Gone Gone Gone
Introduction: It has been an absolute pleasure driving the new Kia Sonet over the past few weeks, in two different, yet similar guises. The 1 Liter, 3-cylinder DCT first and now the 1.5 Liter, 4-cylinder CVT, both producing similar outputs, with the turbo edging this one by a smidgen. So, when Jacques’s trusted colleague, Lindani, arrived this morning to take the Sonet back, I was a tad sad, so aptly named this review Gone, Gone, Gone, the song that put Phillip Phillips immediately into music fame. I felt that the words in the chorus encapsulated my emotions, especially after the previous review, saying that the Sonet and I Belong Together! It is fair to say, that I am a top fan!
“And I would do it for you, Baby, I am not moving on, I’ll love you long after you’re gone, For you, for you, You will never sleep alone, I will love you long after you’re gone, And love you long after you’re gone, gone, gone…”
Engine/ Economy/ Drive/ Comfort: The naturally aspirated engine (basically meaning that the engine does not have forced induction, through a turbocharger or supercharger) produces 85 kW and 144 Nm of torque, using the familiar CVT transmission. I was rewarded with a plucky punch when I put my foot down and when forcing the speed limit as quickly as possible, enjoyed the sound of the engine doing everything possible to give me the revs that I was after. Kia claims about 6.2 Liters per 100 kilometres, but I got about 9 which is really over the top, but understandable for obvious testing reasons. The Sonet drove well, and I found the driver’s seat to be comfortable and ample support for my dodgy ageing back!
Features: The features are impressive and pretty much the same as the 1 Liter with a few less features in the LX model, which sits below the EX and EX +
Check out some of them: ABS, 2 front airbags (Driver, passenger, side and curtain), 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 ), 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, (folding space enough for a mountain bike) 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 190 mm ground clearance as per Kia, (previously stated by me at 205 mms as per various articles – Apologies), 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 ys koud! 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: R391995, Standard Service plan (4-year/60 000 km) Roadside assistance (5-year unlimited km) Warranty (5-year unlimited km)
In Summary: After a cunning plan was conjured up by my eldest daughter and her bestie, to drive to Pietermaritzburg last Saturday, I got excited to give the Sonet a run, 5 up and it impressed. Not only could I get brownie points from my angle, but I could also visit my Alma mater, the world famous, oldest school in KZN and best school in South Africa, naturally, Maritzburg College. The Sonet fitted in perfectly and it was there that I decided to do the Kia and the Sonet proud, by doing a photo shoot, below the historical and beautiful Clark House. I think that the pics speak for themselves and give the Sonet the deserved credit for being loved by many who are searching for a capable sub compact crossover!
*This article is written in my opinion only. For detailed information on the specs, please contact Kia SA*
