In today’s economy, affordable compact crossovers like the 2024 Kia Sonet are a dime a dozen on our roads. As a result, segment kingpins that once controlled the market cannot rest on their laurels. A pair of eyes on the back of their head is the best to see the next hotshot that’s coming to undercut them. More importantly for the 2024 Kia Sonet, enjoying its first facelift since launching in South African some four years ago, is to not upset the applecart and alienate your audience. Consequently, the Indian-derived Sonet has not strayed far from its winning formula.
Granted, there’s a bit of cribbing from the shared-platform Hyundai Venue, so the Sonet measures 4 110 mm nose to tail. And it sits on a same 2 500 mm wheelbase as before. Thanks to its above average height of 1 610 mm, you can wear any type of hat that takes your fancy, even if you’re tall like me. According to Kia, it is still one of the most spacious vehicles in its class. Say hello to 385 litres of luggage capacity and a split-folding rear bench.
2024 KIA SONET 1.5 LX AUTO
The LX-spec 1.5 Auto is the top of the range 2024 Kia Sonet, priced at R391 991. And it has many of the mod cons you’d expect from an always-connected, modern run-around. Interior trim is tasteful in mostly piano black and there’s a lovely leather-wrapped steering wheel. Front and centre in the cabin is the latest touchscreen infotainment system with reverse camera. The setup features voice control and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, which works seamlessly.
Likewise, there’s a digital instrument cluster ahead of the driver which puts you in mind of much dearer premium offerings. Encouragingly, it is very well put together and feels as sturdy as anything further up the Kia totem pole. As you can see from the pictures, our test unit wears the coveted two-tone exterior colour option – Glacier White with a black roof and the latest 16-inch rim designs. Even forgoing the two-tone aesthetic, the 2024 Kia Sonet boasts slick styling adaptations that lend it an assertive presence.
PLENTY TO SHOUT ABOUT
Our test route took us on some of the Cape’s favourite scenic routes, including immaculate stretches of cambered, smooth bitumen along Chapman’s Peak to Hout Bay. In motion, the 2024 Kia Sonet feels light, easy and supple in all environments. Lightweight, high-strength steel creates a robust shell with curb weight coming in at a little over a tonne. However, the eight-step CVT does take some shine off the experience. A six-speed manual is the other transmission available and we’d take that in a heartbeat. While two pedals are undoubtedly most buyers’ preference, it does feel a little laboured in this configuration.
Its 85 kW and 144 Nm 1.5-litre naturally aspirated MPI engine is unchanged under the bonnet. And as a result the motor delivers its motive force in a pretty straightforward fashion. Kia South Africa’s zero to 100 km/h quoted figure is 10.3 seconds, with a top speed of 175 km/h. Once again this is all par for the course in this segment, showing the firm remains steadfast in its priorities and target audience. The 2024 Kia Sonet is not about setting quarter-mile records, that’s for sure. Instead, it’s a competent and good-value crossover that will continue to put thousands of bums in seats for the Korean brand’s local distributor. Long may it continue to sing its tune.
THE FIGURES
- 2024 Kia Sonet 1.5 LX Auto
- Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, petrol
- Transmission: CVT
- Power: 85 kW @ 6 300 r/min
- Torque: 144 Nm @ 4 500 r/min
- 0-100 km/h: 10.3 seconds (claimed)
- Top speed: 170 km/h
- Fuel consumption: 6.2 l/100 km
- Price: R391 995
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