KIA Sonet vs Chery Tiggo 8 Pro

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 Pro in South Africa

Chery Tiggo 8 Pro

Executive Plus 1.6T TGDI Petrol Automatic
ZAR 529,900 ex-showroom
⚡ 145 kW 🔧 290 Nm ⛽ 13.9 km/l
Add a 3rd car

At a Glance — Who Wins What

Performance Tiggo 8 Pro
Fuel Economy Sonet
🛡 Safety Tie
📦 Practicality Sonet
🔑 Ownership Sonet
Sonet starts ZAR 529900 cheaper Sonet from ZAR 329,995 · Tiggo 8 Pro from ZAR 529,900

Key Specs Side by Side

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

Spec Sonet Tiggo 8 Pro
Engine Power 85 kW 145 kW
Torque 143 Nm 290 Nm
Engine Size 1497 cc 1.6 cc
Claimed Mileage 16.9 km/l 13.9 km/l
Ground Clearance 211 mm 207 mm
Boot / Load Bay 392 l 117 l
Airbags 6 Multiple airbags
Kerb Weight 1270 kg 1590 kg
Seating Capacity 5 7
Warranty 7 Years / 150,000 km 5 Year / 150 000 km

= leads in this spec

The Bottom Line

Both Sonet and Tiggo 8 Pro are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.

Where They Actually Differ

Performance Tiggo 8 Pro +23 pts
Efficiency Sonet +11 pts
Safety Equal
Practicality Sonet +7 pts
Ownership Sonet +16 pts

What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)

🏆 Overall Winner

Sonet

Strengths
  • Better fuel efficiency
  • More practical for daily use
  • Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
  • Less powerful engine setup
Best suited to: Fuel Efficiency Family Usage

Tiggo 8 Pro

Strengths
  • More powerful engine output
Weak Spots
  • Lower fuel efficiency
  • Less practical in daily usage
  • Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to: Highway Driving

Which One's Right for You?

Sonet

  • Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
  • Large families needing more practicality and usability
  • Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind

Tiggo 8 Pro

  • Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power

Full Specs, Side by Side

Spec Sonet Tiggo 8 Pro
Engine Type Config Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve 1.6T petrol
Engine Code G4LC -
Cylinder Layout Inline 4 (I4) Inline
Cylinders 4 4
Valves per Cylinder 16 16
Displacement 1497 cc 1.6 cc
Engine Displacement 1497 cc 1.6 cc
Engine Aspiration Naturally Aspirated Turbocharged
Induction Naturally Aspirated Turbocharged
Turbocharger No Standard
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 145 kW
Power 85 kW 145 kW
Power 114 bhp 194.4 bhp
Power @ RPM 6,300 rpm 5500
Max Torque Nm 143 Nm 290 Nm
Torque 143 Nm 290 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 145 kW
Engine Torque Nm 143 Nm 290 Nm
Maximum Power 85 kW 145 kW
Maximum Torque 143 Nm 290 Nm
Engine Config 1.5 G4LC Inline-4 DOHC Petrol NA 1.6T petrol
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 Single turbo
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 1.6 cc
Fuel Grade Required 93 Octane Petrol
Engine Position Front Transverse -
Engine Displacement Cc 1497 cc 1.6 cc
Motor Position - -
Engine Type Inline 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated 1.6T petrol
Engine 1.5 G4LC Inline-4 DOHC Petrol NA 1.6T petrol
Spec Sonet Tiggo 8 Pro
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 235/55 R18
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 / 60 000 km

Overall Verdict Score

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

Weighted / 100
Verdict readout

Sonet leads by 0 points

Both Sonet and Tiggo 8 Pro are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.

Winner 66 /100
Lead 0 points
Data 93% confidence
66
#1 Winner

Sonet

93% data confidence 2 strong categories
Best at Safety 94 Check Performance 36
Performance 36
Efficiency 65
Safety 94
Practicality 68
Ownership 71
Leads by 0 points
66
#2

Tiggo 8 Pro

74% data confidence 1 strong categories
Best at Safety 94 Check Efficiency 54
Performance 59
Efficiency 54
Safety 94
Practicality 61
Ownership 55
Performance 24% Safety 22% Practicality 22% Efficiency 17% Ownership 15%
Category leaders What moves the verdict
Performance Tiggo 8 Pro +23 Efficiency Sonet +11 Safety Level Practicality Sonet +7 Ownership Sonet +16

Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.

Why this score View full breakdown
Overall Winner

Sonet

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

Tiggo 8 Pro

Performance 59/100
Efficiency 54/100
Safety 94/100
Practicality 61/100
Ownership 55/100

So, Which One Should You Buy?

🏆 KIA Sonet wins with 66 pts vs 66 pts for Tiggo 8 Pro

In structured scoring, Sonet emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Tiggo 8 Pro 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 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 Pro 54. 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 Pro 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 Pro 55. 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 Pro 61. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.

Performance scores: Sonet 36, Tiggo 8 Pro 59. 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 edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.

The Sonet 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 Pro in South Africa evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.

Performance: Sonet scores 36 vs 59.

Efficiency: Sonet scores 65 vs 54.

Safety: Sonet scores 94 vs 94.

Practicality: Sonet scores 68 vs 61.

Ownership: Sonet scores 71 vs 55.

Final structured scoring gives Sonet the advantage in this comparison.