Kia Sonet price tag dropped with introduction of new base model

Despite debuting the refreshed Sonet in June, Kia South Africa has expanded the range by a further two derivatives to nine with the introduction of the new LS entry-level variant.

Positioned below the LX, which until now had been the starting point of the Sonet line-up, the LS reduces the starting price by R67 000 to under R300 000 for the manual and a smidgen below R325 000 for the CVT.

Still loaded

Compared to the LX, the LS ditches the 16-inch alloy-styled wheels for 15-inches while also doing away with the 60/40 split rear seat and daytime running lights.

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It, therefore, keeps the remainder of the LX’s features, namely the eight-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the six-speaker sound system, cloth seats, all-around electric windows, the 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster display and electric mirrors.

Also included are the following;

• multi-function steering wheel;
• front and rear USB ports;
• tilt-adjustable steering column;
• voice recognition;
• auto on/off halogen welcome-me home headlights;
• dual front airbags;
• a reverse camera;
• Hill Start Assist;
• Electronic Stability Control

Same-same

Up front, the LS makes do with the normally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine that sends its 85kW/144Nm to the front axle via either the mentioned six-speed manual or the optional CVT.

Respective 0-100 km/h sprint times are 10.5 seconds and 10.3 seconds, with both having a top speed of 175 km/h. The claimed fuel consumption is 6.6 L/100 km for the manual and 6.2 L/100 km for the CVT.

As with the rest of the Sonet range, the LS offers 385-litres of boot space and makes do with 190 mm of ground clearance.

Colours and price

On the colour side, seven mono-tone hues are available; Aurora Black Pearl, Glacier White Pearl, Sparkling Silver Metallic, Gravity Grey Metallic, Intense Red Metallic, Imperial Blue Metallic and Pewter Olive Metallic.

Included with the Sonet LS’ price tag is a five-year/unlimited km, but not the four-year/60 000 km service plan which makes way for a pre-paid item over three years or 45 000 km.

• Sonet 1.5 LS – R299 900
• Sonet 1.5 LS CVT – R324 996
• Sonet 1.5 LX – R366 995
• Sonet 1.5 LX CVT – R391 995
• Sonet 1.5 EX CVT – R411 995
• Sonet 1.0 T-GDI EX DCT – R436 995
• Sonet 1.5 EX Plus CVT – R454 995
• Sonet 1.5 SX CVT – R484 995

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