Kia adds some turbocharged punch to their Sonet range with the new 1.0 T-GDi model.
The Kia Sonet compact SUV has been on the South African market for just over a year and judging by the 3500 customers who have added a Kia Sonet to their driveway, its safe to say that the model has been quite popular.
With that popularity wave still going strong, Kia has launched their new 1.0 T-GDI variant of the Sonet that is available in both EX and EX+ specification trim.
For those not familiar with the Sonet range, the first models released locally were powered by a 1.5 naturally aspirated engine which, despite the introduction of the new turbocharged variant, will still be available from local dealers.
Moving back to the turbocharged variant, Kia’s 1.0 T-GDI is their latest 1000cc three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 88kW and 172Nm of torque. That is slight improvement over the 1.5s 85kW and a major jump when compared its 143Nm of torque. Thats why we love turbochargers, the added torque they provide gives you that extra punch needed when accelerating or, more importantly, when overtaking.
When it comes to transmission offerings, the 1.0 T-GDI is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission which makes for a more relaxing drive and given that it is a 7-speed, it also improves efficiency.
Aside from just offering a punchier engine, both the EX and EX+ Sonet also offers a host of must have safety equipment which includes; Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS with EBD, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Dual front airbags, ISOFIX child-seat anchoring points and automatic headlamp activation.
Together with the safety features, the EX specification also features an 8,0″ HD touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth with voice control, a height-adjustable drivers seat, both a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear shifter, a rear-view camera with rear park distance control (PDC), artificial leather and cloth seat trim, and 16″ alloy wheels.
If you fork out a little extra and opt for the EX+, your Sonet will be loaded with everything that you find in the EX but Kia will also throw in; side and curtain airbags, rear combination LED lights with signature graphics, a 2 TFT LCD Supervision cluster, artificial leather seats with contrast red stitching, folding electric side mirrors, cruise control, automatic climate control and Drive Mode Select.
That is one extensive and impressive features list, and when you add the newfound power from the 1.0 T-GDI engine and the space you get with the Sonet, it makes for a good family car BUT how much will it cost you?
Pricing for the for the EX starts at R359,995, while the EX+ will set you back R389,995, and these numbers include Kias industry-leading Unlimited Kilometre, 5-year warranty (inclusive of Roadside Assistance), as well as a prepaid 4-year / 60,000 km service plan.
Dreaming of owning a Kia? Get your hands on yours by visiting the ClickaCar Virtual Showroom.