Motoring

Kia Sonet price tag dropped with introduction of new base model

Kia expands Sonet range with new base LS grade

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.

*_{LS can be had in one of seven exterior colours. Image: Kia}*

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.