KIA’s 2020 Sonet on its way to SA

Based on sister company Hyundai’s Venue platform, the Sonet will slot in underneath the Seltos. The Sonet will be built in the Bangalore Kia factory, like the Seltos and this bodes rather well interestingly for the South African market. If the Venue is anything to go off on, the Sonet will be somewhat surprising, and we cant why here’s why.

KIA Sonet Specification

Much like the Seltos value for money and extensive specification again is clear and its highly likely the EX, EX+ and GT-line trim levels will be offered still. A 10.25-inch infotainment screen, with the obligatory Carplay and AndriodAuto and rather obvious Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The Top-spec models gain a seven-speaker Bose sound system with ambient lighting mirrored from the Seltos range. The UVO 2 app connect system is available in other markets with allowing for full app integration and vehicle diagnostic information with over the air updates.

KIA Sonet Safety

With focus markets of Subcompacts being families a host of safety features including six airbags, Isofix child seat mounting points, and stability control, ABS and EBD. Convenience features such as front and rear PDC, automatic headlamps, hill start and tyre pressure monitoring.

KIA Sonet Drivetrains

Driving the front wheels, the choice of three engines are available, a 1.2Litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder offering 65kW and 115Nm, 1.0Litre turbocharged three-cylinder from the Venue offering 88kW and 172Nm and a diesel 1.5Litre turbodiesel offering 86kw and 250Nm. The choice of transmissions will be a five and six-speed manual, and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Weirdly Kia has also decided to provide a 6-speed intelligent manual (automated manual) which I must say don’t work as well as one would like and ruin any car fitted’s driving experience. It remains to be seen what this is like, but the Sonet makes sense once again and maybe just as good as its larger brother.

KIA Sonet in South Africa

The Sonet will reach South Africa later this year and will be an exciting addition to the subcompact market. The compact dimensions make the vehicle small and loveable, but we hope the same character that the Venue just so effortlessly exudes effortlessly.