While the Sonet LS is positioned as an accessible option within the Sonet range, it follows in the footsteps of all other Kia’s and carries forward all the features and quality Kia is known for. From the outside, the new LS model shares the same striking exterior design as its siblings and is visually identical to the Sonet LX. The only visual difference is the application of 15-inch steel wheels with stylish wheel cover. Overall dimensions remain unchanged, while the long wheelbase (2,500 mm) and short rear overhang endows Sonet with one of the roomiest cabins in its class. In fact, Sonet offers excellent leg- and headroom compared to many of its segment competitors, with its 385-litre boot capacity rated as one of the biggest in the segment. Ride comfort is ensured through a combination of a MacPherson strut set-up at the front and a coupled torsion beam axle at the rear. The inherent ‘big car’ engineering of the Sonet is complemented by features such as an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), ISOFIX child seat anchors and dual front airbags remain standard, as does central locking with an immobiliser.
The new Kia Sonet LS is powered by Kia’s familiar, reliable naturally aspirated 1.5-litre MPI engine, with a choice of 5-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT). The fuel-efficient 1.5-litre engine produces 85 kW of power at 6,300 r/min and 144 Nm torque at 4,500 r/min, ensuring responsive performance and a smooth drive. The Sonet LS retains the same reliable mechanics synonymous with the Kia brand, offering excellent value and driving confidence. The new Sonet LS mirrors the same high quality interior as its siblings, with the familiar cabin layout featuring an 8-inch colour touchscreen and a combination of black cloth and synthetic leather upholstered seats as standard.
“The discontinuation of the Rio hatchback due to production being moved to left-hand drive configuration only left many Kia customers with a great desire for a spacious, comfortable and well-specified spiritual successor priced under R300,000,” adds Turnbull. “We believe that the new Sonet LS not only ticks this box, but also all the boxes customers have for world-class engineering, quality finishes and big car attitude.”
Maximum choice. Unbeatable value.
The remainder of the Sonet line-up remains unchanged and, as a whole, continues to offer customers maximum choice without compromising on standard specification
or value for money.
“The new Sonet range has found significant favour amongst customers who are upgrading into the small SUV segment or who are downscaling from bigger cars. We
appreciate that many customers are still feeling the effects of the economy, but with the recent reduction in interest rates, we’re seeing positive growth not only in the number of enquiries we receive on the Sonet, but also the approval rate,” adds Turnbull. "For the remainder of the year, we're committed to helping as many customers as possible experience the outstanding value of the Sonet range. With the introduction of the new LS model, we're enhancing our support by offering up to R40,000 in deal assistance across the remaining Sonet models, making it easier for customers to enjoy everything the Sonet has to offer."
Following from the Sonet LS as the latest edition to the range, the Sonet LX remains unchanged from the version introduced in June this year. It’s a feature rich option that comes standard with body-coloured bumpers and trim for the electrically adjustable side mirrors, 16-inch styled wheels, combination black cloth and artificial leather upholstery, driver’s seat height adjustment, a rake-adjustable steering column, 60:40-split second-row seatbacks, electric windows, manual air-conditioning, automatic headlight control, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with reverse camera, Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, steering wheel-mounted controls, six speakers and multiple USB charging ports front and rear. The popular Sonet EX builds on the solid foundation of the LX model, with the addition of rear parking sensors, rear fog lamps and roof rails. The electric side mirrors gain integrated indicator signal lamps and an auto folding functionality, while the high-mounted stop lamp in the rear spoiler, the rear combination lights, the positioning lamps and the front Daytime Running Lights are also updated from bulb to LED. Inside, a storage box with integrated armrest is added between the two front seats, while the steering wheel and gear shifter gains leather cladding. Drivers also gain the benefit of conventional cruise control.
The Sonet EX Plus adds a range of high-grade additional features to the extensive EX grade specification. Most notably, this includes an upgrade of the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment screen to a 10.25-inch unit integrated with a 10.25-inch TFT LCD ‘Supervision’ instrument cluster. EX Plus models also gain full artificial leather upholstery, the addition of an electrochromatic rearview mirror and a wireless charging pad for mobile devices. On the outside, EX Plus models again a differently styled 16-inch diamond cut alloy wheel. At the top of the line-up, the Sonet SX builds on the exceptional EX Plus package through the addition of a range of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which presents a very unique proposition in the segment. These include Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Lane Follow Assist (LFA) and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), while Drive Mode Select allows the driver to select from Comfort, Eco, Sport or Smart sub-settings.
Big car value redefined.
All Sonet models ship as standard with Kia’s industry-leading Unlimited Kilometre/5-year warranty, inclusive of Roadside Assistance. In addition, a pre-paid 3-year / 45,000 km service plan is included to give customers peace of mind and predictability when it comes to vehicle maintenance. A variety of plan extension options are available at point of sale through Kia Financial Services for customers who require even more predictability of maintenance spend.
The new Kia Sonet LS is on sale immediately. Recommended retail pricing for the range is as follows:
Kia Sonet 1.5 LS Manual: R 299,995
Kia Sonet 1.5 LS CVT: R 324,995
Available with up to R40,000 deal assistance:
Kia Sonet 1.5 LX Manual: R 366,995
Kia Sonet 1.5 LX CVT: R 391,995
Kia Sonet 1.5 EX CVT: R 411,995
Kia Sonet 1.0 T-GDi EX DCT: R 436,995
Kia Sonet 1.5 EX Plus CVT: R 454,995
Kia Sonet 1.5 SX CVT: R 484,995
