The German carmaker has wowed the crowds at the annual Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este with the BMW Touring Coupe Concept.
The BMW Touring Coupe Concept is the latest concept vehicle to make an appearance at the Italian classic car event. The German carmaker has a reputation for using this event to showcase its creations over the years and 2023 is no different.
This is the BMW Touring Coupe Concept, essentially a highly modified Z4 M40i with a fixed metal roof. The shape will be familiar to many of the BMW fanatics, as its reminiscent of the iconic Z3 M Coupe, nicknamed the ‘clown shoe.’ Right now, its a one-off creation, but BMW hasn’t ruled out production.
Could it make production for those who want to buy it?
BMW Group Design Director Adrian van Hooydonk said that “at least two to three people” expressed interest in the newcomer. “[The Concept Touring Coupe] is a one-off at the moment,” van Hooydonk said. “Right? And there’s no concrete plans to put it in production. But, we made the agreement before we set sail for Lake Como that, if there’s enough interest, we will take a look at it. That could be a very low-volume version, like 50 cars or so.” he told media at the event.
To convert a standard Z4 M40i to this striking concept, the electrically folding fabric roof has been removed to make space for the hard coupe roof. The paint is a unique creation called Sparkling Lario and features flakes of blue glass. Also noteworthy are the massive wheels, which are 21-inch units at the back and 20-inch alloys at the front.
Inside, the cabin is largely the same as the standard BMW Z4, but the upholstery has been sourced from Italian leather specialists Poltrona Frau and has a two-tone finish. The attention to detail is impressive for a one-off creation as the car’s entertainment system features an accurate depiction of the vehicle.
Let’s hope BMW builds a few as its one of the more striking and interesting designs to come from the brand of late.
Car insurance serves to provide you with financial cover if your car gets stolen or hijacked, but what steps should you follow after suffering such a loss? Here’s a step-by-step guide, plus tips to reduce your likelihood of becoming a victim of car theft.
PARTNERED CONTENT
My car has been stolen! Now what?
Many people become panicked and flustered when their car is stolen or hijacked, but it is, unfortunately, an all too regular occurrence in motoring life. Take a deep breath and follow these recommendations:
1. Contact your vehicle tracking company. If your car was bought through a vehicle finance agreement, many vehicles must have an anti-theft vehicle tracking device to qualify for car insurance.
2. File a police report. Remember that you must provide specific information, including the number of your driver’s license, vehicle registration details, the make, model and colour of your car, as well as the vehicle’s identification number (VIN). The best advice is to keep all this information in a safe place so you can easily retrieve all of it in case of an emergency, such as a car accident or vehicle theft/hijacking.
3. Notify your insurer. Once you’ve filed the police report, you must contact your car insurance company. The firm’s consultant will also require details from you, including the relevant police case number and ask for details such as where the car was parked/located and when it was stolen/hijacked.
4. Investigation. Once all the reports have been processed, the police and insurance company will investigate.
5. File a car insurance claim. You can file a theft-related car insurance claim if your vehicle is not recovered within the allocated time. Depending on your policy, your insurer will cover the trade, retail or replacement value of your stolen vehicle (if you own it outright) or settle your car-finance agreement based on the value of your car and pay the remainder of the claim into a designated bank account.
6. Excess and cover limits. Please note that you may be responsible for paying an excess before your insurer will pay out your claim. More: Car Insurance Tips: The Excess & Deductibles
The sum that your car insurance company will pay out for a theft-related claim will depend on the value of your unrecovered vehicle (as stipulated in your policy) and your excess.
Therefore, be sure to read your car insurance policy thoroughly and speak to your consultant, if necessary, to understand your coverage and any potential payouts in the event of a theft.
The likely insurance payout for a stolen car will also depend on the type of car insurance policy you have. Comprehensive- and 3rd-Party, Fire and Theft car insurance cover theft, but 3rd-Party Only does not.
If your car is not recovered, your insurer will pay you out the stipulated value of your vehicle, minus the excess. The actual cash value is usually the market value of your vehicle when it was stolen. That value is based on factors such as the car’s age, its general condition and mileage at the time it was lost.
A new car will, for instance, receive a much higher payout than an older car. The excess refers to the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your car insurance will pay out a claim.
Car theft remains a major worry for South African motorists and, therefore, the short-term insurance industry. There isn’t a quick fix for this problem, but being vigilant and implementing added security measures are probably the best ways to keep thieves at bay – the more deterrent there are, the better.
Following some of these safety tips and precautions can help deter car thieves:
Be aware of your surroundings. If you notice any suspicious activity or behaviour, leave the area immediately
Park in safe, well-lit areas that preferably have on-site security. Avoid parking in secluded places, even if you are in a bit of a rush
Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle. Laptops, phones or bags left in plain sight could be a target for thieves who make break your window to get in. If you must leave valuables in your vehicle, ensure they are stowed away from sight or locked in the boot/load bay
Invest in anti-theft devices, such as an alarm system, gear lock or immobiliser
Install a vehicle tracking system
Keep your keys secure. Don’t leave your keys in an easily accessible location
Repair broken windows or locks as soon as possible
Check that your car is locked. Be mindful of remote jamming, especially at busy malls and shopping centres
Make sure your vehicle’s doors are locked while you are driving it
Ensure your insurance policy is up to date
Do you want to learn more about car insurance or review your car-insurance requirements with the help of experts? Budget Insurance’s team is always ready to assist; contact them on 086 1600 120 or utilise their online car insurance calculator, which gives you an accurate and budget-friendly quote in minutes.
Better late than never, right? It seems the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 has finally – and rather quietly – arrived in South Africa, though just 35 units are available…
When the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4Matic was revealed back in 2019, the German firm’s local division suggested there were no plans to bring the 225 kW crossover to South Africa. Then, in 2022, Mercedes-Benz SA hinted at a “special limited-edition” GLB 35 for the local market.
Now, finally, that vehicle appears to have materialised. According to Mercedes-Benz SA’s website, just 35 units of the GLB 35 are available to local buyers, sold exclusively through the Stuttgart-based automaker’s online store (note there’s a refundable R10 000 “reservation fee”).
The main image on the Mercedes-Benz SA website shows the facelifted Mercedes-AMG GLB 35.
Here’s where it becomes a little confusing, though. The main image on the website shows the recently facelifted version of the GLB 35, while every example listed in the online store appears to be a pre-facelift model. So, it’s not exactly clear which version South Africa has received.
Still, from what we can tell, the base price is R1 404 350, a figure that includes the manufacturer’s 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan (for the record, the 165 kW GLB 250 starts at R1 050 287 in AMG Line guise). At the time of writing, all 35 units of the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 were still listed in Mercedes-Benz SA’s online store, though some are tagged with an “estimated arrival” of May or June, while the remainder were shown as being “available”.
The examples on the Mercedes-Benz SA online store all appear to be pre-facelift models.
They all appear similarly specified (though it’s not clear whether the 7-seater box has been ticked), listed at either R1 425 723 or R1 443 023, with only Mountain Grey Metallic, Patagonia Red Metallic and Digital White Metallic exterior colours on offer. From what we understand, all units feature 21-inch AMG Multispoke matte-black alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof and AMG red-contrast stitching.
As a reminder, the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 employs a turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine delivering 225 kW and 400 Nm to all 4 corners via an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The pre-facelift version will complete the 0-100 kph sprint in a claimed 5.2 seconds, while the refreshed model – which gains a mild-hybrid system – is a touch slower at a claimed 5.5 seconds (likely due to the extra weight).
We’ll update this story if any additional local information comes to light…
How much does the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 cost in SA?
Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4Matic – R1 404 350
The price shown above includes a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan as well as Mercedes-Benz SA’s 2-year/unlimited kilometre warranty.
The ultimate Hillclimb Monster? Scribante’s wildly modified GT-R wins again at Simola 2023
We take a closer at the monstrous Scribante GT-R that recently took a class victory at the 2023 Simola Hillclimb!
Now sporting military green livery, the Scribante GT-R gained notoriety around the world, especially for its wild aero set-up.
The car and driver have been successful at the annual Simola Hillclimb three times now, taking a dramatic win in the Super Saloon class at the 2023 event held recently in Knysna, South Africa.
An absolute crowd-pleaser, we spend time with the Scribante team and take a deep dive into what makes this machine so special.
Mercedes-Benz has teased the updated V-Class which will benefit from visual and tech enhancements. The updates will also extend to the Vito, eVito and EQV models. Here’s what you can expect!
The luxurious Mercedes-Benz V-Class will soon receive an update which will include exterior styling tweaks and interior upgrades. Looking at the single teaser image, the front-end styling execution is fairly significant with a much larger grille, revised air intakes and newly-shaped LED headlights.
While the interior changes have yet to be revealed, previous reports suggest that the updated V-Class will gain a new digital cockpit with dual displays under a single glass panel, much like we’re accustomed to in Merc’s latest passenger vehicles. The V-Class will also gain the latest MBUX infotainment system. Further details will be revealed in the coming weeks.
This particular update is expected to be the last for Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) derivatives of the V-Class and Vito as Mercedes-Benz Vans progresses towards an all-electric future following the announcement of its all-new Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA) platform which will be solely dedicated to producing all-electric mid-size passenger/camper vans and large commercial vans. The first EV model based on this new platform is expected in 2026.
The new VAN.EA platform will spawn a variety of new electric vans as of 2026.
The VAN.EA platform features a standardised front module, scalable centre module and a rear module with or without an electric motor for all-wheel-drive or front-wheel drive derivatives.
VAN.EA comprises the VAN.EA-P platform which will cater for midsize private luxury vans to be used as VIP shuttles, mobile offices and family leisure vehicles and with electric range expected at over 500km.
On the commercial side, the VAN.EA-C platform will cater for midsize to large commercial vehicles with numerous configurations expected to serve various commercial sectors. These new generation of electric vans will be produced in Jawor, Poland, Düsseldorf, Germany and in Vitoria, Spain.
The new Mercedes-Benz GLC has arrived in South Africa! Here’s how much the 2nd-gen compact luxury crossover will cost you…
The new Mercedes-Benz GLC was revealed back in June 2022 and has just hit the market in South Africa. Let’s take a look at pricing for the 2nd-generation compact luxury crossover.
According to the Stuttgart-based firm’s local division, a trio of powertrain derivatives – all boasting a 9-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel-drive system as standard – is again available in South Africa, though each has gained a mild-hybrid system (comprising a starter-generator and 48-volt onboard power supply). For now, at least, it seems the plug-in hybrid versions offered in Europe are off the table for South Africa, even though the fully electric EQC is marketed here.
So, the X254-generation line-up kicks off with the GLC220d 4Matic, which now starts at R1 211 220. Here, the 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine sends 145 kW and 440 Nm to all 4 corners, while the mild-hybrid system is capable of adding 17 kW and 200 Nm for brief periods of “boost”. The 0-100 kph sprint takes a claimed 8.0 seconds.
Next up is the GLC300 4Matic. Peak outputs for this turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol mill stand at 190 kW and 400 Nm, with the mild-hybrid gubbins again temporarily bringing 17 kW and 200 Nm to the power-and-torque party. The all-paw GLC300 will reach 3 figures in a claimed 6.2 seconds and is priced at R1 328 500 (a figure interestingly listed as excluding CO2 tax).
Measuring 4 716 mm from bow to stern, the new GLC is 60 mm longer than its predecessor.
Finally, we have the flagship oil-burner, the GLC300d 4Matic. Priced from R1 410 194, this derivative employs a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel unit worth a heady 198 kW and 550 Nm, again briefly supplemented by the 17 kW/200 Nm mild-hybrid arrangement. Expect the obligatory dash from standstill to 100 kph to take around 6.3 seconds.
Each of the 3 powertrain variants will be available in either the standard Avantgarde model line or specified with the R82 593 AMG Line package. There’s a wide selection of alloy wheels on offer (measuring up to 20 inches in diameter), along with numerous interior upholstery and trim options, plus other individual extras, such as a panoramic sliding sunroof (R29 394), a Burmester surround-sound system (R20 907) and aluminium-look running boards (R9 729).
We also noticed the presence of the “Engineering Package”, which adds rear-axle steering and air suspension for an additional R57 753. As with the new A-Class, 4 distinct equipment packages will be available for the GLC: Advanced (standard), Advanced Plus (R46 550), Premium (R87 610) and Premium Plus (R130 000). As you might have guessed, each comprises a collection of individual options, ramping up in line with pricing.
How much will the new Mercedes-Benz GLC cost in SA?
Mercedes-Benz GLC220d 4Matic – R1 211 220
Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic – R1 328 500 (excluding CO2 tax)
Mercedes-Benz GLC300d 4Matic – R1 410 194
The above pricing includes a 5-year/100 000 km PremiumDrive Platinum service and maintenance plan, as well as a 2-year/unlimited km warranty.
The head of Audi Sport has dropped a sizeable hint an even more powerful RS3 is coming, saying the firm is “not finished” with its iconic 5-cylinder engine just yet…
Audi Sport managing director Sebastian Grams has suggested an even more powerful RS3 is on the horizon, saying the German automaker is “not finished” with the compact performance vehicle nor its 5-cylinder engine.
The comments point to something of a swansong for the turbocharged 2.5-litre 5-pot, since Audi plans to launch its final combustion-engined new car by 2026, before shifting completely to electric vehicles (EVs) by 2033. And it looks likely a more powerful version of this engine will be used in the RS3 rather than the TT, seeing as production of the latter is due to end in October 2023.
“We have a perfect 5-cylinder engine, which is very unique in the market. We have a 6-cylinder engine, and we will improve these technologies into the next step. I do not see a need to completely change the engines,” Grams said, according to Autocar, at an event celebrating 40 years of Audi Sport.
“Honestly, we are really happy that the customers are jumping on that car [the RS3] like hell and we are not, let’s say, ‘finished’ with the car. We have the 5-cylinder and we will definitely increase the 5-cylinder for the next step. We will improve that.
Audi is seemingly not done with its 5-cylinder engine just yet…
“There’s still a way to go. We have done the RS3 Performance Edition, which is faster, which has more performance, which has bucket seats and another calibration. You can see that we will really sharpen our products in the future,” he said.
Interestingly, the high-ranking executive suggested more power could be extracted from the 5-cylinder engine without the need for any sort of electrification. For the record, the current all-paw RS3 Sportback and RS3 Sedan boast peak outputs of 294 kW and 500 Nm, while the aforementioned RS3 Performance Edition revealed for Europe last year makes 299 kW.
Of course, the vehicle at the very top of the power tower in this segment is currently the Mercedes-AMG A45 S, which employs a turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine sending 310 kW and 500 Nm to all 4 corners. Whether the next (and possibly final) tweak for the RS3 will take it past its Affalterbach-fettled foe remains to be seen.
Of course, the next-generation A3 is due around 2027 and is poised to completely ditch combustion engines in favour of electric motors. An earlier report suggested the S3 and RS3 badges would live on, though obviously be applied to performance EVs rather than combustion-engined models. So, this rumoured uprated RS3 is likely to be a final farewell for the 5-pot…
The GWM P-Series LTD is the new flagship for the P-Series family. Here’s what you get for your R694 950.
The P-Series bakkie range from Chinese manufacturer GWM has upset the traditional players by offering value for money in a tech-laden product. What you see here is the new GWM P-Series LTD, the flagship derivative and it comes with a number of upgrades to differentiate itself from the rest of the lineup.
The new GWM P-Series LTD is priced at R694 950, a R50 000 premium over the 2.0TD double cab LT 4×4 which was the previous top model. You can spot the newcomer with its rugged look, which comprises an off-road steel black front bumper that looks like it helps with approach angles in offroad situations, a rear bumper that now offers steps for easier loadbin access and all-terrain 18-inch wheels.
A black sports bar, plastic bedliner, aggressive offroad wheel arches, specifically developed snorkel and a winch with 4.2-ton capability are also thrown in. Inside the GWM P-Series LTD gains a 12-volt power accessory in the engine bay as well as a 220V power plug.
New P-Series LTD Off-road System
Under the skin is a new off-road system that allows full control over the drivetrain. The other P-Series models are permanent four-wheel drive, with a torque-on-demand setup that sends power where it’s required if there’s a loss of traction. The P-Series LTD has a system that’s aimed at the more 4×4-conscious buyer looking for increased off-road prowess from their affordable double-cab bakkie.
The new off-road system includes a fully selectable system with a variety of driving modes, including 2H, 4H, Snow, Mud, Sand and 4L. The off-road systems include the Cross-Country Expert Mode and Drive Mode Memory, linking to both front and rear differential locks (new for this version P-Series). Some interesting tech has been introduced like the off-road cruise control and the Trail Turn assist that decreases the turning circle by 3 meters, useful when you need to turn around in the bush.
The engine and transmission remain unchanged, and as a reminder, it’s a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel 4-cylinder motor developing 120 kW and 400 Nm. An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard.
Features
Hill Descent Control
360-degree camera
Tyre pressure monitoring system,
Dual front airbags with side, curtain and front central airbags
7-inch LCD virtual instrument cluster
9-inch multi-media touchscreen offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Bluetooth capability
Wireless phone charging
2x USB ports in the front and 1 for the passengers.
How much does the GWM P-Series LTD cost in South Africa?
P-Series LTD R694 950
A standard 5-year/100 000 km warranty and service plan and 5-year unlimited mileage roadside assistance are included in the price.
Toyota SA rapped over knuckles for ‘misleading’ Corolla Cross ad
South Africa’s advertising watchdog has rapped Toyota SA Motors over the knuckles for a Corolla Cross GR-Sport Hybrid advertisement it ruled was “misleading”…
The Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) has ruled against Toyota South Africa Motors after a consumer complained an advertisement for the Corolla Cross GR-Sport Hybrid was “misleading”.
Complainant Justin Brown approached the advertising watchdog about a Facebook post (dated 20 February 2023) from Toyota promoting its locally built Corolla Cross GR-Sport Hybrid. The advert in question included the following text: “If you thought the Corolla Cross GR-Sport couldn’t get any better, think again. The Corolla Cross GR-Sport Hybrid is here!”.
As a reminder, the Corolla Cross GR-Sport Hybrid launched in South Africa in February 2023, with production taking place at Toyota’s Prospecton facility in KwaZulu-Natal.
Brown submitted the advertising was misleading since it created the impression the vehicle was available for sale. However, the complainant said several dealerships confirmed there was no available stock, and that the waiting list for the Corolla Cross GR-Sport was “anywhere between 12 and 24 months”.
Toyota SA points to global hybrid battery shortage
In response, Toyota SA Motors initially refuted the claim there was no available stock, saying there had been a “steady inflow of these vehicles to the dealer network”. Still, it explained waiting periods might apply due to a global hybrid battery shortage, which it added should normalise by 2024.
It further pointed out the Corolla Cross GR-Sport Hybrid was indeed launched at the time it was advertised, suggesting the reference to it being “here” was factual, as the vehicle had officially become part of the Corolla Cross range, albeit in limited numbers “due to serving a niche demand”.
Publicis Groupe Africa, the company appointed as Toyota SA Motors’ agency partner late in 2022, echoed this sentiment, saying the post merely announced the addition of the GR-Sport Hybrid model to the overall Corolla Cross model range.
A screengrab of the Facebook post in question.
According to the Japanese firm’s local division, the Corolla Cross production plan at Prospecton included an average of 49 units of the GR-Sport Hybrid per month, with an annual plan of 542 units (for 2023). By comparison, around 1 500 units of the regular Corolla Cross were produced per month on average since launch, with the non-hybrid GR-Sport version sitting at about 141 units a month.
Explaining there was no other advertising actively promoting the sale of the vehicle in question, Toyota submitted it was “not unreasonable” to communicate its arrival despite having to put some customers on a waiting list. But, having considered all the material before it, the Directorate of the ARB ultimately ruled against Toyota SA Motors.
Advertising watchdog explains its ruling against Toyota
“The Facebook page that led to this complaint states that this vehicle is ‘here’. In the absence of any context that suggests the contrary, a reasonable person would interpret this to mean that this vehicle is generally available for purchase. In addition, the advertiser’s website, which is accessible by clicking on the URL provided in the advertisement, reads ‘Corolla Cross GR-Sport. Now Available in Hybrid’,” ARB’s ruling said.
“Neither of these advertisements communicate any sense of potential delays, shortages or long waiting lists (between 12 and 24 months) that might apply. The advertiser appears to concede that this is the case. However, it has not explained why its advertising does not inform consumers of this. It merely submitted that demand outstrips supply at this point and that it was not actively advertising this vehicle,” the watchdog added, saying the matter was further complicated by the fact Toyota had “not submitted any supporting information”.
Clause 16.1 of Section III of the ARB Code sits at the centre of the complaint and reads as follows: “Advertisements should not be submitted for publication unless the advertiser has reasonable grounds for believing that it can supply any demand likely to be created by the advertising”. In addition, ARB considered Clause 4.2.1 of Section II, which reads: “Advertisements should not contain any statement or visual presentation which, directly or by implication, omission, ambiguity, inaccuracy, exaggerated claim or otherwise, is likely to mislead the consumer”.
The hybrid version of the Corolla Cross GR-Sport launched locally in February 2023.
“In the absence of anything to show that the advertiser had reasonable expectations of meeting the demand for this vehicle, the Facebook [post] that gave rise to this dispute is found to have breached Clause 16.1 of Section III of the Code. By the same reasoning, the advertisement appears to be misleading and in contravention of Clause 4.2.1 of Section II of the Code,” ARB ruled.
In light of its findings, ARB ruled Toyota SA Motors was “required to withdraw or appropriately amend its advertising to ensure that consumers are adequately informed of the reality of the situation and the likelihood of prolonged waiting periods”.
Though the post in question still appears on the company’s Facebook page (at the time of writing, anyway), we noticed the Corolla Cross page on Toyota’s website now includes a line below the main image of the GR-Sport Hybrid, reading: “subject to limited stock availability”.
The line-up of the Kia Sonet, which competes in the popular budget crossover segment, now comprises 6 derivatives and Kia South Africa is offering all versions of the model with a 0% deposit car-finance deal, starting from R5 399 p/m.
The Sonet is based on the same platform as the Hyundai Venue, but it is produced at a different plant to its cousin (in Bangalore, which is the same facility that builds the popular Kia Seltos for South Africa). In terms of dimensions, the Sonet is 4 120 mm long, 1 790 mm wide, stands 1 610 mm high and has a 2 500-mm wheelbase, with 190 mm of ground clearance and a claimed load-bay capacity of 392 litres.
Of the range’s half a dozen derivatives, the first 2 are equipped with 6-speed manual gearboxes, while the remaining 4 have either continuously variable- or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions. We previously reviewed the Sonet’s 1.5 EX and the range-topping 1.0T EX+ derivatives (the latter with video).
LX is the base grade of the Sonet range. LX derivatives come equipped with 15-inch steel wheels, remote central locking, multifunction steering wheel, height-adjustable driver’s seat, tilt-adjustable steering column, artificial leather and cloth seat trim, aircon, electric windows (all round), electrically adjustable side mirrors, auto headlamp activation and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
The latter supports Bluetooth, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and is complemented by a front USB port and reverse-view camera. Rear occupants are availed a USB for charging their devices and a central armrest with cupholders, while the rear bench can be folded flat to free up utility space.
EX derivatives, in turn, can be distinguished by their roof rails, front fog lights, silver skid plates, integrated indicator lenses (in the side mirrors), 16-inch alloy wheels and rear parking sensors. Over and above LX’s interior specification, the EX versions have leather trim on the steering wheel and gear lever.
Finally, the top-of-the-range 1.0T EX+ is additionally equipped with a 4.2-inch TFT LCD supervision cluster, artificial leather seats (with red stitching), electrically-folding side mirrors, an electrochromatic rear-view mirror, cruise control, auto aircon, drive-mode select and combination LED tail lights.
Most derivatives are powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, paired with either a 6-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission. The 1.5-litre motor produces peak outputs of 85 kW and 144 Nm of torque. Kia states claimed 0-to-100 kph times of 11.3 sec (manual) and 11.8 sec (auto), with the former said to consume 7.0 L/100 km and the latter 7.2 L/100 km respectively.
The top 2 derivatives, in turn, feature a 88 kW/172 Nm 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol engine in combination with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Korean carmaker says 1.0 T-GDI derivatives can sprint from 0-100 kph in 11.3 sec and, on average, consume 6.0 litres of fuel per 100 km.
Kia Sonet safety spec
In terms of safety features, the Sonet comes well-equipped for its segment. Standard kit includes ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC) and hill-start assist control (HAC), dual front airbags and ISOfix child-seat anchoring points. The EX+ version additionally features side and curtain airbags.
How much does the Kia Sonet cost in South Africa*?
* Based on May 2023 prices. All Sonets derivatives are sold (from new) with a 5-year/unlimited km warranty and roadside assistance as well as a 4-year/60 000 km service plan.
