The Kia Sonet compact SUV just got a whole lot cheaper with the arrival of new LS version

The compact SUV market is a highly contested space and while the Kia Sonet has always impressed with its quality and practicality, its pricing has crept out of reach for many buyers.

That should change with the introduction of a new LS model grade, as well as significant “deal assistance” on the remainder of the range.

The new Sonet 1.5 LS comes in at R299,995 in manual guise and R324,995 as a CVT, undercutting the previous base model, the LX, by a considerable R67,000 in the recently facelifted range. However the remaining models, excluding the new LS of course, are being offered with a R40,000 deal assistance between now and the end of 2024.

Kia South Africa CEO Paul Turnbull said the introduction of the new LS base model came about as a result of the Rio hatchback being discontinued in our market after right-hand-drive production was terminated abroad. This, he said, left a void for customers seeking a spacious and comfortable vehicle priced below the R300,000 mark.

The new Kia Sonet LS is powered by the same 1.5-litre normally aspirated petrol engine that does service in most other models in the range, producing 85kW and 144Nm, and pairing with a six-speed manual or CVT gearbox.

It doesn’t appear to lose much in the way of specification, although the LX model’s 16-inch steel wheels, featuring special covers designed to mimic alloy wheels, have made way for 15-inch wheels with conventional hubcaps.

The LS still comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, as well as central locking, dual front airbags and ABS brakes. The seats are upholstered in a combination of cloth and artificial leather.

After-sales back-up includes a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and three-year or 45,000km service plan, with extension options available.

Doesn’t look like a bad deal at all for R300,000, does it?

Here’s how the Kia Sonet LS shapes up to some of the alternatives

• Mahindra XUV 3X0 1.2T MX3 - 82kW - R274,999

• Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 1.5 Lit - 83kW - R279,900

• Suzuki Fronx 1.5 GL manual - 77kW - R297,900

• Toyota Starlet Cross 1.5 XS - 77kW - R299,900

• Kia Sonet 1.5 LS - 85kW - R299,995

• Nissan Magnite 1.0T Visia - 74kW - R302,800

• Hyundai Venue 1.2 Premium - 61kW - R309,900

Kia Sonet: Full Range and Pricing

• 1.5 LS Manual - R299,995 (new)

• 1.5 LS CVT - R324,995 (new)

• 1.5 LX Manual - R366,995*

• 1.5 LX CVT - R391,995*

• 1.5 EX CVT - R411,995*

• 1.0 T-GDi EX DCT - R436,995*

• 1.5 EX Plus CVT - R454,995*

• 1.5 SX CVT - R484,995*

* Available with up to R40,000 deal assistance

IOL

• DRIVEN: Facelifted Kia Sonet remains a solid contender in a crowded segment

• How Indian-built cars have helped prevent an affordability crisis in South Africa

• Kia Rio set to be discontinued in South Africa

• Here’s how South African vehicle buying habits have changed in the last 15 years