We’re over the moon to finally evaluate the Kia Sonet 1.0T EX with the turbo engine and dual-clutch automatic transmission. As regular readers will know, we’ve already familiarised ourselves with the same compact crossover in modest 1.5 CVT LX guise. Aside from a plethora of ticks in the win column for practicality and value for money, we weren’t convinced by the self-shifting drivetrain. So, is the Kia Sonet 1.0T EX the cure-all for the Korean firm’s compact crossover?
KIA SONET 1.0T EX
Firstly, what’s the deal behind the name Sonet? Well, it may come as no surprise, but the name was created as an amalgam of SOcial NETwork: Sonet. To that end, the firm is clearly marketing the Kia Sonet 1.0T EX to upwardly mobile millennials who witnessed the dawn of social media. That’s those born between 1980 and 1999, in case you need reminding. Interestingly, according to Stats SA figures, Mzansi is home to around 27-million millennials. So that’s certainly a decently sized group of individuals to draw upon.
Nevertheless, since the Sonet’s original launch two-years ago, Kia has rejigged its grade walk and blessed it with a comprehensive facelift inside and out. Crucially, the Sonet’s popular blacked-out C-pillar and roof combo has not been messed with. The recent makeover provides a tidy new face with more chrome on its grille and striking new LED running light signatures. It certainly has an assertive presence on the road. Around the back end it looks like the new Kia Picanto, only bigger, with the striking single-bar taillamp. And 16-inch alloy wheels wearing new designs do an okay job of filling the wheel arches. We still think inched-up 17s on the Kia Sonet 1.0T EX would have added yet more pizzazz.
HOW’S THE TURBO ENGINE?
As opposed to the torque-less 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, the 1.0-litre turbo triple fitted here makes do with a bit more juice. 88 kW and 172 Nm may not sound a lot more than the aforementioned’s 85 kW and 142 Nm. However, on the move, it makes all the difference. The gearbox is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that’s streets ahead of the CVT, too. Even though it’s not as ‘dual-clutchy’ as you’d think – in practice it simply behaves like a smooth auto.
Quite rightly, consumers love self-shifters nowadays because of the benefits in stop-start urban traffic. Unsurprisingly, the Kia Sonet 1.0T EX drives with simplicity and effortlessness. The first few gear ratios are pretty short, and the gearbox software is quick to shift up at the engine’s earliest convenience without any hassle. Occasionally, however, it’s a bit too eager, and you need to dip the throttle and force a downshift to maintain acceleration. With a bit of practice, you start to adapt to the narrow torque band of the turbo motor to maintain linearity.
HOW IS THE EX SPEC?
Climb aboard and the interior is not dissimilar to the LX. This higher-spec EX features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is accessed through the smart integrated 8-inch touchscreen. EX+ and SX take you even higher in the range for more outlay. Nevertheless, there are still a few funnies though. Like no climate control for the air conditioning, no keyless entry and no covers on the vanity mirrors. That last one gets us every time.
Having said that, the Kia Sonet 1.0T EX is still a good place to be, with its defining USP being the massive boot, utility and rear occupant space courtesy of being 4 120 mm long, with a 2 500-mm wheelbase. In today’s money, the Kia Sonet 1.0T EX is priced at a compelling R436 995. And it comes fitted as standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, park distance control with reverse camera and the touchscreen infotainment system as mentioned.
IS IT QUICK?
If you want some urgency to go with your no-nonsense Korean crossover, we can highly recommend the Kia Sonet 1.0T EX dual clutch. The same car with the somewhat joyless naturally aspirated engine feels straightforward and unremarkable. However, with a bit more zip – and let’s not forget the Sonet tips the scales at just 1 085 kg – it’s an eager performer.
This is all down to the gutsy torque delivery which, if harnessed correctly, can shuffle you down the road in just a shade over 10 seconds. That may not sound like much but, in practice, it’s enough to get the heart ticking over quicker. Despite a bit of lag off the line, it’s responsive and fun for point-to-point squirts. Fuel consumption over the test period settled at 8.1 l/100 km, which is a little thirstier than the claimed/combined figure of 5.8 l/100 km. Then again, we had a hoot driving it, too.
THE VERDICT
Granted, there are several excellent contenders vying for sales domination in this tightly contested segment. And the SOcial NETwork car certainly has its work cut out to keep eyeballs on it. Nevertheless, thanks to its bold new facelift and grade walk adjustment, the Kia Sonet 1.0T EX helps cement a commendable position in the compact crossover sector for the Korean firm. It looks really good, is arguably the most practical of the lot, and the buzzy turbo motor puts a smile on your dial. You can’t ask for much more …
THE FIGURES
- Kia Sonet 1.0T EX
- Engine: 998 cc, three-cylinder turbo petrol
- Power: 88 kW @ 6 000 rpm, 172 Nm @ 1 500 – 4 000 rpm
- Performance: 0-100km/h 10.3 sec, top speed 180 km/h
- Tyres: 215/60 R16 Apollo
- Economy: 5.8 l/100 km (claimed)
- Transmission: 7-speed automatic
- Price: R436 995
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