KIA Sonet Panel Van vs Suzuki Super Carry

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.

KIA Sonet Panel Van

1.5 LS Panel Van CVT Petrol Automatic

ZAR 309,995 ex-showroom

⚡ 85 kW 🔧 143 Nm Nm ⛽ 16.9 km/l

Suzuki Super Carry

1.2 Flatdeck MT Petrol Manual

ZAR 209,900 ex-showroom

⚡ 59 kW 🔧 104 Nm ⛽ 17.2 km/l

＋ Add a 3rd car

At a Glance — Who Wins What

⚡ Performance Sonet Panel Van

⛽ Fuel Economy Tie

🛡 Safety Sonet Panel Van

📦 Practicality Sonet Panel Van

🔑 Ownership Tie

Super Carry starts ZAR 284995 cheaper Sonet Panel Van from ZAR 284,995 · Super Carry from ZAR 197,900

Key Specs Side by Side

The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.

Spec	Sonet Panel Van	Super Carry
Engine Power	85 kW	59
Torque	143 Nm	104
Engine Size	1497	1196
Claimed Mileage	16.9	17.2
Ground Clearance	211	175
Boot Space	392	0
Airbags	6	1 — Driver Only
Kerb Weight	1230	850
Seating Capacity	2	2
Warranty	7	5

= leads in this spec

The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up

🏆 Winner

Sonet Panel Van

/ 100

+23

pts

Super Carry

/ 100

Moderate difference between the models.

The Bottom Line

Sonet Panel Van holds a noticeable edge over Super Carry, especially in key ownership areas.

Where They Actually Differ

Performance Sonet Panel Van +2 pts

Efficiency Equal

Safety Sonet Panel Van +15 pts

Practicality Sonet Panel Van +6 pts

Ownership Equal

Score Breakdown by Category

🏆 Overall Winner

Sonet Panel Van

Performance 7/20

Efficiency 0/20

Safety 18/20

Practicality 13/20

Ownership 20/20

Super Carry

Performance 5/20

Efficiency 0/20

Safety 3/20

Practicality 7/20

Ownership 20/20

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

🏆 Overall Winner

Sonet Panel Van

Strengths

More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use

Weak Spots

No obvious weak spots to flag.

Best suited to: Highway Driving Family Usage

Super Carry

Strengths

Nothing stands out clearly here.

Weak Spots

Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage

Best suited to: General Use

Which One's Right for You?

Sonet Panel Van

Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability

Super Carry

Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle

Full Specs, Side by Side

Spec	Sonet Panel Van	Super Carry
Engine	1.5 G4LC Inline-4 DOHC Petrol NA	1.2L GB14 4-Cylinder Petrol
Engine Type	Inline 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated	Inline 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
Engine Type Config	Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve	Available
Engine Code	G4LC	GB14
Cylinder Layout	Inline 4 (I4)	Inline 4 (I4)
Cylinders	4	4
Valves per Cylinder	16	4
Displacement	1497	1196
Engine Displacement	1497	Available
Engine Aspiration	Naturally Aspirated	Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharger	No	Not Applicable
Cylinder Bore	75.0	68.5
Piston Stroke	84.5	81.3
Compression Ratio	13.0:1	9.5:1
Fuel System	Gasoline Direct Injection	Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Grade Required	93 Octane	93 RON Unleaded Petrol
Variable Valve Timing	CVVT	Not Available — Fixed Cam Timing
Engine Position	Front Transverse	Transverse Front-Mounted
Engine Oil Capacity	4.5	3.0
Power	85 kW	59
Power	114	80
Power @ RPM	6,300 rpm	6,000 rpm
Torque	143 Nm	104
Torque @ RPM	4,000 rpm	2,900 rpm
Maximum Engine RPM	6,500 rpm	6200
0–100 km/h	11.2	Available
0-100 km/h	11.2	20.0
Top Speed	172	120
EV Range	N/A	Available
Battery Capacity	N/A	Available
Charging Port	N/A	Available
AC Charging Time	N/A	Available

Spec	Sonet Panel Van	Super Carry
Valves Per Cylinder	4	Available
Intercooler	No	Available
Launch Control	No	Available
Rev Matching	No	Available
Performance Data Logger	No	Available
Fuel Consumption Combined	5.9	Available
Engine Start Stop	Yes	Available
Engine Start Stop Button	No	Available
Engine Start Button Illumination	No	Available
Engine Check Warning	Yes	Available
Gear Shift Type	Automatic	Available
Ground Clearance Unladen	211	Available
Drag Coefficient	0.34	Available
Payload Capacity	N/A	Available
Stabilizer Bar	Yes	Available
Steering Response	Normal	Available
Skid Plates	No	Available
Side Steps	No	Available
Spare Wheel	Temporary Spare	Available
Tyre Repair Kit	No	Available
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner	Yes	Available
Seatbelt Reminder	Yes	Available
Stability Control	Yes	Available
Hill Start Assist	Yes	Available
Speed Limiter	Yes	Not Available
Speed Alert System	Yes	Available
Impact Sensing Door Unlock	Yes	Available
Adaptive Dampers	No	Available
Wireless Charging	No	Not Available
Voice Command	Yes	Available
Voice Command Support	Yes	Available
Driver Display	Digital Cluster	Available
Heads Up Display	No	Not Available
Tachometer	Yes	Available
Trip Computer	Yes	Available
Multi Function Steering	Yes	Available
Steering Mounted Controls	Yes	Available
AC Type	Manual AC	Manual Air Conditioning
Climate Control	No	Manual Air Conditioning (Optional Fitment)
Climate Zones	1	1
Glovebox Cooling	No	Available
Seat Type	Fabric Seats	Available
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	No	Not Available
Rear Seat Split	Yes	Available
Headrest Adjustable	Yes	Available
Front Armrest	Yes	Available
Vanity Mirror	Yes	Available
12V Accessory Socket	Yes	1 x 12V Socket
Front Power Outlet	Yes	150
Rear Reading Lamps	Yes	Available
Keyless Entry	No	Not Available
Push Button Start	No	Not Available
Push Button Start	No	Not Available
Remote Engine Start	No	Available
Door Ajar Warning	Yes	Available
Fuel Lid Opener	Remote	Available
Boot Opener	Remote	Available
Power Windows	Yes	Not Available — Manual Windows
Power Mirrors	Yes	150
Electric Folding Mirrors	No	Available
Electric Mirror Folding	No	Manual Fold
Auto Dimming Irvm	No	Available
Auto Dimming Mirror	No	Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers	No	Not Available
Rear Window Defroster	Yes	Standard
Rear Defogger	Yes	Available
Follow Me Home Headlamps	Yes	Not Available
Tail Lamps	LED	Available
Automatic Headlamps	No	Not Available
Headlamp Height Adjust	Yes	Available
Headlamp Washer	No	Available
Sunroof	No	Not Available
Panoramic Roof	No	Not Available
Roof Antenna	Yes	Available
Rear Wing	Yes	Available
Aero Kit	No	Available
Chrome Grille	Yes	Available
Chrome Exterior Highlights	No	Available
Ride Mode Selection	No	Available
Electric Tailgate	No	Not Available
Engine Warranty	7 Years / 150,000 km	Available
Service Plan	3 Years / 45,000 km	Available
Service Reminder	Yes	Available
Exhaust Finish	-	Available
Exhaust Type	-	Available
Telescopic Steering	-	Available
Tilt Steering	-	Available

Spec	Sonet Panel Van	Super Carry
Fuel Octane Requirement	93 Octane	93 RON Unleaded
Particulate Filter	No	Not Fitted
Fuel Evaporation Control	Yes	Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)
Idle CO2 Output	145	Within Euro 5 Limits
CO2 Emissions	138	155
Green NCAP Rating	4	Not Rated — Commercial Vehicle
Start Stop System	Yes	Not Available
Euro Emission Standard	Euro 6	Euro 5
Hybrid System Type	None	Not Applicable
Noise Level	67	72

Spec	Sonet Panel Van	Super Carry
AdBlue Tank Capacity	No	0
Claimed Fuel Consumption	5.9	7.3
Claimed Mileage	16.9	17.2
City Mileage	13.7	14.7
Highway Mileage	20.0	20.0
Average Fuel Consumption	5.9	Available
Real-world Mileage	7.1	Available
Fuel Efficiency	5.9 L/100km	Available
Auto Start Stop	Yes	Not Available
Emission Standard	Euro 6	Euro 5
Distance To Empty	N/A	Available
Low Fuel Warning	Yes	Available
Fuel Tank Capacity	45	30

Spec	Sonet Panel Van	Super Carry
Engine Immobiliser	Yes	Available
Engine Immobiliser	Yes	Standard
Brake Override System	Yes	Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor	Yes	Not Available
Airbags	6	1 — Driver Only
Driver Airbag	Yes	Standard
Passenger Airbag	Yes	Not Available
Side Airbags	Yes	Not Available
Curtain Airbags	Yes	Not Available
Knee Airbag	No	Available
Side Impact Beams	Yes	Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners	Yes	Standard — Driver
Seatbelt Warning All Seats	Yes	Front Seats
Whiplash Protection	Yes	Basic Head Restraints
ABS	Yes	Standard
BA	Yes	Standard
EBD	Yes	Standard
Brake Assist	Yes	Standard
Electronic Stability Control	Yes	Not Available
TCS	Yes	Not Available
Traction Control	Yes	Not Available
Hill Hold	Yes	Not Available
Hill Start Assist	Yes	Not Available
Hill Descent Control	No	Not Available
AEB	No	Not Available
Pedestrian Detection AEB	No	Not Available
Lane Change Warning	No	Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring	No	Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	No	Not Available
Fatigue Detection	No	Not Available
Speed Alert System	Yes	Not Available
Child Safety Lock	Yes	Standard
Safety Rating	5	Not Independently Rated — Commercial Vehicle
ISOFIX Mounts	Yes	Not Available
Front Parking Sensors	No	Not Available
Central Locking	Yes	Standard
Alarm System	Yes	Not Available

Spec	Sonet Panel Van	Super Carry
Alternator	Yes	Available
Engine Oil Change Interval	15000	10,000 km or 6 Months
Battery Type	N/A	Available
Battery Warranty	N/A	12 Months
Gear Shift Indicator	No	Available
Service Plan Duration	3	2 Years
Service Plan Distance	45000	30000
Maintenance Plan	3 Years / 45,000 km	Not Included
Service Interval	15000	10,000 km or 12 Months
First Service At	15000	1,000 km Inspection
Approx Service Cost	R3,000 per service	Approx R1,200–R1,800 per Service
Anti-Rust Treatment	Yes	Underbody Rust Protection

Spec	Sonet Panel Van	Super Carry
Real-world City Mileage Min	11.6	8.0
Real-world City Mileage Max	15.1	10.0
Real-world Highway Mileage Min	18.0	6.5
Real-world Highway Mileage Max	21.0	8.0
Owner Review Count	-	3

Spec	Sonet Panel Van	Super Carry
EV Mode	No	Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking	No	Not Available
Lane Departure Warning	No	Not Available
Lane Keep Assist	No	Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring	No	Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	No	Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert	No	Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control	No	Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control	No	Available
Cruise Control	Yes	Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition	No	Not Available
Auto Highbeam	No	Not Available
Rear View Camera	Yes	Not Available
Reverse Camera	Yes	Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors	Yes	Not Available
Parking Sensors	Yes	Not Available
Park Assist	No	Available
360 Degree Camera	No	Not Available
Auto Wipers	No	Not Available
Auto Lights	No	Not Available
Drive Modes	No	Available
Eco Mode	No	Available
Sport Mode	No	Available

Spec	Sonet Panel Van	Super Carry
Transmission	Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)	5-Speed Manual
Transmission	Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)	Available
Transmission Type	Continuously Variable Transmission	Manual
Number of Gears	CVT	5
Clutch Type	Torque Converter	Single Dry Plate Diaphragm
Paddle Shifters	No	Not Available
Final Drive Ratio	3.56	4.529:1
Drivetrain	FWD	Available
Drive Type	FWD	RWD
Drivetrain Layout	FWD	Rear Wheel Drive
Transfer Case	N/A	Not Applicable
Differential Lock	No	Not Available
LSD Available	No	Not Available
Steering Turns Lock to Lock	15.1:1	3.2

Spec	Sonet Panel Van	Super Carry
4WD System Type	N/A	Not Applicable — RWD Only
Locking Differential	No	Not Available
Approach Angle	21	0
Departure Angle	35	0
Ramp Breakover Angle	16	0
Ramp-over Angle	18	Available
Wading Depth	N/A	0
Recovery Hooks	No	1 Rear Tow Hook
Underbody Protection	No	Not Available
Hill Descent Control	No	Available
Terrain Modes	No	Not Applicable

Spec	Sonet Panel Van	Super Carry
Length	3995	3800
Width	1790	1562
Height	1635	1730
Wheelbase	2500	2110
Front Track Width	1544	1285
Rear Track Width	1536	1285
Ground Clearance	211	175
Turning Radius	10.4	4.5
Front Overhang	800	Available
Rear Overhang	695	Available
Kerb Weight	1230	850
Gross Vehicle Weight	1670	1280
Towing Capacity	N/A	0
Max Payload	N/A	390
Load Bed Length	N/A	1750
Load Bed Width	N/A	1250
Doors	5	2
Number of Doors	5	4
Seats	2	2
Seating Capacity	2	5
Front Headroom	990	1020
Rear Headroom	950	1000
Front Legroom	1030	930
Rear Legroom	860	750
Front Shoulder Room	1380	1200
Rear Shoulder Room	1330	1180
Boot Space	392	0
Boot Space Seats Folded	1143	1200
Boot Volume	392	0
Fuel Tank Capacity	45	Available

Spec	Sonet Panel Van	Super Carry
Body Type	Panel Van	Flatdeck Pickup — Open Load Bed
Alloy Wheel Design	Steel	Steel Wheels with Hub Caps
Wing Mirror Type	Electric	Manual Mirrors
Rear Wiper	Yes	Not Available
Led Headlights	No	Halogen
LED Headlamps	No	Halogen Headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps	Yes	Not Available
DRL	Yes	Not Available
Led Taillights	Yes	Halogen
Fog Lights	No	Not Available
Fog Lamps	No	Not Available
Front Fog Lights	No	Not Available
Rear Fog Lights	Yes	Not Available
Roof Type	Standard	Standard Fixed Roof
Roof Rails	Yes	Not Available
Rear Spoiler	Yes	Not Available
Body Cladding	No	Not Applicable
Chrome Exterior Finish	No	Not Available
Door Handle Finish	Body Colour	Standard Black Handles
Exterior Colour Options	Multiple	3

Spec	Sonet Panel Van	Super Carry
Chassis Type	Unibody	Monocoque
Front Suspension	MacPherson Strut	MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
Rear Suspension	Coupled Torsion Beam	Leaf Spring (Commercial Grade)
Front Spring Type	Coil Spring	Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type	Coil Spring	Leaf Spring
Shock Absorber Type	Telescopic	Telescopic Hydraulic
Front Anti-Roll Bar	Yes	Standard
Rear Anti-Roll Bar	Yes	Not Available
Power Steering	Yes	Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Steering Column	Adjustable	Tilt Adjustable

Spec	Sonet Panel Van	Super Carry
Steering Type	Electric Power Assisted	Power Assisted Steering (Hydraulic)
Steering Adjustment	Tilt and Telescopic	Tilt Adjustable
Rear USB Ports	No	0
Instrument Cluster Type	Digital	Basic Analogue Gauges
Steering Wheel Material	Leather	Urethane
Rear AC Vents	No	Not Available
Heated Seats	No	Not Available
Cooled Seats	No	Available
Ventilated Seats	No	Not Available
Seat Material	Cloth	Vinyl
Fabric Seats	Yes	Available
Leather Seats	No	Available
Driver Seat Adjustment	6-Way Manual	Manual — 7-position slide
Adjustable Driver Seat	6-Way Manual	Available
Seat Adjustment	6-Way Manual	Manual 4-Way Driver
Passenger Seat Adjustment	4-Way Manual	Fixed
Adjustable Front Seat	4-Way Manual	Available
Driver Lumbar Support	No	Not Available
Memory Seats	No	Available
60 40 Split Seat	Yes	Available
Folding Rear Seats	Yes	Rear Bench Folds Flat for Cargo
Front Headrest	Adjustable	Available
Rear Headrest	Adjustable	Available
Front Armrest	Centre Armrest	Not Available
Rear Armrest	Yes	Not Available
Door Map Pockets	Yes	Driver Door Pocket Only
Cup Holders	4	2
Ambient Lighting	No	Not Available
Interior Colour Options	Black	1

Spec	Sonet Panel Van	Super Carry
Front Brake Type	Ventilated Disc	Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Front	Ventilated Disc	Available
Front Brake Disc Diameter	280	240
Rear Brake Type	Drum	Drum
Brake Type Rear	Drum	Available
Rear Brake Drum Diameter	236	200
Parking Brake Type	Electronic	Conventional Handbrake
Tyre Size	215/60 R16	155 R13 LT 8PR
Wheel Rim Size	215/60 R16	13 Inches
Front Tyre Width	215	Available
Rear Tyre Width	215	Available
Wheel Diameter	16	Available
Wheel Type	Steel	Steel Wheels
Tyre Type	Radial	Available
Tyre Load Index	102	91
Tyre Speed Rating	H	Q
Spare Tyre	Temporary Spare	Available
Spare Wheel Type	Temporary Spare	Full Size Spare

Spec	Sonet Panel Van	Super Carry
Infotainment Display	8.0	Available
Infotainment Screen	8.0-inch Touchscreen	Basic AM/FM Radio
Infotainment Screen Size	8.0	Not Available
Navigation System	Yes	Not Available
Apple CarPlay	Yes	Not Available
Wireless Apple CarPlay	Yes	Not Available
Android Auto	Yes	Not Available
Bluetooth Connectivity	Yes	Not Available
USB Ports	2	Not Available
Rear Usb	No	Available
AUX Input	No	Not Available
Wi-Fi Hotspot	No	Not Available
Number of Speakers	4	2
Premium Audio	No	Available
FM Radio	Yes	AM/FM Radio Ready
Voice Recognition	Yes	Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster	Yes	Analogue Instrument Cluster
Audio Controls On Steering	Yes	Available
Steering Wheel Audio Controls	Yes	Not Available

Spec	Sonet Panel Van	Super Carry
Basic Warranty	7 Years / 150,000 km	Available
Warranty Years	7	5
Warranty Kilometers	150000	200000
Anti-Corrosion Warranty	5 Years	3 Years Anti-Corrosion
Roadside Assistance	5 Years	5 Years Roadside Assistance

So, Which One Should You Buy?

🏆 KIA Sonet Panel Van wins with 58 pts vs 35 pts for Super Carry

In structured scoring, Sonet Panel Van emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Super Carry may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.

Buyers Also Looked At These

Other comparisons that people in the same boat tend to check out.

Questions Buyers Usually Ask

On our scoring the Sonet Panel Van 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: Sonet Panel Van 0 vs Super Carry 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: Sonet Panel Van 18, Super Carry 3. 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: Sonet Panel Van 20, Super Carry 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: Sonet Panel Van 13, Super Carry 7. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.

Performance scores: Sonet Panel Van 7, Super Carry 5. 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 Sonet Panel Van edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.

The Sonet Panel Van 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 Sonet Panel Van and Super Carry in South Africa evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.

Performance: Sonet Panel Van scores 7 vs 5.

Efficiency: Sonet Panel Van scores 0 vs 0.

Safety: Sonet Panel Van scores 18 vs 3.

Practicality: Sonet Panel Van scores 13 vs 7.

Ownership: Sonet Panel Van scores 20 vs 20.

Final structured scoring gives Sonet Panel Van the advantage in this comparison.

KIA Sonet Panel Van vs Suzuki Super Carry

KIA Sonet Panel Van

Suzuki Super Carry

At a Glance — Who Wins What

Key Specs Side by Side

The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up

Sonet Panel Van

Super Carry

The Bottom Line

Where They Actually Differ

Score Breakdown by Category

Sonet Panel Van

Super Carry

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

Sonet Panel Van

Super Carry

Which One's Right for You?

Sonet Panel Van

Super Carry

Full Specs, Side by Side

So, Which One Should You Buy?

Other Comparisons Worth Checking

Buyers Also Looked At These

Questions Buyers Usually Ask

In Depth — Breaking It All Down