By Otsile Kadiege

The Kia Sonet is playing in a highly competitive compact SUV segment with many strong players from arch rivals. In a bid to remain relevant in the said segment, Kia South Africa launched the updated Sonet on local soil a couple of months ago which received a bold new look, a revised range and new technologies. The automaker’s local arm is now expanding the model line-up with an entry-level LS grade.

Sonet LS exterior

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.

Sonet LS interior

Like its stablemates, the Sonet LS mirrors the same quality interior, with the familiar cabin layout featuring an 8-inch colour touchscreen and a combination of black cloth and synthetic leather upholstered seats as standard.

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.

Sonet LS powertrain

The Sonet LS is powered by Kia’s familiar 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.

Sonet LS safety features

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.

Sonet LS pricing and warranty

Kia Sonet 1.5 LS Manual – R299,995

Kia Sonet 1.5 LS CVT – R324,995

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.