We’re over the moon to lastly consider the Kia Sonet 1.0T EX with the turbo engine and dual-clutch computerized transmission. As common readers will know, we’ve already familiarised ourselves with the identical compact crossover in modest 1.5 CVT LX guise. Aside from a plethora of ticks within the win column for practicality and worth for cash, we weren’t satisfied 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 identify Sonet? Well, it might come as no shock, however the identify was created as an amalgam of SOcial NETwork: Sonet. To that finish, the agency is clearly advertising the Kia Sonet 1.0T EX to upwardly cell millennials who witnessed the daybreak of social media. That’s these born between 1980 and 1999, in case you want reminding. Interestingly, in response to Stats SA figures, Mzansi is house to round 27-million millennials. So that’s actually a decently sized group of people to attract upon.

Nevertheless, because the Sonet’s authentic launch two-years in the past, Kia has rejigged its grade stroll and blessed it with a complete facelift in and out. Crucially, the Sonet’s fashionable blacked-out C-pillar and roof combo has not been messed with. The current makeover supplies a tidy new face with extra chrome on its grille and hanging new LED operating mild signatures. It actually has an assertive presence on the street. Around the again finish it seems like the brand new Kia Picanto, solely greater, with the hanging single-bar taillamp. And 16-inch alloy wheels sporting new designs do an okay job of filling the wheel arches. We nonetheless assume inched-up 17s on the Kia Sonet 1.0T EX would have added but extra pizzazz.

HOW’S THE TURBO ENGINE?

As against the torque-less 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, the 1.0-litre turbo triple fitted right here makes do with a bit extra juice. 88 kW and 172 Nm could not sound much more than the aforementioned’s 85 kW and 142 Nm. However, on the transfer, it makes all of the distinction. The gearbox is a seven-speed dual-clutch computerized that’s streets forward of the CVT, too. Even although it’s not as ‘dual-clutchy’ as you’d assume – in apply it merely behaves like a easy auto.

Quite rightly, shoppers love self-shifters these days due to the advantages in stop-start city visitors. Unsurprisingly, the Kia Sonet 1.0T EX drives with simplicity and effortlessness. The first few gear ratios are fairly quick, and the gearbox software program is fast to shift up on the engine’s earliest comfort with none problem. Occasionally, nevertheless, it’s a bit too keen, and it’s essential dip the throttle and pressure a downshift to keep up acceleration. With a little bit of apply, you begin to adapt to the slender torque band of the turbo motor to keep up linearity.

HOW IS THE EX SPEC?  

Climb aboard and the inside just isn’t dissimilar to the LX. This higher-spec EX options Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is accessed by way of the good built-in 8-inch touchscreen. EX+ and SX take you even increased within the vary for extra outlay. Nevertheless, there are nonetheless a couple of funnies although. Like no local weather management for the air-con, no keyless entry and no covers on the vainness mirrors. That final one will get us each time.

Having mentioned that, the Kia Sonet 1.0T EX remains to be a superb place to be, with its defining USP being the large boot, utility and rear occupant area courtesy of being 4 120 mm lengthy, with a 2 500-mm wheelbase. In right now’s cash, the Kia Sonet 1.0T EX is priced at a compelling R436 995. And it comes fitted as commonplace with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, park distance management with reverse digicam and the touchscreen infotainment system as talked about.

IS IT QUICK?

If you need some urgency to go along with your no-nonsense Korean crossover, we are able to extremely suggest the Kia Sonet 1.0T EX twin clutch. The similar automotive with the considerably joyless naturally aspirated engine feels easy and unremarkable. However, with a bit extra zip – and let’s not neglect the Sonet ideas the scales at simply 1 085 kg – it’s an keen performer.

This is all right down to the gutsy torque supply which, if harnessed accurately, can shuffle you down the street in only a shade over 10 seconds. That could not sound like a lot however, in apply, it’s sufficient to get the center ticking over faster. Despite a little bit of lag off the road, it’s responsive and enjoyable for point-to-point squirts. Fuel consumption over the check interval settled at 8.1 l/100 km, which is slightly thirstier than the claimed/mixed determine of 5.8 l/100 km. Then once more, we had a hoot driving it, too.

THE VERDICT

Granted, there are a number of glorious contenders vying for gross sales domination on this tightly contested section. And the SOcial NETwork automotive actually has its work lower out to maintain eyeballs on it. Nevertheless, because of its daring new facelift and grade stroll adjustment, the Kia Sonet 1.0T EX helps cement a commendable place within the compact crossover sector for the Korean agency. It seems actually good, is arguably essentially the most sensible of the lot, and the buzzy turbo motor places a smile in your dial. You can’t ask for way 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, prime pace 180 km/h
• Tyres: 215/60 R16 Apollo
• Economy: 5.8 l/100 km (claimed)
• Transmission: 7-speed computerized
• Price: R436 995

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