A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Sonet and Starlet are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Starlet starts ZAR 85,095 cheaperSonet from ZAR 329,995 · Starlet from ZAR 244,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Sonet
Starlet
Maximum Power
Sonet85 kW @ 6300 rpm
Starlet72 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque
Sonet143 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Starlet140 Nm
Engine Size
Sonet1497 cc
Starlet996 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Sonet16.9 km/l
Starlet16.7 km/l
Ground Clearance
Sonet211 mm
Starlet162 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
KIA Sonet
1.5 EX+ CVT
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Specification evidence leader
Sonet
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger published practicality figures
Stronger published ownership cover
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Starlet
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower published practicality figures
Lower published ownership cover
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Sonet
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Buyers prioritising the stronger published warranty or service cover
Starlet
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Sonet
Starlet
Intercooler
No
-
Rev Matching
No
Not Available
Performance Data Logger
No
Not Available
Fuel Consumption Combined
5.9
6
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Standard
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Standard
Engine Start Button Illumination
Yes
Standard
Engine Check Warning
Yes
-
Drag Coefficient
0.34
-
Roof Load
50 kg
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
1143 l
265 l
Stabilizer Bar
Yes
-
Steering Response
Normal
-
Skid Plates
No
Not Available
Side Steps
No
-
Spare Wheel
Temporary Spare
Full Size Steel
Tyre Repair Kit
No
-
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Yes
-
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Standard
Speed Limiter
Yes
-
Speed Alert System
Yes
-
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Yes
-
Surround View Monitor
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Dampers
No
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Yes
Optional
Voice Command
Yes
Standard
Voice Command Support
Yes
Standard
Digital Speedometer
Yes
Full Digital
Driver Display
Digital Cluster
-
Heads Up Display
No
-
Tachometer
Yes
-
Trip Computer
Yes
-
Multi Function Steering
Yes
-
Steering Mounted Controls
Yes
-
Air Conditioning
Yes
Automatic AC
AC Type
Yes
Automatic AC
Climate Control
Yes
Automatic AC
Climate Zones
2
Automatic AC
Rear Air Conditioning
No
-
Glovebox Cooling
No
-
Seat Type
Leather Seats
Fabric
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Yes
-
Rear Seat Split
Yes
60/40 Split
Headrest Adjustable
Yes
-
Front Armrest
Yes
Not Available
Vanity Mirror
Yes
-
12V Accessory Socket
Yes
-
Front Power Outlet
Yes
-
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
-
Keyless Entry
Yes
Standard
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Remote Engine Start
No
-
Remote Start
No
-
Remote Central Locking
Yes
Standard
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
-
Fuel Lid Opener
Remote
-
Boot Opener
Remote
-
Power Windows
Yes
All Doors
Power Mirrors
Yes
All Doors
Heated Mirrors
Yes
-
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
All Doors
Electric Mirror Folding
Yes
-
Remote Side Mirror
Yes
-
Auto Dimming Irvm
No
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
No
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Standard
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
-
Rear Defogger
Yes
-
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
-
Tail Lamps
Yes
-
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Standard
Headlamp Height Adjust
Yes
-
Headlamp Washer
No
-
Sunroof
No
Not Available
Panoramic Roof
No
Not Available
Roof Antenna
Yes
-
Rear Wing
Yes
Not Available
Aero Kit
No
-
Chrome Grille
Yes
-
Chrome Exterior Highlights
No
-
Ride Mode Selection
Yes
-
Electric Tailgate
No
Not Available
Powered Tailgate
No
Not Available
Engine Warranty
7 Years / 150,000 km
Not Applicable
Service Reminder
Yes
-
Trim Level
flagship
top
Variant Role
Flagship / premium derivative
Mid-to-high value derivative
Accelerator 0 100
11.2 sec
12.0 sec
Common Rail Injection
Gasoline Direct Injection
Direct Injection
Diff Lock
No
Not Applicable
Difflock
No
Not Applicable
Vdc
Yes
Standard
TPMS
Yes
Standard
Sonar
Yes
Rear
Automatic High Beam
Yes
-
Steering Column Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Height Adjustable
Tilt Steering
Tilt and Telescopic
Height Adjustable
Telescopic Steering
Tilt and Telescopic
Height Adjustable
Bottle Holders
4
-
Glove Box
Yes
-
Manual Aircon
Yes
Automatic AC
Intelligent Keyless Entry
Yes
Standard
Passive Entry Start
Yes
Standard
Wireless Charger
Yes
Optional
Lift Gate
No
Not Available
Electric Fold Indicator Mirrors
Yes
-
Power Socket 12v
Yes
-
Sound System
8
4
Roof Rack Compatibility
Yes
Not Available
Mirror
Electric
All Doors
Rim Size
215/55 R17
15-inch Alloy Wheels
Stabilizer Bar Front
Yes
-
Stabilizer Bar Rear
Yes
-
Sub Frame
Unibody
Monocoque
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
Not Available
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
Not Available
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Sports Bar
Not Available
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
Not Available
Bed Extender
Not Available
Not Available
Source Model Column
sonet
starlet
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Light
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
Not Available
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
Not Available
Unlocking
Yes
Standard
Walk Away Lock
Yes
Standard
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
Yes
Standard
Rear LED Combination Taillights
Yes
-
Front Wiper
Yes
-
Front Wipers Type
Yes
-
Rearview Mirror Inside
No
Standard
Vanity Mirror Illuminated
Yes
-
Reading Lights Rear
Yes
-
Centre Console
Centre Armrest
Not Available
Side Impact Bars
Yes
Standard
Boot Space Seats Folded
1143 l
265 l
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Sonet
Starlet
Fuel Octane Requirement
93 Octane
Petrol
Variable Valve Timing
CVVT
-
Particulate Filter
No
Not Available
Fuel Evaporation Control
Yes
-
Idle CO2 Output
145
107
CO2 Emissions
138 g/km
107 g/km
Green NCAP Rating
4
-
Start Stop System
Yes
Standard
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 5
Noise Level
67 dB
67 dB
CO2 Emissions G Km
138
107
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
Not Applicable
Spec
Sonet
Starlet
AdBlue Tank Capacity
No
Not Applicable
Claimed Mileage
16.9 km/l
16.7 km/l
City Mileage
13.7 km/l
13 km/l
Highway Mileage
20.0 km/l
18 km/l
Real-world Mileage
16.9 km/l
16.7 km/l
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Standard
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 5
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
40 l
Fuel Tank Litres
45
40
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Sonet
Starlet
Engine Position
Front Transverse
Front Transverse
Gearbox
Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)
CVT Automatic
Transmission Type
Continuously Variable Transmission
Continuously Variable Transmission
Number of Gears
CVT
4
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
CVT Automatic
Gear Shift Indicator
No
Not Applicable
Clutch Type
Torque Converter
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
No
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
3.56
Not Applicable
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD/
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Front Wheel Drive
Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
LSD Available
No
Not Applicable
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
15.1:1
-
Gearbox Type
Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)
CVT Automatic
Transmission Speeds
CVT
4
Axle Layout
FWD
FWD
Automatic Shift Paddles
No
Not Applicable
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Type Front
Not Available
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Sonet
Starlet
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Standard
Brake Override System
Yes
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Standard
Airbags
6
7
Driver Airbag
Yes
7
Passenger Airbag
Yes
7
Side Airbags
Yes
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Not Available
Knee Airbag
No
Not Available
Side Impact Beams
Yes
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Not Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Not Available
Whiplash Protection
Yes
-
ABS
Yes
Standard
BA
Yes
Standard
EBD
Yes
Standard
Brake Assist
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
Stability Control
Yes
Standard
TCS
Yes
Standard
Traction Control
Yes
Standard
Hill Hold
Yes
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
AEB
Yes
Standard
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Yes
-
Lane Change Warning
Yes
-
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Standard
Fatigue Detection
Yes
-
Speed Alert System
Yes
-
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Standard
Safety Rating
5
-
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Not Available
Central Locking
Yes
Standard
Alarm System
Yes
Standard
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
ESC With Traction Control
Yes
Standard
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
6
7
Driver Passenger Airbags
6
7
Anti Theft Alarm
Yes
Standard
Spec
Sonet
Starlet
Alternator
Yes
-
Engine Oil Capacity
4.5 l
-
Engine Oil Change Interval
15000
15,000 km or 1 Year
Service Plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
Optional
Service Plan Duration
3 Years / 45,000 km
Optional
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45,000 km
Optional
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
Optional
Service Interval
15000
15,000 km or 1 Year
First Service At
15000
-
Approx Service Cost
R3,000 per service
Approx R3,200
Anti-Rust Treatment
Yes
-
Service Intervals
15000
15,000 km or 1 Year
Battery Warranty
7 Years / 150,000 km
Not Applicable
Spec
Sonet
Starlet
Real-world City Mileage Min
11.6 l/100km
14 l/100km
Real-world City Mileage Max
15.1 l/100km
17 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
18.0 l/100km
17 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
21.0 l/100km
20 l/100km
Owner Review Count
-
31
Spec
Sonet
Starlet
EV Mode
No
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Standard
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
No
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Not Available
Reversing Camera
Yes
Standard
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
Reverse Camera
Yes
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Rear
Parking Sensors
Yes
Rear
Park Assist
Yes
Not Available
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Yes
Standard
Auto Lights
Yes
Standard
Eco Mode
Yes
-
Sport Mode
No
-
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Standard
Emergency Braking
Yes
Standard
Pre-Collision System
Yes
Not Available
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
Reverse Camera Type
Yes
Standard
Around View Monitor
Yes
Not Available
Surround View Camera
Yes
Not Available
Parking Distance Sensors
Yes
Rear
Parking Sensor
Yes
Rear
Front Camera
Yes
-
Automatic High Beam
Yes
-
Rain Sensor Wipers
Yes
Standard
Spec
Sonet
Starlet
Locking Differential
No
Not Applicable
Approach Angle
21 deg
-
Departure Angle
35 deg
-
Ramp Breakover Angle
16 deg
-
Ramp-over Angle
18 deg
-
Recovery Hooks
No
-
Underbody Protection
No
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Available
Ground Clearance Min
211 mm
162 mm
Ground Clearance Max
211 mm
162 mm
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Terrain Response System
Not Available
Not Available
Crawl Control
Not Available
Not Available
Underbody Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
Not Available
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
Not Available
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
Not Available
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Approach Angle Deg
21 deg
-
Departure Angle Deg
35 deg
-
Breakover Angle
16 deg
Not Available
Wading Depth
Not Available
-
Wading Depth Mm
-
-
Spec
Sonet
Starlet
Length
3995 mm
3995 mm
Width
1790 mm
1695 mm
Height
1635 mm
1520 mm
Wheelbase
2500 mm
2520 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
211 mm
162 mm
Minimum Turning Radius
10.4 m
4.9 m
Kerb Weight
1270 kg
1005 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1710 kg
1420 kg
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Front Headroom
990 mm
982 mm
Rear Headroom
950 mm
955 mm
Front Legroom
1030 mm
1030 mm
Rear Legroom
860 mm
885 mm
Boot/Cargo Space
392 l
265 l
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
40 l
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
190 mm
125 mm
Towing Capacity
1100 kg
1600 kg
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Payload Capacity
408 kg
415 kg
Spec
Sonet
Starlet
Front Track Width
1544 mm
1470 mm
Rear Track Width
1536 mm
1455 mm
Chassis Type
Unibody
Monocoque
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Coupled Torsion Beam
Torsion Beam
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
MacPherson Strut
Rear Spring Type
Coil Spring
Torsion Beam
Shock Absorber Type
Telescopic
-
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
-
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
-
Power Steering
Yes
Electric
Steering Column
Adjustable
Tilt Adjustable
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Type
Coupled Torsion Beam
Torsion Beam
Rear Axle Type
Coupled Torsion Beam
Torsion Beam
Shock Absorbers
Telescopic
-
Chassis Material
Unibody
Monocoque
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Sonet
Starlet
Front Overhang
800 mm
-
Rear Overhang
695 mm
-
Body Type
Sub-Compact SUV
Hatchback
Alloy Wheel Design
Alloy Alloy
15-inch Alloy Wheels
Wing Mirror Type
Electric
-
Rear Wiper
Yes
-
Led Headlights
Yes
Full LED
LED Headlamps
Yes
Full LED
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
LED
DRL
Yes
LED
Led Taillights
Yes
-
Fog Lights
Yes
Standard
Fog Lamps
Yes
Standard
Front Fog Lights
Yes
Standard
Rear Fog Lights
Yes
-
Panoramic Sunroof
No
Not Available
Roof Type
Standard
Not Available
Roof Rails
Yes
Not Available
Rear Spoiler
Yes
Not Available
Body Cladding
No
Not Available
Chrome Exterior Finish
No
Not Available
Door Handle Finish
Body Colour
-
Exterior Colour Options
Multiple
6
Exterior Colour Options
7
7
Exterior Mirror Electric
Yes
All Doors
Auto Headlights
Yes
Standard
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Standard
Headlamps
Yes
Full LED
Headlights
Yes
Full LED
Headlight Type
Yes
Full LED
Exterior Mirror Folding
Yes
-
Headlamp Levelling
Yes
Full LED
Daytime Running Lights
Yes
LED
Front Fog Lamps
Yes
Standard
Rear Spoiler
Yes
Not Available
Exterior Door Handle Colour
Body Colour
-
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
Not Available
Active Exhaust
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Blind Sunroof
Standard
Not Available
Spec
Sonet
Starlet
Front Shoulder Room
1380 mm
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
1330 mm
Not Applicable
Steering Type
Yes
Electric
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Height Adjustable
Rear USB Ports
Yes
2
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital
Full Digital
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Not Applicable
Rear AC Vents
No
-
Heated Seats
Yes
Not Applicable
Cooled Seats
Yes
-
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Not Applicable
Seat Material
Leather
Fabric
Fabric Seats
No
Fabric
Leather Seats
Yes
-
Driver Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power
Manual
Adjustable Driver Seat
8-Way Power
Manual
Seat Adjustment
8-Way Power
Manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-Way Manual
Manual
Adjustable Front Seat
4-Way Manual
-
Driver Lumbar Support
Yes
-
Memory Seats
Yes
-
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
60/40 Split
Folding Rear Seats
Yes
60/40 Split
Front Headrest
Adjustable
-
Rear Headrest
Adjustable
-
Front Armrest
Centre Armrest
Not Available
Rear Armrest
Yes
Not Available
Door Map Pockets
Yes
-
Cup Holders
4
-
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Not Applicable
Interior Colour Options
Black
6
Interior Courtesy Lamps
10.25-inch touchscreen (EX+), digital instrument cluster (SX), wireless CarPlay/Android Auto (SX), Bose audio (SX), ventilated front seats (SX), ambient lighting, 6 airbags all grades
Touchscreen infotainment, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Boot Space Seats Down
1143
-
Seat Belt Warning
Yes
-
Seat Trim
Leather
Fabric
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Leather
Fabric
Driver Seat
8-Way Power
Manual
Seat Fold Type
Yes
60/40 Split
Armrest Front
Centre Armrest
Not Available
Armrest Rear
Yes
Not Available
Rear Seat Centre Armrest
Yes
Not Available
Interior Colours
Black
6
Interior Trim Colour
Black
-
Seat Adjustment Driver Backrest
Yes
-
Spec
Sonet
Starlet
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Front
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Front Brake Disc Diameter
280 mm
-
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Drum
Brake Type Rear
Drum
Drum
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
236 mm
-
Parking Brake Type
Electronic
-
Tyre Size
215/55 R17
195/55 R16
Wheel Rim Size
215/55 R17
15-inch Alloy Wheels
Front Tyre Width
215 mm
-
Rear Tyre Width
215 mm
-
Wheel Diameter
215/55 R17
15-inch Alloy Wheels
Wheel Type
Alloy Alloy
15-inch Alloy Wheels
Tyre Type
Radial
195/55 R16
Tyre Load Index
102
-
Tyre Speed Rating
H
-
Spare Tyre
Temporary Spare
Full Size Steel
Spare Wheel Type
Temporary Spare
Full Size Steel
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Yes
Standard
Tyre Pressure Display
Yes
Standard
Hydraulic Brake Assist
Yes
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Brake
Yes
Standard
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
-
Wheel Material
Alloy Alloy
15-inch Alloy Wheels
Wheels
Alloy Alloy
15-inch Alloy Wheels
Spare Wheel Size Type
Temporary Spare
Full Size Steel
Handbrake Type
Electronic
Not Applicable
Electric Park Brake
Electronic
-
Wheel Size Type
215/55 R17
-
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
Not Available
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
Yes
Not Available
Steering Wheel Phone Controls
Yes
-
Leather Steering Wheel
Leather
-
Steering Wheel Trim
Leather
-
Brakes
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Yes
-
Cornering Brake Control
Yes
Standard
Auto Brake Hold
Electronic
-
Spec
Sonet
Starlet
Infotainment Screen
10.25
9-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Display
10.25
9-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment System
10.25-inch Touchscreen
9-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Screen Size
10.25
9-inch Touchscreen
Touchscreen
10.25
9-inch Touchscreen
Navigation System
Yes
Standard
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Standard
Android Auto
Yes
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
USB Ports
4
2
Rear Usb
Yes
2
AUX Input
No
-
Wi-Fi Hotspot
No
-
Number of Speakers
8
4
Premium Audio
Yes
-
FM Radio
Yes
-
Radio
Yes
-
Voice Recognition
Yes
Standard
Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes
Full Digital
Head Up Display
No
-
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
-
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
-
Multi Information Display
Digital
Full Digital
Display Audio
10.25-inch Touchscreen
9-inch Touchscreen
Smartphone Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Connected Services
Yes
Standard
Audio Speakers
8
4
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
4
2
Voice Control
Yes
Standard
Audio
Yes
-
Audio System
Yes
4
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Standard
Spec
Sonet
Starlet
Basic Warranty
7 Years / 150,000 km
3 years / 100 000 km
Warranty Years
7 Years / 150,000 km
3 years / 100 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
7 Years / 150,000 km
3 years / 100 000 km
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
6 Years
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
3 Years
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
3 Years
Warranty
7 Years / 150,000 km
3 years / 100 000 km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
5 Years
3 Years
Spec
Sonet
Starlet
Body Style
SUV
Hatchback
Model Year
2026
2026
Segment
SUV
Hatchback
Vehicle Type
SUV
Hatchback
Dealer Stock Note
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
Color Note
Clear White, Aurora Black Pearl, Gravity Blue, Pewter Olive, Intense Red, Steel Grey, Glacier White Pearl (two-tone options on SX)
White, Silver, Grey, Blue, Red, Orange
Tare Mass Kg
1270 kg
1005 kg
Production Status
active
active
Model Introduced Year
2021
2020
Generation
First generation (BC3); launched globally 2020, SA 2021
First generation Starlet in South Africa on B-segment platform
Facelift History
2023 model year update with revised front styling and expanded ADAS features
Minor updates since launch
Facelift Launched Since
2023
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Spec
Sonet
Starlet
Price Zar
469995 ZAR
319900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
Current listed price
Starting Price
469995
319900
Starting Price Zar
469995
319900
Ownership Role
Flagship
Top
Spec
Sonet
Starlet
Engine
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
1-litre Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Code
G4LC
Market-specific engine family
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1497 cc
996 cc
Cylinders
4
3
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
16
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Direct Injection
Compression Ratio
13.0:1
10.0:1
Bore
75 mm
82.0 mm
Stroke
84.5 mm
94.6 mm
Maximum Power
85 kW @ 6300 rpm
72 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque
143 Nm @ 4000 rpm
140 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Transmission
CVT
CVT
Top Speed
172 km/h
175 km/h
0-100 km/h
11.2 sec
12.0 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
15.5 sec
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
6500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
66.9 kW/tonne
71.6 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
112.6 Nm/tonne
139.3 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
In depth: how these cars differ
This Sonet and Starlet comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Sonet 36 vs Starlet 32.
Efficiency index: Sonet 65 vs Starlet 66.
Safety-equipment index: Sonet 93 vs Starlet 98.
Practicality index: Sonet 59 vs Starlet 53.
Ownership-cover index: Sonet 71 vs Starlet 43.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
Sonet and Starlet image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
Sonet leads by 5 points
Sonet and Starlet are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Sonet
Performance
36/100
Efficiency
65/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
59/100
Ownership
71/100
Starlet
Performance
32/100
Efficiency
66/100
Safety
98/100
Practicality
53/100
Ownership
43/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexKIA Sonet
leads the specification evidence index with 64 pts
vs 59 pts for Starlet
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Sonet leads. However, Starlet may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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