Kia is expanding its Sonet compact crossover range by adding two models to the top of the range. Both are fitted with the Korean manufacturer’s new 1.0 T-GDI turbo, 3-cylinder petrol engine.
The new 1.0 T-GDi EX and EX+ derivatives supplement the 1.5 LX and EX models that were launched locally last year with more than 3 500 sold so far in South Africa.
“The Sonet was one of the most anticipated new Kia models in several years when it was introduced to the South African market in April 2021,” says Stephen Crosse, Sales and Marketing Director, Kia South Africa.
“At the time, the global supply chain constraints hampered our efforts to launch Sonet with a broader range of engine and transmission options, but as some of these constraints begin to normalise, our persistent desire to expand the Sonet range has now come to fruition.”
The Kia Sonet 1.0 T-GDi is equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (7DCT). The engine boasts an output of 88 kW and a stout 172 Nm compared to the normally aspirated 1500 powertrain’s 85 kW and 144 Nm.
8,.0-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; Bluetooth with voice control; Leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear shifter; Rear-view camera and rear park distance control (PDC); Combination of artificial leather and cloth seat trim; Electronic Stability Control (ESC); ABS with EBD; Hill-start Assist Control (HAC); Dual front airbags.
Side and curtain airbags; 2” TFT LCD Supervision cluster; Artificial leather seats with contrast red stitching; Folding electric side mirrors; Electrochromatic rear-view mirror; Cruise control; Automatic climate control and Drive Mode Select.
1.5 LX Manual (R296 995), 1.5 LX CVT (R317 995), 1.5 EX Manual (R316 995), 1.5 EX CVT (R337 995), 1.0 T-GDI EX 7DCT (R359 995) and the 1.0 T-GDI EX+ 7DCT (R389 995).
Carla Seppings, CEO of Bidvest Automotive, a prominent player in the South African automotive retail sector, shared insightful perspectives on the industry's evolution during a recent Cars.co.za podcast ahead of Cars.co.za DealerCon 2025 on 17 September.
On World EV Day, a survey of 6 700 South African car owners highlights growing interest in Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) and Electric Vehicles (EVs).
The European automotive industry stands at a critical juncture. Fresh results from the EY research firm reveal that electric vehicles will capture over half of new light vehicle sales across Europe by 2032, marking a seismic shift in consumer preferences and industrial priorities.
Advertisement
Advertisement
You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do.
Henry Ford
Daimler Truck South Africa (DTSA) is hosting its biggest event of 2025 – “The Daimler Truck Experience”, under the theme “For All Who Keep Africa Moving” at the Gerotek Testing Facility in Pretoria.
Tata’s passenger vehicles made a return to the South African market with some interesting models. Let’s take a closer look at what is available and at what price.
Volkswagen will introduce the updated Golf GTI to the South African market in the last quarter of 2025. Well over 2.3 million GTIs have been sold worldwide.
