New Kia Sonet revealed and ready for SA
Kia has finally revealed their new Sonet and it is all packed up and set to travel to South Africa. Right now we only have official information for the kit in India. Because the new Kia Sonet will be shipped from there, we imagine our local line-up will be very similar. We won’t have to wait too long though as more details will be released closer to the launch planned for the end of 2020.
The Kia Sonnet is new, bold and small.
Sitting just underneath the Seltos in the Kia SUV range, this new Sonet does look great. We got to see many teaser images and the final reveal did not disappoint. It has a strong stance and aggressive face, everything you would expect for a baby SUV. This will come in 8 colours and an additional 3 dual-tone colour options.
India did announce a local GT-Line trim, so it is possible that our local shores may see one too.
It comes with more tech than you would expect.
The interior is filled with a lot of modern tech. From the driver’s position, you are met with a 4.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The setup follows the singular screen trend that’s similar to that of a Mercedes-Benz although there does appear to be a distinct divide between the two screens. Kia boasts a quality air purifying system as well as wireless charging that would normally come along with higher range cars.
Other options that may also appear on the higher trim models include a Bose seven-speaker audio system, ventilated front seats, remote engine start, over-the-air map updates, multiple drive and traction modes, front and rear parking sensors, tyre-pressure monitoring and LED mood lighting.
3 engine options for the Sonet available in India.
India gives the new Kia Sonet 3 engine options and 5 transmissions to choose between them. The two petrol options are A 1,2-litre 4-cylinder unit and a turbocharged 1.0-litre 3-pot engine. These two can come with a 6 or 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. There is 1 diesel option and it is a 1,5-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine that can come with either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Kia has 1 more gearbox available in India and it’s called Smartstream 6-speed iMT. It’s a “manual” gearbox with no clutch pedal. Instead, you control the gearshifts while the car will take care of the clutch by itself.
In terms of safety, the new Kia Sonet comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill-start assist control, vehicle stability management, brake assist and IsoFix child-seat anchors.
Source & images: Cars | Car Magazine | IOL | Kia
