A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Sonet starts ZAR 407900 cheaperCreta from ZAR 407,900 · Sonet from ZAR 299,995
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Creta
Sonet
Engine Power
85
85 kW
Torque
144
143 Nm
Engine Size
1497
1497
Claimed Mileage
16.8
16.9
Ground Clearance
200
211
Boot Space
433
392
Airbags
6
6
Kerb Weight
1365
1270
Seating Capacity
5
5
Warranty
5
7
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Creta
58
/ 100
+0
pts
#2
Sonet
58
/ 100
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
Both Creta and Sonet are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Equal
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Equal
Ownership
Equal
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Creta
Performance
7/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
13/20
Ownership
20/20
Sonet
Performance
7/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
13/20
Ownership
20/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
Creta
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:General Use
Sonet
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
Creta
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
Sonet
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Creta
Sonet
Length
4330
3995
Width
1790
1790
Height
1635
1635
Wheelbase
2610
2500
Ground Clearance
200
211
Kerb Weight
1365
1270
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
433
392
Rear Track Width
1521 mm
1536
Gross Vehicle Weight
1860
1710
Front Track Width
1524 mm
1544
Turning Radius
5.3
10.4
Towing Capacity
1200 kg (Unbraked)
N/A
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
N/A
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
N/A
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Boot Space Seats Folded
1396
1143
Front Legroom
Available
1030
Rear Legroom
Available
860
Front Headroom
Available
990
Rear Headroom
Available
950
Front Shoulder Room
Available
1380
Rear Shoulder Room
Available
1330
Number of Doors
Available
5
Max Payload
Available
N/A
Boot Volume
Available
392
Front Overhang
Available
800
Fuel Tank Capacity
Available
45
Rear Overhang
Available
695
Spec
Creta
Sonet
Engine
1.5 MPI Naturally Aspirated
1.5 G4LC Inline-4 DOHC Petrol NA
Engine Type
Petrol
Inline 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
Displacement
1497
1497
Cylinders
4
4
Power
85
85 kW
Torque
144
143 Nm
Fuel System
Multi-Point Fuel Injection
Gasoline Direct Injection
Turbocharger
No
No
Top Speed
175
172
0-100 km/h
11.5
11.2
Power @ RPM
6300
6,300 rpm
Torque @ RPM
4500
4,000 rpm
Valves per Cylinder
16
16
Compression Ratio
10.0
13.0:1
Engine Position
Front
Front Transverse
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
93 Octane
Engine Code
G4FJ
G4LC
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Naturally Aspirated
Maximum Engine RPM
6500
6,500 rpm
Engine Type Config
Inline
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
CVVT
Cylinder Bore
Available
75.0
Piston Stroke
Available
84.5
Engine Oil Capacity
Available
4.5
Power
150
114
Cylinder Layout
Available
Inline 4 (I4)
0–100 km/h
Available
11.2
Battery Capacity
Available
N/A
Charging Port
Available
N/A
AC Charging Time
Available
N/A
Engine Displacement
Available
1497
EV Range
Available
N/A
Spec
Creta
Sonet
Transmission
IVT Intelligent Variable Transmission
Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
FWD
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
FWD
Paddle Shifters
No
No
Transfer Case
None (FWD)
N/A
LSD Available
No
No
Differential Lock
No
No
Transmission Type
Automatic
Continuously Variable Transmission
Number of Gears
7
CVT
Final Drive Ratio
Available
3.56
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
Available
15.1:1
Clutch Type
Available
Torque Converter
Drivetrain
Available
FWD
Transmission
Available
Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)
Spec
Creta
Sonet
Claimed Mileage
16.8
16.9
City Mileage
13.5
13.7
Highway Mileage
20.0
20.0
Fuel Tank Capacity
50
45
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
Auto Start Stop
No
Yes
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
No
Claimed Fuel Consumption
6.8
5.9
Average Fuel Consumption
Yes
5.9
Distance To Empty
Yes
N/A
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Yes
Fuel Efficiency
Available
5.9 L/100km
Real-world Mileage
Available
7.1
Spec
Creta
Sonet
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Yes
No
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Central Locking
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
Side Impact Beams
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
BA
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Safety Rating
Not Rated (SA)
5
Side Airbags
Yes
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Available
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Available
Yes
Whiplash Protection
Available
Yes
Lane Change Warning
Available
Yes
AEB
Available
Yes
Brake Override System
Available
Yes
Fatigue Detection
Available
Yes
Hill Hold
Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Available
Yes
TCS
Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Yes
Knee Airbag
Available
No
Spec
Creta
Sonet
Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Yes
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
No
Yes
360 Degree Camera
No
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
No
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
No
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
No
Auto Lights
Yes
Yes
EV Mode
No
No
Eco Mode
Yes
Yes
Sport Mode
No
No
Drive Modes
Eco / Normal
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Available
Yes
Auto Wipers
Available
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Available
Yes
Reverse Camera
Available
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
Yes
Park Assist
Available
Yes
Spec
Creta
Sonet
Seat Material
Leather-Look
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Power Driver
8-Way Power
Heated Seats
Front
Yes
Steering Type
MDPS Electric
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt & Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
Yes
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Yes
Front Armrest
Yes
Centre Armrest
Rear Armrest
No
Yes
Ventilated Seats
No
Yes
Cup Holders
4
4
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue + MID
Digital
Rear AC Vents
Yes
No
Interior Colour Options
Black
Black
Rear Headrest
Yes
Adjustable
Front Headrest
Yes
Adjustable
Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual
8-Way Power
Adjustable Front Seat
Manual
4-Way Manual
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Leather Seats
No
Yes
Fabric Seats
Yes
No
Cooled Seats
No
Yes
Memory Seats
No
Yes
Rear USB Ports
Available
Yes
Driver Lumbar Support
Available
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Available
8-Way Power
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Available
4-Way Manual
Spec
Creta
Sonet
Climate Control
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Yes
Power Windows
All
Yes
Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Yes
Yes
Sunroof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
No
Electric Tailgate
No
No
Auto Dimming Mirror
No
No
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
No
Yes
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
12V
Yes
Panoramic Roof
Optional
No
AC Type
Automatic
Automatic Climate Control
Climate Zones
1
2
Power Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Headlamp Washer
No
No
Headlamp Height Adjust
Manual
Yes
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Vanity Mirror
Yes
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Yes
Tachometer
Yes
Yes
Trip Computer
Yes
Yes
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Yes
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Yes
Service Reminder
Yes
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
Inside
Remote
Boot Opener
Inside
Remote
Front Power Outlet
Yes
Yes
Tilt Steering
Yes
-
Telescopic Steering
No
-
Engine Start Stop Button
No
Yes
Electric Mirror Folding
Available
Yes
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Available
Yes
Speed Limiter
Available
Yes
Adaptive Dampers
Available
No
Aero Kit
Available
No
Auto Dimming Irvm
Available
No
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Available
No
Chrome Grille
Available
Yes
Drag Coefficient
Available
0.34
Driver Display
Available
Digital Cluster
Electric Folding Mirrors
Available
Yes
Engine Start Button Illumination
Available
Yes
Engine Start Stop
Available
Yes
Engine Warranty
Available
7 Years / 150,000 km
Exhaust Finish
Available
-
Exhaust Type
Available
-
Fuel Consumption Combined
Available
5.9
Gear Shift Type
Available
Automatic
Glovebox Cooling
Available
No
Ground Clearance Unladen
Available
211
Headrest Adjustable
Available
Yes
Heads Up Display
Available
No
Hill Start Assist
Available
Yes
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Available
Yes
Intercooler
Available
No
Launch Control
Available
No
Multi Function Steering
Available
Yes
Payload Capacity
Available
N/A
Performance Data Logger
Available
No
Push Button Start
Available
Yes
Rear Defogger
Available
Yes
Rear Seat Split
Available
Yes
Rear Wing
Available
Yes
Remote Engine Start
Available
No
Rev Matching
Available
No
Ride Mode Selection
Available
Yes
Roof Antenna
Available
Yes
Seat Type
Available
Leather Seats
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Available
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Available
Yes
Service Plan
Available
3 Years / 45,000 km
Side Steps
Available
No
Skid Plates
Available
No
Spare Wheel
Available
Temporary Spare
Speed Alert System
Available
Yes
Stability Control
Available
Yes
Stabilizer Bar
Available
Yes
Steering Mounted Controls
Available
Yes
Steering Response
Available
Normal
Tail Lamps
Available
LED
Tyre Repair Kit
Available
No
Valves Per Cylinder
Available
4
Voice Command
Available
Yes
Voice Command Support
Available
Yes
Spec
Creta
Sonet
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
8
8
Navigation System
Yes
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
Yes
USB Ports
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
4
Wireless Apple CarPlay
No
Yes
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
Yes
No
Voice Recognition
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Screen Size
10.25 inch
10.25
Rear Usb
Yes
Yes
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Display
Touchscreen
10.25
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Available
No
Premium Audio
Available
Yes
Spec
Creta
Sonet
LED Headlamps
Full LED
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Yes
Fog Lamps
LED
Yes
Roof Rails
Yes
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
17-inch Diamond-Cut Alloy
Alloy Alloy
Body Cladding
Wheel Arch & Lower Body Cladding
No
Chrome Exterior Finish
Chrome Grille Surround
No
Rear Spoiler
Yes
Yes
DRL
Yes
Yes
Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Wing Mirror Type
Power Adjustable
Electric
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
Body Colour
Body Type
SUV
Sub-Compact SUV
Rear Wiper
Yes
Yes
Led Headlights
Yes
Yes
Led Taillights
Yes
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Atlas White, Titan Grey, Phantom Black, Fiery Red, Galaxy Blue
Multiple
Roof Type
Available
Standard
Rear Fog Lights
Available
Yes
Spec
Creta
Sonet
Tyre Size
215/60 R17
215/55 R17
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
Full Size
Temporary Spare
Tyre Speed Rating
H
H
Tyre Load Index
91
102
Wheel Rim Size
17
215/55 R17
Parking Brake Type
Manual
Electronic
Brake Type Front
Disc (Ventilated)
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
Disc
Drum
Tyre Type
Tubeless Radial
Radial
Spare Tyre
Steel
Temporary Spare
Front Brake Disc Diameter
Available
280
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
Available
236
Front Tyre Width
Available
215
Rear Tyre Width
Available
215
Wheel Diameter
Available
17
Spec
Creta
Sonet
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Coupled Torsion Beam
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Unibody
Power Steering
Electric
Yes
Steering Column
Tilt
Adjustable
Front Spring Type
Coil
Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
Coil
Coil Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Available
Yes
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Available
Yes
Shock Absorber Type
Available
Telescopic
Spec
Creta
Sonet
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
15000
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
3 Years / 45,000 km
Battery Warranty
Not Applicable
N/A
Approx Service Cost
R2,000 – R3,500 per service
R3,000 per service
Service Plan Duration
4
3
Service Plan Distance
60000
45000
First Service At
15000
15000
Battery Type
Lead-acid
N/A
Alternator
120A
Yes
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
No
Engine Oil Change Interval
Available
15000
Anti-Rust Treatment
Available
Yes
Spec
Creta
Sonet
Warranty Years
5
7
Warranty Kilometers
150000
150000
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
5 Years
Basic Warranty
Available
7 Years / 150,000 km
Spec
Creta
Sonet
CO2 Emissions
133
138
Start Stop System
No
Yes
Hybrid System Type
Conventional (ICE)
None
Noise Level
68 dB
67
Fuel Evaporation Control
Yes
Yes
Fuel Octane Requirement
Unleaded 95
93 Octane
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
Particulate Filter
Available
No
Green NCAP Rating
Available
4
Idle CO2 Output
Available
145
Spec
Creta
Sonet
Underbody Protection
Front Underbody Guard
No
Approach Angle
18°
21
Wading Depth
200 mm
N/A
Departure Angle
26°
35
Locking Differential
No
No
Terrain Modes
No
No
Ramp Breakover Angle
20
16
Hill Descent Control
No
No
Recovery Hooks
Available
No
4WD System Type
Available
N/A
Ramp-over Angle
Available
18
Spec
Creta
Sonet
Real-world City Mileage Min
Available
11.6
Real-world City Mileage Max
Available
15.1
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
Available
18.0
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
Available
21.0
Owner Review Count
Available
-
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Hyundai Creta
wins with 58 pts
vs 58 pts for Sonet
In structured scoring, Creta emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Sonet may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Creta edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: Creta 0 vs Sonet 0. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: Creta 18, Sonet 18. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: Creta 20, Sonet 20. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: Creta 13, Sonet 13. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Creta 7, Sonet 7. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Creta edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Creta scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between Creta and Sonet in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Creta scores 7 vs 7.
Efficiency: Creta scores 0 vs 0.
Safety: Creta scores 18 vs 18.
Practicality: Creta scores 13 vs 13.
Ownership: Creta scores 20 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives Creta
the advantage in this comparison.
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