Kia Sonet 1.5 LX Auto (2024) - Review
Kia's Sonet now fills the void left by the discontinued Rio while also serving as the brand's compact crossover just below the Seltos. The Sonet received an update recently, and we sampled the naturally aspirated 1.5 LX auto variant from the revised range.
It comes as no surprise that the compact SUV segment is an ever-growing area. The segment is also highly competitive, which means you either bring your A-game or be behind the drawing board cooking up a hit. Looking at the July 2024 Lightstone New Car Sales report, the Sonet was Kia's best-selling car for that month.
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The Sonet is a relatively new player, only being released back locally in 2021 and having an update in 2024. The Sonet now sees some styling, interior and range revisions for this new update. Does this all dial in the Sonet further? We drove the refreshed model recently to find out!
Styling
The updated Sonet receives some styling revisions that further lean into Kia's 'Opposites United' design philosophy. A design language that blends contrasting concepts like modernity with nature. In our view, Kia's new vehicles have been characterised lately by their sharp-looking exteriors. Up front, the headlights receive some swanky adjustments in the form of an automotive version of eyeliner, which runs around the side of the headlamps and extends down to the bumper. The so-called "Tiger Nose" grille is still quite prominent with its 3D mesh and satin silver outlining. The Sonet still has its tough chin and front bumper trim finished in satin silver. Other revisions include a burlier fender and bonnet. As a result, the front end of the Sonet is now more eye-catching.
On the side, the compact profile remains with new wheel designs to behold. On the 1.5 LX, in this instance, it looks like a machined alloy wheel from around five meters away. Look closer, however, and it's a cleverly designed steel wheel and hubcap. In the rear, the light signature is updated, running a similar setup in front, except here, you have a lightbar running across. The rear bumper sees a bolder arrangement than the pre-facelift Sonet. Plastic body cladding is found all around the vehicle, indicative of this vehicle being a crossover SUV. Does the latest Sonet look good in our eyes? It stands out and has been following the strong design trends that have been taking place with Korean vehicles lately.
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Space and Comfort
Inside, the layout remains more or less the same as the pre-facelift model, with some key differences. The cabin's styling is still pretty attractive. Our LX variant has a more minor 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, but the system is pretty decent. The screen resolution could be slightly improved, but the system has a good mix of analogue and touch controls that are well laid out and keep operations simple. The system is also compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Harder textured plastic is found around the cabin, but it's pleasant.
The seating in the LX variant is a combo of fabric and artificial leather. In this writer's view, the front seating could do with some adjustments in the form of improved lumbar support and seatbacks to accommodate some larger frames better; despite this, the materials on the seating feel nice. The steering wheel in this variant is urethane trimmed with a textured finish. We would have liked an auto up and down driver's window and a basic cruise control system in this package. Space-wise, the Sonet's cabin is roomy enough, and getting in and out is easy. There's 385-litres of boot space, but the rear seats also fold flat, unlocking enough room for a mountain bike!
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Performance
The Sonet, in this form, is powered by a 4-cylinder 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine making 85kW and 144Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a CVT transmission. We reckon the powertrain setup suits the Sonet quite well and didn't find the CVT too annoying. It is easy to have a smooth driving experience when not chasing the redline and driving the product as intended.
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The Drive
Puttering about in the Sonet is, for the most part, fuss-free. The ride is well-sorted, and the engine doesn't feel laboured. It's an agreeable vehicle, but a basic cruise control system would be a welcome addition to make highway driving more pleasant. There is some noticeable wind noise around the side mirrors at highway speeds, but it's not enough to be annoying. It's a good vehicle in which to complete the daily commute!
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Safety
You'll find the following Safety Equipment in the 1.5 LX Auto:
- 2 Airbags (Driver and Passenger)
- ABS, EBD
- Stability Control
- Reverse camera
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Fuel Consumption
The 1.5-litre engine in the Sonet consumes a claimed 6.2 L /100 km; we managed around that mark, which is respectable for a vehicle of this type.
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Price
The Sonet range comes with a 4-year /60 000 km service plan and a 5-year /unlimited km warranty with roadside assistance. Plan extensions are available if you wish.
| Model | Price |
| Kia Sonet 1.5 LX Manual | from R366 995 |
| Kia Sonet 1.5 LX Auto (tested) | from R391 995 |
| Kia Sonet 1.5 EX | from R411 995 |
| Kia Sonet 1.0T EX | from R436 995 |
| Kia Sonet 1.5 EX+ | from R454 995 |
| Kia Sonet 1.5 SX | from R484 995 |
*Pricing stated here was correct when publishing and is subject to change without prior notice.
Verdict
The updated Sonet looks good, and the range revisions are welcome. It's an agreeable car in many respects, but the entry-level variant we drove here could use some slight tweaks. Despite this, we see why the Sonet sells so well; there's a good compact crossover from a reputable brand behind that fresh face!
