Shout it loud: 2024 Kia Sonet 1.5 LX Auto overview

In immediately’s financial system, reasonably priced compact crossovers just like the 2024 Kia Sonet are a dime a dozen on our roads. Because of this, phase kingpins that after managed the market can’t relaxation on their laurels. A pair of eyes on the again of their head is one of the best to see the subsequent hotshot that’s coming to undercut them. Extra importantly for the 2024 Kia Sonet, having fun with its first facelift since launching in South African some 4 years in the past, is to not upset the applecart and alienate your viewers. Consequently, the Indian-derived Sonet has not strayed removed from its profitable components.

Granted, there’s a little bit of cribbing from the shared-platform Hyundai Venue, so the Sonet measures 4 110 mm nostril to tail. And it sits on a identical 2 500 mm wheelbase as earlier than. Because of its above common top of 1 610 mm, you possibly can put on any sort of hat that takes your fancy, even when you’re tall like me. In keeping with Kia, it’s nonetheless one of the crucial spacious autos in its class. Say hi there to 385 litres of bags capability and a split-folding rear bench.

2024 KIA SONET 1.5 LX AUTO

The LX-spec 1.5 Auto is the high quality 2024 Kia Sonet, priced at R391 991. And it has most of the mod cons you’d count on from an always-connected, trendy run-around. Inside trim is tasteful in largely piano black and there’s a stunning leather-wrapped steering wheel. Entrance and centre within the cabin is the most recent touchscreen infotainment system with reverse digital camera. The setup options voice management and wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto performance, which works seamlessly.

Likewise, there’s a digital instrument cluster forward of the motive force which places you in thoughts of a lot dearer premium choices. Encouragingly, it is rather properly put collectively and feels as sturdy as something additional up the Kia totem pole. As you possibly can see from the images, our check unit wears the coveted two-tone exterior color possibility – Glacier White with a black roof and the most recent 16-inch rim designs. Even forgoing the two-tone aesthetic, the 2024 Kia Sonet boasts slick styling diversifications that lend it an assertive presence.

PLENTY TO SHOUT ABOUT

Our check route took us on among the Cape’s favorite scenic routes, together with immaculate stretches of cambered, easy bitumen alongside Chapman’s Peak to Hout Bay. In movement, the 2024 Kia Sonet feels gentle, straightforward and supple in all environments. Light-weight, high-strength metal creates a sturdy shell with curb weight coming in at somewhat over a tonne. Nonetheless, the eight-step CVT does take some shine off the expertise. A six-speed handbook is the opposite transmission accessible and we’d take that in a heartbeat. Whereas two pedals are undoubtedly most consumers’ desire, it does really feel somewhat laboured on this configuration.

Its 85 kW and 144 Nm 1.5-litre naturally aspirated MPI engine is unchanged below the bonnet. And consequently the motor delivers its driving force in a reasonably simple trend. Kia South Africa’s zero to 100 km/h quoted determine is 10.3 seconds, with a high velocity of 175 km/h. As soon as once more that is all par for the course on this phase, exhibiting the agency stays steadfast in its priorities and target market. The 2024 Kia Sonet isn’t about setting quarter-mile information, that’s for positive. As a substitute, it’s a reliable and good-value crossover that can proceed to place hundreds of bums in seats for the Korean model’s native distributor. Lengthy could it proceed to sing its tune.