2026 Kia Sonet lineup gains new LS+ model with six airbags

Kia has revamped the local Sonet lineup with the introduction of an LS+ model. See pricing below…

2026 Kia Sonet LS+ front

Image: Kia

As part of its #SaferCarsforAfrica campaign, the Automobile Association (AA) of South Africa announced in June 2026 that the entry-level Sonet scored one star for adult occupant protection at a Global NCAP safety test, with three stars awarded for child occupant protection. Among the AA’s concerns for the LS-spec Sonet was the lack of front side airbags. (The Sonet LS features two airbags, for the driver and front passenger, respectively.) In Kia SA’s response to the AA and Global NCAP, the South Korean automaker’s local office announced it will be introducing an LS+ derivative, which is equipped with six airbags, to its Sonet lineup in the third quarter of 2026. The updated Sonet, including the LS+, has now arrived in SA.

In addition to the introduction of the LS+, which is positioned between LS and LX trim, the EX has received a sunroof. The SX flagship now features a Bose audio system. Electronic stability control (ESC) and hill-start assist are standard fitment across the range.

2026 Kia Sonet price in SA

The seven-strong (not inclusive of two panel van derivatives) Sonet passenger-car lineup is priced from R299 995 for the 1.5 LS manual, placing the base-spec model among every compact SUV for under R300k in SA. The newly introduced 1.5 LS+ manual and CVT are priced from R309 995 and R339 995, respectively. The LX, which we evaluated for a road test in November 2024, EX, and range-topping SX – all of which fitted with six airbags – are priced from R374 995, R404 995, and R484 995, respectively. However, it is worth noting that Kia is offering the revised passenger-focused models at a promotional price (in brackets below), which applies while stocks last. Included as standard across the range are Kia’s five-year/unlimited km warranty and a three-year/45 000 km service plan.

  • Kia Sonet 1.5 LS MT — R299 995 (R284 995)
  • Kia Sonet 1.5 LS+ MT — R309 995 (R299 995)
  • Kia Sonet 1.5 LS CVT — R324 995  (R314 995)
  • Kia Sonet 1.5 LS+ CVT — R339 995 (R329 995)
  • Kia Sonet 1.5 LX CVT — R374 995 (R349 995)
  • Kia Sonet 1.5 EX CVT — R404 995 (R379 995)
  • Kia Sonet 1.5 SX CVT — R484 995 (R439 995)

A single engine option is employed across the range: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol producing 85 kW and 144 N.m of torque. The naturally aspirated unit is available with the choice of either a five-speed manual transmission or CVT.

As a reminder, the Sonet claimed top honours in the ‘Budget Car’ category at CAR magazine’s 2026 Top 12 Best Buys awards.

Browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag!

The post 2026 Kia Sonet lineup gains new LS+ model with six airbags appeared first on CAR Magazine.


The Car Guide

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Top 10 Best-Selling Automotive Brands Locally – April 2024

Image
Following eight consecutive months of sales decline, the milestone of celebrating a century of vehicle production locally saw a welcomed increase in the motor industry for April 2024. Have a look at the data below, which sees Toyota drop in sales but retain the top spot, with Suzuki moving into second and Nissan dropping to the bottom of the list without the NP200 rolling off of the production line. Image: Toyota Looking for your next new or used Porsche? Find it here with CARmag! South Africa is marking 2024 as a significant year for its automotive industry, celebrating 100 years of car manufacturing. Mikel Mabasa, CEO of naamsa , the country’s automotive business council, commented, “As the sun rises on a century of automotive innovation, South Africa proudly commemorates a century of automobile manufacturing excellence. This milestone reflects a journey of resilience, ingenuity, and passion that has shaped the nation’s automotive legacy.” Details on how the industry will commem...
Read more

Top 10 most dependable car brands according to J.D. Power 2026 study

Image
We have rounded up the top ten most dependable car brands based on a recent study by J.D. Power, ranking vehicle reliability based on the number of problems per 100 vehicles. Image: Lexus Global market research and consumer insights company J.D. Power has recently released its 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, which identifies the most dependable vehicles based on overall problems per 100 vehicles during the first 90 days of ownership over nine problem categories. The 2026 results show a two-point increase in problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), resulting in an industry average of 204 PP100. In other words, A score of 204 PP100 means that, on average, owners reported 2.04 issues per car. A lower score indicates better vehicle quality, and vice versa. The 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study covers 184 specific problem areas throughout nine vehicle categories: climate, driving assistance, driving experience, exterior, features/controls/displays, infotainment, interior, powertr...
Read more

Every Bakkie Confirmed for SA in 2026 [Updated]

Image
From new models to updated lineups, we highlight every bakkie that’s been confirmed to launch in South Africa in 2026. New Toyota Hilux Image: Toyota In February 2026, the ninth-generation Hilux was spotted in SA . However, despite being spotted on our shores, at the time, an official launch date for the new Hilux, which we detail in our Come the Hour: New Toyota Hilux feature, had yet to be announced. Well, fast forward to April 2026, and the local launch date for the ninth iteration of SA’s best-selling bakkie has been confirmed – June 2026. Based on an updated version of the Japanese automaker’s IMV (Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle) platform – the latter also underpinning the SA-bound new Land Cruiser FJ , which will cost less than the top-of-the-range Hilux – the box-fresh Hilux retains the outgoing, eighth-generation model’s trusted GD-6 powertrain, available in “standard” and 48 V mild-hybrid format. The 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine will be a...
Read more