Kia Sonet 1.5 EX CVT Test Review

The latest contender to join to ultra busy Crossover/SUV segment, the Kia Sonet was launched onto the SA market very recently. With this segment currently accounting for 39% of all sales, its no surprise that more and more manufacturers are getting in on the action.
Powered by a 1.5L 4 cylinder petrol engine giving 85kW and 144Nm it's interesting to note the competition split between similar powerplants and some with smaller turbo variants.
The Sonet is offered with either a 6 speed manual gearbox or CVT automatic. Either transmission can be matched to either base LX or upper EX spec levels. The test car was the range topping EX with CVT auto.
I have said many times that I find that a good CVT transmission is the perfect match for this category of vehicles and the version in the Sonet fits the bill. Smooth and unflustered in general driving, it makes town driving or cruising smooth and easy.
The engine and gearbox combination also combine to provide superb fuel economy and we achieved 5.7l/100km on the open road with an overall figure of 6.0l/100km for combined driving. Taking into account that a fair portion of the open road trip was on dirt roads as well but more of that later.
The EX spec provides a good level of standard comfort and safety items with 2 airbags , ABS and ESP as well as Isofix fittings on the rear seat. The 8 inch infotainment system provides a reverse camera as well as Apple Carplay and Android Auto functions and even allows for these to operate wirelessly. Cruise control is also standard and EX models have roof rails that state that they cannot carry any weight.
Boot space is rated at 392L which is large and includes a full sized spare wheel under the board. Unusually, the rear seat only folds as a single piece when wanting to extend the cargo area, most competitors offer 2 separate folding sections for more versatility.
Our extended run on dirt roads as well as some driving on the farm showed that the Sonet provides very safe and capable handling and was very sure-footed on the dirt roads. The extra ride height provided by the Crossover/SUV style added to this factor.
With the Sonet range priced from R264 995 to R305 995 as tested, this is highly competitive in the segment. A 4 year/ 60 000km service plan is included.
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#KiaSA
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#KiaSonet
#Sonet
#CrossoverSUV
#CompactSUV
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#KoreanCars
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#CrossoverCars

[@zaahidh9392]

I like your videos, but I think the videography in this one could have been done much better - what went wrong? Nonetheless, thanks for the review!

[@LukeIyer98]

The Pricing is well because apart from the front screen and layout you don't get much, the Vitara Brezza/ Urban Cruiser has LED Headlights(Low and Hi Beam), a normal Auto, an Air-conditioned glovebox, very nice automatic Climate Control, better rear seat configuration, Roof Rails that can take a load, all this, the Sonet does not have, it looks good and is a good value car, but there is a reason there is a waiting list for the Brezza/Urban Cruiser worldwide

[@dafisharch]

Been driving my 1.5 ex manual for almost 2 months now. I didn't expect the performance that I am getting, it is actually very zippy! Hills hardly are a problem, I almost never go over 3000 revs. The power is just there! I have had people in the car with me asking if it is a turbo.... It must the the new Dual port fuel injection system 😜

[@MotorMatters]

It definitely feels more powerful than the figures suggest. Bodes well for the coming turbo version

[@wadewill5934]

The price went up by R20k in the last year

[@lindsaymaher2441]

Does the CVT respond well when you need a bit of power to overtake and go up hills without screaming?

[@heindregericke7694]

Great video but i would like the video to be more straight to the point and about the car.

[@Lesiba2]

I think that they missed an opportunity to make that instrumental cluster display a bit more premium. Yes, its a low cost suv, but the cost cutting is highly visible and ruining the aesthetics of the car. The piano black plastic housing which overlaps the instrument cluster and the infotainment display should not have been there. the two are just fine as separate units

[@RK-ln6kg]

good day i enjoy your show. i would like to buy a kia sonet, is it worth its price the 1.5 EX. how is the fuel economy.

[@MotorMatters]

Thanks for the compliments. We averaged 6.0l/100km economy which is very good but included a long open road trip. If you would like assistance sourcing a car at the best deal please send me your contact details and I will get the CHANGECARS team to assist you

[@mel6954]

Hi Alan, when do you think they will add the 1l turbo to the range? Worth waiting for?

[@MotorMatters]

Hi Mel, I have read that it will be coming later this year, but could always be delayed now. It's a difficult question whether it's worth waiting for, especially if the price is much higher for the turbo engine. In my opinion, Crossover/SUV's are not about performance and I felt that the 1.5 has adequate performance for this category

[@mel6954]

Thank you Alan! Really appreciate the feedback

[@dafisharch]

I have the 1.5 ex manual. I don't have Led headlights. Does the Automatic realy have led Headlights?

[@MotorMatters]

@@dafisharch , my apologies. The headlamps looked like LED units to me but it seems like it does not have. I've searched the brochures which don't state what type of headlamps are fitted

[@zaahidh9392]

@@dafisharch No, none of the Kia Sonet spec vehicles available in SA currently come with LED lights - it is fitted with halogen lights all round. Confirmed. However, there is rumour that you may be able to have LED lights fitted through a Kia dealership/Kia workshop later on this year after the flagship Sonet is launched here, which is expected to have LED lights as standard.

[@kumudpatel6355]

Hello Alan, Thank you. How would this compare to mitsubishi asx or Suzuki Brezza budget is BTW 350k to 380k. One with all bells and whistles like andriod or apple, airbags and safety features, ratings, rear view PDC and camera etc

[@MotorMatters]

Hi Kumud, The best way for you to decide is to make a shortlist of potential models that fit your criteria. Then I suggest that you invest the time to test drive all of them. Often 1 particular car will just feel the most comfortable to you.

[@kumudpatel6355]

Thank you

[@gino3867]

camera work not good....but i will still subscribe

[@aCodingMonkey]

Does it have cruise control?

[@heinpiek8209]

Good review, terrible camera work.

[@garrenpillay5178]

Uh-huh that's not Led lights....

[@bascaro]

Terrible Videography and Audio (when outside the vehicle) but decent review

[@sivuyilemahamba7765]

I like your Videos I always watch them. But your videography is not doing a good job.

[@grifffreewonderer1363]

We watch review videos to learn about the vehicle, not hear about cattle and zebra.... your wasting my time

[@edwardbaloyi155]

Thanks very much for the long awaited Sonet review......you went extra mile by testing it under gravel road . You are the best reviewer

[@MotorMatters]

Thanks for the compliment

[@gazg00]

Aha........been waiting for this one, thanks Alan.

[@sidneybilski]

Those rails on the roof are so unnecessary!

[@MotorMatters]

It's called a cosmetic touch!

[@sidneybilski]

@@MotorMatters imagine the fuel consumption without them! Or maybe they reduce the drag coefficient. Who knows?

[@MotorMatters]

@@sidneybilski , they are quite aerodynamic so I doubt it would make much difference.

[@williammouers3549]

Been waiting for this one 👍👍

[@ricardocole5084]

This camera man had 1 job and he did not do it properly.......camera man you are a failure to car enthusiasts

[@thobz_tai]

Great review, thank you! Please can the videographer take better videos and use better angles cz half the things you’re listing we can’t even see. Otherwise, great video

[@sasharjoon6380]

So I can't put roof racks on it??

[@francoisferreira2488]

The vehicle has been significantly stripped from specs compared to what is offered in other markets.

[@MotorMatters]

Spec is often based on a target price range, also I think that the turbo model will be introduced later with a much higher spec level

[@trevh3849]

Will you be testing the Kia Seltos specifically the 1.5 Diesel auto Ex Plus?

[@MotorMatters]

I have'nt tested the Seltos as yet. Unfortunately I am limited by availability of test cars but can request if there is one in the current media fleet

[@brutersaaronmasindi6703]

Is the 4yrs/60k km service plan and 5yrs/60k km warranty standard on this car or a customer must buy it separately.

[@MotorMatters]

According to my information, they are standard. You should be able to extend at extra cost if you want to

[@brutersaaronmasindi6703]

@@MotorMatters Thank you for the clarity