Belong Together

Introduction: My goodness, this Kia Sonet is a fantastic set of wheels! The name Sonet is actually derived from SOcial NETwork, and not Sonnet as in a 14-line poem, as believed by some and displayed on many google links. Kia is pitching the Sonet in line with the Gen Z and millennials who grew up in the age of social media, however, I would say that this vehicle is fit for all ages. I think that the Sonet will also be seen by Learner drivers, Pensioners, and everything in between, as a worthy sub compact crossover SUV and be suitable for city slickers, adventure seekers or rampant travel addicts, like me!  

Engine/ Economy/ Drive/ Comfort: The 1 L, 3-cylinder turbo petrol, delivers 88 kW and 172 N.m of torque, with the DCT gearbox working seamlessly through all 7 gears. My adoring fascination of hearing the engine’s almost guttural groan, came with many heavy accelerations between robot, bouts of enjoyment, but at the same time an expected, thirsty economy reading of 10 Liters per 100 kilometres, although Kia does claim 6. I have had the Sonet for 2 weeks and can honestly say that I have really thoroughly enjoyed driving it around Durban and surrounds, so when I was asked to take my daughter and her bestie on a 5-hour trip around Durban and surrounds to complete a photo shoot for her school project, I jumped at the opportunity to appreciate the car more. I found the Sonet to be comfortable, easy to drive and relaxing to cruise. At just over 4 meters, I could easily fit into the tiniest of spaces, especially in-between those parking spots, where bored and oblivious to their surroundings people take one and a half parking spots, notably outside various schools in Durban!

Features: The features are awesome – Check out some of them: ABS, Central Locking with Immobiliser, Data Dot, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Electric Stability Control (ESC), Hill-start Assistant Control (HAC), ISOFIX (Child Anchors) Rearview Camera, Air-conditioner (Manual) Auto Light Control (with Escort and Welcome Home function), Bluetooth w/voice recognition + Audio Remote Control Steering wheel remote controls, Electric Mirrors Front Vanity Mirrors Electric windows (Front & Rear), 20 cm colour touch screen infotainment system, 6 Speakers that work very well, Front USB Port Charging USB Ports (Front & Rear) Number of USB Ports – 3, Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, Tilt Adjustable Steering (Manual) 10.7 cm Supervision TFT LCD Screen, 60:40 Split back folding seats, Overhead Console Lamp & Sunglass Case, Driver Seat Height Adjustment, Rear Spoiler With High Mounted Stop, Lamps Daytime Running Lights, Position Lamps (Bulb), Halogen Headlamps and more

Interior/ Exterior/ Boot: I love the general feel of the interior, with its all-black matt plastic moulding dashboard, looking rugged and durable. The legendary front Tiger grille looks solidly impressive, and the general impression of the whole exterior looks both sturdy and gutsy. With a whopping 205 mm ground clearance, the Sonet is able to take you far into the mountains and confidently off the proverbial beaten track so that you can explore the great outdoors with the comfort of knowing that your oil sump should be safe from rocks, within good reason. Along with the generous 385 Liters of boot space, you can definitely go away for a week to the beach, berg or bush, with your suitcase braai, belongings and family with your dops and chops packed into an ice cold safari chiller, so that when you arrive, the beer is yskoud! btw I loved the removable anti-slip and washable boot matt. I wish more cars had this excellent idea as a standard feature! Car matts to me, should not be an extra anyway in my mind – its like a car coming without tires. It is just not cricket!

Price/ Warranty/ Service Plan: R436995, Standard Service plan (4-year/60 000 km) Roadside assistance (5-year unlimited km) Warranty (5-year unlimited km)

 In Summary: Did the Sonet impress? Oh yes it did, it really did! The song by Mark Ambor, Belong Together is fittingly my song chosen for this article. Apart from the the Title saying it all, I love some of the lyrics, that sum it all up for me, as I bid farewell to this great car, “ You and me belong together, Like cold iced tea and warmer weather, Where we lay out underneath the pines, And we still have fun when the sun don’t shine, You and me belong together all the time…”

*This article is written in my opinion only. For detailed information on the specs, please contact Kia SA*