KIA Sonet vs Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV

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 in South Africa

KIA Sonet

1.5 EX+ CVT Petrol Automatic
ZAR 469,995 ex-showroom
⚡ 85 kW 🔧 143 Nm Nm ⛽ 16.9 km/l
VS
Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV in South Africa

Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV

PHEV Apex Plug-In Hybrid Automatic
ZAR 729,900 ex-showroom
⚡ 150 kW 🔧 230 Nm ⛽ 19.2 km/l
＋ Add a 3rd car

At a Glance — Who Wins What

⚡ Performance Tiggo 8 PHEV
⛽ Fuel Economy Tiggo 8 PHEV
🛡 Safety Tie
📦 Practicality Tiggo 8 PHEV
🔑 Ownership Sonet
Sonet starts ZAR 729900 cheaper Sonet from ZAR 329,995 · Tiggo 8 PHEV from ZAR 729,900

Key Specs Side by Side

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

Spec Sonet Tiggo 8 PHEV
Engine Power 85 kW 150 kW
Torque 143 Nm 230 Nm
Engine Size 1497 cc 1.5 cc
Claimed Mileage 16.9 km/l 19.2 km/l
Ground Clearance 211 mm 170 mm
Boot / Load Bay 392 l 494 l
Airbags 6 Multiple airbags
Kerb Weight 1270 kg -
Seating Capacity 5 7
Warranty 7 Years / 150,000 km 7 Year / 200 000 km

= leads in this spec

The Bottom Line

Tiggo 8 PHEV has a slight advantage, but Sonet remains highly competitive.

Where They Actually Differ

Performance Tiggo 8 PHEV +20 pts
Efficiency Tiggo 8 PHEV +16 pts
Safety Equal
Practicality Tiggo 8 PHEV +10 pts
Ownership Sonet +2 pts

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

Sonet

Strengths
  • Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
  • Less powerful engine setup
  • Lower fuel efficiency
  • Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to: General Use
🏆 Overall Winner

Tiggo 8 PHEV

Strengths
  • More powerful engine output
  • Better fuel efficiency
  • More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
  • Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to: Highway Driving Fuel Efficiency Family Usage

Which One's Right for You?

Sonet

  • Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind

Tiggo 8 PHEV

  • Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
  • Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
  • Large families needing more practicality and usability

Full Specs, Side by Side

Spec Sonet Tiggo 8 PHEV
Engine Type Config Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve 1.5 DGI plug-in hybrid
Engine Code G4LC -
Cylinder Layout Inline 4 (I4) Inline
Cylinders 4 4
Valves per Cylinder 16 16
Displacement 1497 cc 1.5 cc
Engine Displacement 1497 cc 1.5 cc
Engine Aspiration Naturally Aspirated Naturally aspirated
Induction Naturally Aspirated Naturally aspirated
Turbocharger No -
Cylinder Bore 75.0 mm -
Piston Stroke 84.5 mm -
Compression Ratio 13.0:1 -
Fuel System Gasoline Direct Injection Petrol injection
Variable Valve Timing CVVT -
Engine Oil Capacity 4.5 l -
Max Power kW 85 kW 150 kW
Power 85 kW 150 kW
Power 114 bhp 201.2 bhp
Power @ RPM 6,300 rpm 5500
Max Torque Nm 143 Nm 230 Nm
Torque 143 Nm 230 Nm
Torque @ RPM 4,000 rpm 1750-4000
Maximum Engine RPM 6,500 rpm -
0–100 km/h 11.2 sec -
0-100 km/h 11.2 sec -
Top Speed 172 km/h -
Engine Power kW 85 kW 150 kW
Engine Torque Nm 143 Nm 230 Nm
Maximum Power 85 kW 150 kW
Maximum Torque 143 Nm 230 Nm
Engine Config 1.5 G4LC Inline-4 DOHC Petrol NA 1.5 DGI plug-in hybrid
Engine Cylinders 4 4
Engine Valves 16 16
Power kW Rpm 6,300 rpm 5500
Torque Nm Rpm 4,000 rpm 1750-4000
Acceleration 0 100 11.2 sec -
Turbo Type Naturally Aspirated -
Power Assisted Steering Electric Power Assisted -
Battery Capacity - -
Charging Port - -
AC Charging Time - -
EV Range - -
Motor Power - -
Motor Torque - -
Motor Type - -
System Output - -
Combined System Power - -
Combined System Torque - -
Active Exhaust - -
Engine Displacement Litres 1497 cc 1.5 cc
Fuel Grade Required 93 Octane Petrol
Engine Position Front Transverse -
Engine Displacement Cc 1497 cc 1.5 cc
Motor Position - -
Engine Type Inline 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated 1.5 DGI plug-in hybrid
Engine 1.5 G4LC Inline-4 DOHC Petrol NA 1.5 DGI plug-in hybrid
Spec Sonet Tiggo 8 PHEV
Valves Per Cylinder 4 4
Intercooler No -
Launch Control No -
Rev Matching No -
Performance Data Logger No -
Fuel Consumption Combined 5.9 -
Engine Start Stop Yes Standard
Engine Start Stop Button Yes Standard
Engine Start Button Illumination Yes -
Engine Check Warning Yes -
Gear Shift Type Automatic Electric
Ground Clearance Unladen 211 -
Drag Coefficient 0.34 -
Roof Load 50 kg -
Stabilizer Bar Yes -
Steering Response Normal -
Skid Plates No -
Spare Wheel Temporary Spare -
Tyre Repair Kit No -
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner Yes -
Stability Control Yes Standard
Hill Start Assist Yes -
Speed Alert System Yes -
Impact Sensing Door Unlock Yes -
Surround View Monitor Yes Standard
Adaptive Dampers No -
Wireless Charging Yes Standard
Voice Command Yes -
Voice Command Support Yes -
Digital Speedometer Yes -
Heads Up Display No -
Tachometer Yes -
Trip Computer Yes -
Multi Function Steering Yes -
Steering Mounted Controls Yes -
Air Conditioning Yes Automatic
Climate Control Yes Automatic
Climate Zones 2 -
Rear Air Conditioning No -
Glovebox Cooling No -
Seat Type Leather Seats -
Driver Seat Height Adjustment Yes -
Rear Seat Split Yes -
Headrest Adjustable Yes -
Front Armrest Yes -
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 -
Door Ajar Warning Yes -
Fuel Lid Opener Remote -
Boot Opener Remote -
Power Windows Yes Standard
Power Mirrors Yes -
Heated Mirrors Yes -
Electric Folding Mirrors Yes -
Electric Mirror Folding Yes -
Remote Side Mirror Yes -
Auto Dimming Irvm No -
Auto Dimming Mirror No -
Rain Sensing Wipers Yes Standard
Rear Window Defroster Yes -
Rear Defogger Yes -
Follow Me Home Headlamps Yes -
Tail Lamps Yes -
Automatic Headlamps Yes -
Headlamp Height Adjust Yes -
Headlamp Washer No -
Sunroof No Standard
Panoramic Roof No Standard
Roof Antenna Yes -
Rear Wing Yes -
Aero Kit No -
Service Reminder Yes -
Trim Level flagship -
Variant Role Flagship / premium derivative -
Accelerator 0 100 11.2 sec -
Common Rail Injection Gasoline Direct Injection -
Diff Lock No -
Difflock No -
Vdc Yes -
TPMS Yes Standard
Sonar Yes -
Automatic High Beam Yes -
Steering Column Adjustment Tilt and Telescopic -
Tilt Steering Tilt and Telescopic -
Telescopic Steering Tilt and Telescopic -
Bottle Holders 4 -
Glove Box Yes -
Manual Aircon Yes -
Intelligent Keyless Entry Yes -
Passive Entry Start Yes -
Wireless Charger Yes Standard
Lift Gate No -
Electric Fold Indicator Mirrors Yes -
Power Socket 12v Yes -
Sound System 8 8
Roof Rack Compatibility Yes -
Mirror Electric -
Rim Size 215/55 R17 235/50 R19
Stabilizer Bar Front Yes -
Stabilizer Bar Rear Yes -
Sub Frame Unibody -
Vehicle To Load - -
One Pedal Driving - -
Regenerative Braking - -
Rear Electric Motor - -
Battery Preconditioning - -
Load Bed Cover - -
Tailgate Lock - -
Sports Bar - -
Canopy Fitment - -
Bed Extender - -
Source Model Column sonet -
Battery Voltage - -
Intelligent Battery System - -
Front Diff Lock - -
Rear Diff Lock - -
Loadbox Depth Mm - -
Load Bed Light - -
Load Bed Steps - -
Loadbox Rope Hooks - -
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets - -
Tailgate Damper - -
Tow Bar Type - -
Sport Plus Mode - -
Unlocking Yes Standard
Walk Away Lock Yes -
Walk Away Auto Door Lock Yes -
Rear LED Combination Taillights Yes -
Front Wiper Yes -
Rearview Mirror Inside No -
Vanity Mirror Illuminated Yes -
Reading Lights Rear Yes -
Centre Console Centre Armrest -
Side Impact Bars Yes -
Side Steps No -
Seatbelt Reminder Yes Standard
Speed Limiter Yes -
Driver Display Digital Cluster -
AC Type Yes Automatic
Remote Central Locking Yes -
Chrome Exterior Highlights No -
Vehicle To Grid - -
Regenerative Braking Levels - -
Front Wipers Type Yes -
Powered Tailgate No -
Chrome Grille Yes -
Ride Mode Selection Yes -
Electric Tailgate No Standard
Engine Warranty 7 Years / 150,000 km -
Service Plan 3 Years / 45,000 km 5 Year / 75 000 km

Overall Verdict Score

Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.

Weighted / 100
Verdict readout

Tiggo 8 PHEV leads by 9 points

Tiggo 8 PHEV has a slight advantage, but Sonet remains highly competitive.

Winner 75 /100
Lead 9 points
Data 74% confidence
75
#1 Winner

Tiggo 8 PHEV

74% data confidence 3 strong categories
Best at Safety 94 Check Performance 56
Performance 56
Efficiency 81
Safety 94
Practicality 78
Ownership 69
Leads by 9 points
66
#2

Sonet

93% data confidence 2 strong categories
Best at Safety 94 Check Performance 36
Performance 36
Efficiency 65
Safety 94
Practicality 68
Ownership 71
Performance 24% Safety 22% Practicality 22% Efficiency 17% Ownership 15%
Category leaders What moves the verdict
Performance Tiggo 8 PHEV +20 Efficiency Tiggo 8 PHEV +16 Safety Level Practicality Tiggo 8 PHEV +10 Ownership Sonet +2

Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.

Why this score View full breakdown
Overall Winner

Tiggo 8 PHEV

Performance 56/100
Efficiency 81/100
Safety 94/100
Practicality 78/100
Ownership 69/100

Sonet

Performance 36/100
Efficiency 65/100
Safety 94/100
Practicality 68/100
Ownership 71/100

So, Which One Should You Buy?

🏆 Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV wins with 75 pts vs 66 pts for Sonet

In structured scoring, Tiggo 8 PHEV 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.

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Questions Buyers Usually Ask

On our scoring the Tiggo 8 PHEV 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 65 vs Tiggo 8 PHEV 81. 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 94, Tiggo 8 PHEV 94. 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 71, Tiggo 8 PHEV 69. 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 68, Tiggo 8 PHEV 78. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.

Performance scores: Sonet 36, Tiggo 8 PHEV 56. 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 Tiggo 8 PHEV edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.

The Tiggo 8 PHEV 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 and Tiggo 8 PHEV in South Africa evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.

Performance: Sonet scores 36 vs 56.

Efficiency: Sonet scores 65 vs 81.

Safety: Sonet scores 94 vs 94.

Practicality: Sonet scores 68 vs 78.

Ownership: Sonet scores 71 vs 69.

Final structured scoring gives Tiggo 8 PHEV the advantage in this comparison.