Kia Sonet Turbo offers style, performance, practicality

Globally, the B-segment category of the automotive market brings with it that massive contentment and ownership satisfaction that guarantees returns on investment like the Kia Sonet.

Sonet finds itself in the ever-changing B-segment alongside some stiff competition. Since its introduction, it has been a favourite within the segment, offering much in the way of features and value. Now though, Kia has added a turbocharged motor to the line-up. We gave it a go.

It incorporates Kia’s DNA of emotive styling, along with a premium and youthful appeal, to create a strong presence on the road. Sonet showcases a range of styling attributes that sets it apart from its competitors, including a fresh interpretation of Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose grille’, with a stylish front skid plate underneath.

Its sporty silhouette is enhanced by the unique design and structure of its C-pillars, matched with a wrap-around rear windscreen. 

The profile, meanwhile, has a strong, sporty character, thanks to the shape of the bonnet and bumpers, with the strongly raked A-pillars and rounded roofline imparting greater road presence.

Contributing to the Sonet’s unmistakable SUV stance is its size. At 4 120 mm long, sitting on a wheelbase measuring 2 500 mm, it’s one of the largest and most spacious vehicles in the B-SUV segment, ensuring that there is more than enough space for all passengers – and everything that’s needed on the journey.

Inside, it offers a sophisticated cabin with a smooth, flowing dashboard to appeal to young-at-heart and always-connected consumers. Keeping the comfort of the driver and passengers in mind, intelligent packaging has liberated plenty of legroom, headroom and shoulder room, and created a large luggage area measuring 392 litres.

Taking centre stage on the dashboard is an 8.0-inch HD touch-screen infotainment system that incorporates a reverse camera with dynamic guidelines, a standard fitment throughout the range.

The set-up offers Kia’s intuitive and friendly voice-control technology and sports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Additionally, the digital instrument cluster presents important information to the driver in vivid clarity.

Supplementing the critically acclaimed Sonet range, powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine in entry-level LX and mid-tier EX specification, the new Kia Sonet 1.0 T-GDi options build on the current range and offer a new flagship in EX+ specification.

The 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine is mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. You can expect 88kW and 172Nm of torque. The combination of engine and transmission also allow for an impressive fuel-consumption figure.

Safety-wise, it is equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill-start assist, and rear parking sensors. It also gets a driver fatigue alert system, and a rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines.

In conclusion, the Turbo offers a great combination of style, performance and convenience, and it is a great option for those looking for a relatively affordable SUV. It is well-equipped with a host of tech and convenience features, and it comes with a generous list of safety features.

MIKE OCHONMA