noteworthy contender following its introduction to the South African market in 2021. When it arrived, the Sonet launched locally around the same time as Chery’s Tiggo 4 range, Nissan’s Magnite, and Renault’s Kiger. Since then, it has solidified its position, offering impressive technology and comfort features.
Before the introduction of the Sonet, Kia's customers faced a binary choice: the compact Picanto for those seeking a small car or the larger Seltos to accommodate growing families. However, this oversight inadvertently left a gap for a more dynamic and tech-savvy audience that prefers to buy within the subcompact crossover SUV fold and, as a result, sent potential buyers looking elsewhere.
You see, the Sonet occupies a significant position within Kia’s product portfolio, a niche that had remained overlooked until 2021. For the 2024 model year, Kia has given the Sonet a comprehensive makeover. I still have an affinity for the pre-facelift version, as it was one of the most beautiful and robust designs in its segment. The facelifted model, however, injects a measure of modern style into the Sonet, further ensuring its competitiveness in its segment.
The substantial updates are immediately noticeable upon entering the cabin. The dashboard layout has been thoughtfully refreshed, lending a modern and sophisticated touch. The combination of black and grey cloth seats exudes an upscale feel, elevating the overall interior ambience. Interior plastic applications in this class are typically more rigid, as is the case with the Sonet, which has a durable and solid finish that is not particularly refined. Front passengers still benefit from the central armrest with cup holders, two USB ports up front, and two USB-Cs at the back, which helps ensure that the in-car entertainment doesn't stop on an extended journey to Mpumalanga.
Also, the inclusion of wireless Apple CarPlay enhances the driving experience by ensuring smooth navigation via the intuitive 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
It’s worth mentioning that the boot capacity remains unchanged at 385 litres, and even when faced with the task of packing for a week-long stay, it effortlessly accommodated all our necessities.
When it comes to driving, we’ve always found the 1.0-litre turbocharged engine in the pre-facelift model to be both lively and efficient, especially when paired with the amazing 7-speed DCT gearbox that drives the front wheels. While the output figures of 88kW and 172Nm remain unchanged and may not set timing charts alight, they're ideal for this configuration, delivering gear shifts that are smooth and precise. It's also worth noting that there is a slight hint of turbo lag below 2,500 r/min, but it's not a deal-breaker.
On the road, the Sonet displays impressive manners, offering a relaxed driving experience even with the standard 16-inch steel wheels with stylish covers. On rougher roads, though, its suspension struggles to cope, resulting in a less-than-smooth ride quality. The ground clearance, on the other hand, is more than adequate for navigating some of Mpumalanga's most notorious potholes, and it also served us well during a brief off-road excursion.
In addition to the R436,995 price tag for the Kia Sonet EX, buyers get an unlimited km/5-year warranty with Roadside Assistance, a pre-paid 4-year/60,000km service plan, and an average fuel economy of 6.9l/100km. This comprehensive package is undeniably appealing; however, the sensible thing would be to explore other options within this competitive segment. These include well-established contenders like the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro DCT, Volkswagen T-Cross, Nissan Magnite, and Hyundai Venue, to name a few.
In the competitive automotive landscape, each model targets specific preferences. Some emphasise style, while others focus on affordability or efficiency. However, the Sonet EX distinguishes itself with an impressive demeanour and has consistently held its ground in the market since 2021. Indeed, there is no such thing as the perfect car, but as a discerning buyer, you naturally seek out the package that ticks the most boxes, and the Sonet EX fits that benchmark admirably.
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