Kia Sonet – TWFLD https://twfld.com The home of independent tech and motoring news and reviews in South Africa Thu, 19 Aug 2021 19:37:05 +0000 en-ZA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 254850515 Kia Sonet now more accessible, LX derivates added to popular line https://twfld.com/kia-sonet-now-more-accessible-lx-derivates-added-to-popular-line/ Thu, 19 Aug 2021 19:36:44 +0000 http://twfld.com/?p=21968 Remember the Kia Sonet which was introduced to local media about three months ago? The folks at Kia have earlier today confirmed that the now popular mid-specification Sonet EX models are complemented by the addition of two entry-level Sonet LX derivatives that place value for money front and centre.

The Sonet LX models, like its EX sibling, are offered with Kia’s punchy and frugal 1.5 MPI naturally aspirated petrol engine delivering 85 kW and 144 Nm of torque. Customers have a choice between a 6-speed manual gearbox or a CVT.

Features worth mentioning on the entry-level LX derivatives include; 8,0-inch HD touchscreen 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 and Combination artificial leather and cloth seat trim.

There’s also a plethora of active safety tech to boot.

The Kia Sonet LX Manual is priced at R269 995 and R290 995 for the LX CVT.

]]> 21968 First Impressions: Kia Sonet now available in SA https://twfld.com/first-impressions-kia-sonet-now-available-in-sa/ Thu, 20 May 2021 15:24:48 +0000 http://twfld.com/?p=21254 Kia has finally launched its brand new compact SUV that it calls a “smart urban compact SUV.” The vehicle will be built in India and is now available globally. Kia says that the Sonet is its entry into the burgeoning compact SUV segment and promises a new benchmark with first-in-class features. We drove it a week ago at its launch in Cape Town.

The Kia Sonet shares the same styling as other vehicles the brand offers, especially the Sportage in front, but the rest of the body is reminiscent of the Seltos that has graced our homepage a few times.

It comes with one powertrain which, to our delight, suits the car perfectly. What you get is a 1.5-litre engine that boasts outputs of 85 kW at 6,300 r/min and 144 Nm of torque at 4,500 r/min. You then have the choice between a 6-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Two trim levels (LX and EX) are available as well.

And I must confess, I mistook the 1.5-litre engine for something bigger at first. My favourite is the automatic gearbox as its impressively absent of that rubber-banding feel that some continuously variable transmissions suffer from.

In fact it all sufficiently perky for urban duties. Though it’s not the most refined engine – there’s a fair amount of noise audible inside. It drives nicely enough, and the CVT is loads better than the example in Toyota’s Corolla I drove recently.

The Sonet offers several features that Kia claim are a segment first, including:

  • 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

The mid-spec EX models adds on:

  • Rear park distance control
  • Leather steering wheel and gear knob
  • Silver skid plate
  • 16-inch alloy wheels
  • Roof rails
  • Side repeater lamps
  • Front fog lights

The Kia Sonet is priced from R264 995 for the LX Manual and R285 995 for the EX CVT.

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