KIA SONET 1,5 EX
edgy styling and good standard kit some low-rent interior plastics
Less than a month into my stint at CAR, a Slack message from editor Ray Leathern signalled the start of my long-term test journey: “my” Kia Sonet had arrived at the office. Fresh from its launch at the beginning of May, a 1,5 EX manual replete in two-tone Intense Red was parked in the garage.
Power is derived from a 1,5-litre naturally aspirated engine with 85 kw and 144 N.m. An automatic is available but this unit sends power to the front axle via a six-speed manual gearbox; an aspect of the driving experience I’m rather chuffed about. It’s rare to receive test cars from manufacturers fitted with self-shifters nowadays, as many brands are keen to punt the benefits of two-pedal transmissions, especially in
stop-start traffic. That being said, I enjoy the simplicity and involvement of the six-speed manual in the Sonet; with a short first gear, I can pull away in second from a set of traffic lights without any hassle.
Its edgy styling and tall stance for a compact crossover give it immediate presence and, in my opinion, it stands out in the sea of compact crossovers looking to become the next big thing. Its stylish 16-inch wheels with a funky design add pizzazz to the overall package.
It’s not the Sonet’s first mention in this section of the magazine. Last month my colleague Nikesh Kooverjee noted the newcomer as a rival to our long-term Suzuki Vitara Brezza. Yet more proof that several contenders are vying for sales domination in this tightly contested segment, chief among which is the Brezza’s “brother from another mother”, the Toyota Urban Cruiser. Throw into the mix the well-liked Ford Ecosport,
Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger and the not-so-little Kia certainly has its work cut out.
The EX model is priced at an ultra-competitive R284 995 and is fitted as standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, park distance control with reverse camera and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay compatibility.
And the name Sonet? It might come as no surprise the name was created from the words Social Network. Kia’s marketing department was very deliberate with its newest entry, aiming it directly at millennials (those born between 1980 and 1999).
Interestingly, according to Stats SA, South Africa has ±26 million millennials; a decently sized group of individuals to draw upon who witnessed the dawn of the social-media age.
So far, I’ve only had the pleasure of ferrying the Sonet between home and the office during which it has not put a foot wrong, providing adequate fuel consumption of 7,50 L/100 km. Follow me, the millennial, for more updates as I get to know the Kia Sonet better.