Kia recently gave their medium-compact crossover, the Sonet, a mild refresh. I was all-too happy to test the base-model LX with an automatic transmission…
You should know: Like most manufacturers, Kia has at least half a dozen SUV-type vehicles in their line-up to counter almost every other brand’s half a dozen SUV-type offerings. The Sonet slots into the bottom bit of the Korean price lists and shares quite a bit of DNA with its Asian half-sibling Hyundai Venue.
More info: In order to cast the widest net towards potential customers, the recently updated range now includes a luxurious “SX” derivative with gadgets and goodies which you’d expect to find in much bigger vehicles. Our silver LX starts the Sonet range with a 116hp 4-cylinder petrol engine and either a 6-speed manual gearbox or this multi-step CVT.
Why you shouldn’t: Most people run a mile when they hear CVT but this one falls in line with current trends by desperately trying to mimic gear ratios. Especially when beaten with a stick – where traditional CVT’s just hang close to the engine’s screaming redline – this one bounces the rpm’s around as if it had physical cogs to choose from.
Why you should: I’d advocate the manual for anyone except hard-core commuters, yet this new-age CVT is fairly easy to live with. Ditto for its simple but functional interior with an easy-to-use infotainment system. Bizarrely, there’s also a more powerful 1-litre turbo-petrol 3-cylinder on offer, but only with a 7-speed DCT in the middle “EX” trim levels.
What else? All Kia Sonets are front-wheel drive only but offer 190mm of ground clearance and 385L of cargo capacity. Added to that, Kia claims an average fuel use of just 6.2L/100km from the 45L tank, while providing a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and 4-year/60,000km service plan.
FULL SPEC LIST
| Engine: | 1,497cc in-line 4-cylinder petrol |
| Transmission: | Multi-step CVT, FWD |
| Max. Power: | 85kW @ 6,300rpm |
| Max. Torque: | 144Nm @ 4,500rpm |
| Avg. cons.: | 6.2L/100km |
| 0-100km/h: | 10.13 (claimed 10.3) |
| Top Speed: | 175km/h (claimed) |
| List Price: | R391,995 |