Refreshed Kia Sonet Arrives in South Africa with Updated Styling and Tech
Image Source: The facelifted Kia Sonet is priced from R366,995. Picture: Jason Woosey.
Published by Everything ZA News
The popular Kia Sonet compact SUV has received a mid-cycle refresh for the 2024 model year, and it’s now available in South Africa. The updated Sonet boasts a revised design that embodies Kia’s “Opposites United” aesthetic, featuring refreshed front and rear fascias. New wheel designs round out the exterior changes.
Under the hood, things remain familiar. The engine options continue to be a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated unit producing 85kW and 144Nm, available with either a six-speed manual or CVT gearbox. The peppier 1.0-litre turbocharged triple-cylinder engine making 88kW and 172Nm remains exclusive to the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
The lineup sees a slight reshuffle. The 1.5-litre EX manual option has been discontinued, while a new range-topping SX grade joins the party. Interestingly, both the new SX and the high-spec EX+ stick with the 1.5-litre engine.
Thankfully, pricing remains largely unchanged. The entry-level 1.5 LX manual kicks things off at a familiar R366,995, with the new flagship 1.5 SX topping out at R484,995.
Here’s a breakdown of the 2024 Kia Sonet pricing (as of June 2024):
- 1.5 LX manual – R366,995
- 1.5 LX CVT – R391,995
- 1.5 EX CVT – R411,995
- 1.0T EX DCT – R436,995
- 1.5 EX Plus CVT – R454,995
- 1.5 SX CVT – R484,995
The rear end has also been given a significant refresh. Picture: Jason Woosey.
Let’s take a look at the features offered at each trim level:
- LX: This base model comes with 16-inch alloy-look steel wheels, manual air conditioning, a multi-function steering wheel, automatic light control, front and rear USB charging ports, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a reverse camera, and six speakers. Safety-wise, you get dual front airbags, ABS, and ESP stability control.
- EX: Building on the LX, the EX adds LED daytime running lights, auto-folding mirrors, rear parking sensors, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a center console armrest with built-in storage.
- EX Plus: This trim distinguishes itself with 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, automatic climate control, an electrochromatic rear-view mirror, six airbags, and an upgraded 10.25-inch infotainment system paired with a matching 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
- SX: The flagship SX gets all the features mentioned above, along with additional tech goodies like Drive Mode Select, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Follow Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, push-button start, and a wireless phone charging pad.
Cabin changes are minimal in the base version. Picture: Jason Woosey.
All Kia Sonet models come with the company’s enticing five-year, unlimited kilometer warranty, a major selling point for high-mileage drivers. Additionally, they come with a four-year or 60,000km service plan.
Be sure to check back on Friday for our driving impressions of the new Kia Sonet, straight from its South African launch event in KwaZulu-Natal!
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