Bucket Seat: Hyundai Creta

The compact SUV market in South Africa has become one of the most competitive spaces in the motoring industry, especially with a growing number of Chinese brands arriving with feature-packed vehicles at aggressive prices. Hyundai has clearly taken notice, and the introduction of the new CRETA range seems to be its answer to a market where buyers are looking closely at exactly what they are getting for their money. The biggest talking point has to be the price. The new Hyundai CRETA 1.5 Premium comes in at R434,900, which is an impressive R44,000 cheaper than the outgoing 2024 model. At a time when new vehicle prices continue to climb, it is refreshing to see a manufacturer bringing a newer offering to market at a more affordable price point rather than simply adding another increase.

Under the bonnet, the CRETA Premium uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 84 kW and 144 Nm of torque. These figures are not going to set the world on fire, but for everyday driving, commuting and the occasional longer road trip, it should offer more than enough performance. Hyundai claims fuel consumption of 6.3 litres per 100 km, which should also make it relatively affordable to run. Where the CRETA starts becoming more interesting is with the technology and standard equipment. The Premium model comes with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth with voice recognition, USB charging, keyless entry and start, automatic headlights and a 4.2-inch supervision display. Safety equipment includes multiple airbags, ESC, hill-start assist, a rear-view monitor, parking sensors and tyre-pressure monitoring.

These features are important because this is exactly where the Chinese competition has been putting pressure on established brands. Manufacturers such as Chery, Haval, OMODA, Jaecoo and others have changed buyer expectations by offering large screens, cameras, advanced technology and long equipment lists at prices that were previously difficult for mainstream brands to match. The CRETA may not necessarily have the biggest touchscreen or the longest list of flashy features in its segment, but Hyundai still brings something extremely valuable to the table: a well-established brand, a strong dealer network and the reassurance that comes with the company's long-term presence in South Africa. The seven-year/200,000 km warranty and four-year/60,000 km service plan also add to that peace of mind.

For buyers wanting something with a bit more excitement, Hyundai is also introducing the CRETA N Line to South Africa for the first time. This is the more interesting model in the range from a performance and technology perspective. The N Line gets a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 117.5 kW and a healthy 253 Nm of torque, paired with a dual-clutch transmission. That is a significant step up from the standard Premium model and should give the CRETA a much stronger and more engaging driving character. Hyundai has also loaded the N Line with technology that helps it compete directly with the increasingly sophisticated Chinese alternatives. A 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, lane-departure warning and pre-collision avoidance are all included. There is also fatigue detection, rear parking sensors and hill-hold assistance.

Inside and out, the N Line feels like a more premium and distinctive offering, with leather upholstery, wireless smartphone charging, a panoramic sunroof, LED lighting, roof rails and 18-inch alloy wheels. The satin-black grille and N Line styling also help give it a sportier personality. At R569,900, the CRETA N Line is entering territory where there is no shortage of alternatives, particularly from Chinese manufacturers offering plenty of space, technology and equipment for the money. However, Hyundai's advantage is that it is combining modern technology with a brand that South African buyers already know and trust.

The new CRETA range feels like Hyundai recognising that the market has changed. It is no longer enough to simply offer reliability and a good reputation. Buyers now expect technology, safety features, stylish design and value for money as standard. By dropping the entry price significantly while still offering modern equipment, and then introducing the much more powerful and technology-packed N Line, Hyundai has given the CRETA a stronger position in an increasingly crowded market. The Chinese brands may still have an advantage when it comes to offering the biggest feature list for the lowest price, but the new CRETA shows that established manufacturers are not standing still. Hyundai is fighting back with better value, improved technology and the confidence that comes with an established reputation in South Africa.

Bucket Tech: Samsung S26 FE

Samsung has officially introduced the new Galaxy S26 FE, bringing many of the features found in its flagship Galaxy S range to a more accessible device. It also becomes the first phone in the Galaxy S26 family to launch with Samsung’s new One UI 9 software and Android 17.

At the heart of the S26 FE is Samsung’s Exynos 2500 processor, paired with a large 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. The screen features a 120Hz refresh rate and can reach an impressive 1,900 nits of brightness, making it easy to view even in direct sunlight. The phone itself remains relatively slim at just 7.4mm and weighs 193g.

The camera setup has also received plenty of attention. Around the back is a 50MP main camera, 12MP ultra-wide and an 8MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, while the front gets an upgraded 12MP selfie camera. Samsung has also brought across features such as Nightography, Super Steady video and My FanCam, which can automatically keep a selected subject in the centre of the frame while recording.

Of course, AI is a big part of the S26 FE experience. Samsung’s latest Galaxy AI features can help with everything from editing photographs using simple prompts to creating videos from your photos and clips. Features such as Now Brief and Now Nudge are designed to make the phone more useful throughout the day, while Gemini can handle more complicated tasks through simple voice or text requests. Circle to Search has also been improved to allow multiple objects in an image to be searched at once.

Powering everything is a 4,900mAh battery with support for 45W fast wired charging and 15W wireless charging. The S26 FE also gets Wi-Fi 6E, adding faster and more reliable connectivity to the package.

One of the more impressive aspects is Samsung's long-term software support. The S26 FE will receive seven generations of Android/OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, which should keep the phone feeling current for a very long time.

For South African buyers, the Galaxy S26 FE launches on 4 September 2026 in Blueberry, Graphite and Pistachio. Pricing starts at R15,499 for the 128GB model, while the 256GB version will cost R17,999. Samsung is also including a six-month trial of Google AI Pro, which normally costs R429.99 per month and includes additional AI features and 5TB of cloud storage.

Overall, the Galaxy S26 FE looks like Samsung’s attempt to bring the best parts of its flagship S-series experience to a more affordable package. You get a big 120Hz AMOLED display, capable cameras, plenty of AI features, fast charging and, importantly, years of software support. It may not have all the bells and whistles of the flagship S26 models, but for someone looking for a premium Samsung experience without stepping into flagship pricing, the S26 FE could be a very interesting option.

Bucket Seat: Hyundai Tucson 2.0D

While the Chinese invasion of our markets are still ongoing, you would have thought the Korean's would have surrendered to their fellow continental counterparts in battle but it doesn't seem like the case. Hyundai have long been firm favourites from the Korean's and their range has grown significantly over the years offering mainly SUV's but in almost every segment. Having tested the new SanteFe earlier this year, it was refreshing to see what Hyundai have planned for their new vehicles and they are firmly ready to take on the Chinese with some of their advancements in technology and power plants in their cars. Only recently have we started to get some diesel offerings from the likes of Haval but Hyundai have had this covered for a while now, I got to spend some time in the new Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Diesel, having test driven the exact same model in 2022, I was keen to see what has changed, here are my thoughts on the car. 

DESIGN

While the overall design of the Tucson remains largely the same from 2022, there has been some cosmetic tweaks to give it more character. There's more bulk and sharper edges to the new Tucson and it has a modern, slightly angular refresh with sharper grille details, revised bumpers and updated daytime running lights. The result is a confident compact-SUV look that reads more premium than its price suggests  especially in higher trims where larger alloys and sportier exterior cues lift the visual appeal. The design balances on-trend styling with practical details, the large profile tyres with the alloy wheels give it a sporty stance but knowing it can perform well on gravel as well. I love the mix of materials and colours on the exterior, it gives off premium vibes but with minimal pricing.

PERFORMANCE

The engine remains the same as previous with some tweaks but the 2.0 CRDi still produces 137kW and 416 Nm of torque low in the rev range delivers easy, relaxed overtaking and solid in-gear flexibility ideal for highway cruising and towing/light loads. The 8-speed automatic keeps the engine in its usable band and contributes to composed, non-fussy progress. Hyundai claim real-world economy combined figure of 7.4 L/100 km which is more than easily achievable, but the thing with this car is the torque, it just fly's off the start and it becomes addictive so I found myself driving in economy mode most of the time as some Golf drivers thought I was racing them off the line! The torque isn't just for racing cars off the line but makes city traffic and hills effortless, while the gearbox is tuned for smoothness not rapid shifts. If you value brisk performance (0–100 km/h in the low-to-mid 9s is quoted for diesel exec), this is acceptable but not sports-car quick. 

COMFORT

Hyundai’s updated Tucson interior is one of its stronger points: a panoramic, curved display (12.3-inch infotainment + digital instrument cluster on upgraded trims), cleaner centre console with conventional knobs, and improved fit-and-finish versus earlier generations. Leather upholstery, heated seats and better acoustic insulation are available on Executive/N Line grades, making longer highway stints more relaxing. Practical touches (USB-C ports, decent rear legroom, 60/40 split seats) mean day-to-day family use is comfortable and sensible. South African reality check: Road noise and suspension harshness are mitigated in higher trims thanks to improved insulation, but lower spec cars may still transmit coarse surfaces; for frequent long trips choose Executive/N Line or fit higher-quality tyres. The refreshed Tucson packs modern safety aids on upgraded trims: blind-spot detection, rear occupant alert, improved driver-assistance packages and a larger infotainment cluster with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on some levels. These upgrades bring the Tucson in line with segment expectations and improve both day-to-day usability and occupant safety. Good usable rear seat space for two adults; boot space is competitive for the class (fold-flat rear seats expand cargo versatility). 

VERDICT

The Hyundai Tucson 2.0 diesel is a very sensible, well-rounded compact SUV for South African conditions especially if you do regular highway miles, tow occasionally, or want strong in-gear performance. The diesel engine’s torque, combined with an 8-speed auto and the availability of AWD in the N Line, makes it practical and composed in real-world use. The interior refresh and upgraded tech raise its perceived value and comfort to near premium level, which is important in this class. If your usage is mostly long-distance commuting, weekend trips or you value low-rpm torque for hills and towing, the 2.0D Executive is likely the best value pick; pick the N Line AWD if you want top trim kit, a sportier look and extra traction. The most surprising thing about this new model is that since 2023, the price has only gone up R4,000! With all these extra tech that is damn impressive pricing strategy by Hyundai.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.0L Turbo Diesel
Gear Box	8-SpeedAutomatic
Torque	416Nm
Power	137kW
Top Speed	201km/h
Price	R709,900

 

Bucket Seat: Hyundai Sante Fe Hybrid

It feels like the other day when the Koreans entered the market with cars much cheaper than the European and Japanese makes and offering a whole lot more. People were naturally skeptical about the products but since grew to love them, fast forward to current day and there's a new country that is starting to dominate the markets with their brands and that is China. The Koreans have long established themselves and people love their offerings but the Chinese models being much more cheaper, bolder in designs and offering loads more tech just makes them hard to ignore, but what have their Asian neighbors who once enjoyed a large chunk of the market share doing about this "invasion", Hyundai still remains one of the world's largest motoring manufacturers and have a variety of models across the segments to rival just about anything from any brand but they too have been feeling the heat coming from China. I got to spend time with the latest Sante Fe to see if this model squares up to the competition. 

DESIGN

The latest Santa Fe marks a bold shift in Hyundai’s styling direction: it trades soft curves for a more boxy, rugged, and squared-off look, reminiscent in places of upscale off-road machines. Key design features include prominent H-pattern LED daytime-running lights and tail lamps, in fact the H is so prominent in the front, I challenged people to count how man H's they could find! I lost count because there were so many! The squared wheel arches, wide-set 20-inch alloys, and a bluff front grille that lends it a strong road presence. From the side and rear, the angular roofline, large rear quarter windows, and pronounced roof rails emphasize its “tough family hauler” aesthetic. It's more masculine and rugged than previous iterations, and while that may please some, others may find the styling polarizing. Inside, the cabin steps up significantly in terms of luxury and modernity. Expect dual 12.3-inch curved displays (one for the digital instrument cluster, one for infotainment), soft-touch surfaces, Alcantara or synthetic leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and thoughtful layout touches like plentiful USB-C ports, wireless charging, and well-placed storage cubbies. 

PERFORMANCE

In South Africa, the launch model is a hybrid AWD “Hybrid Elite” trim: a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine combined with a 44 kW electric motor delivers about 175 kW (system output) and 367 Nm of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels. There are selectable drive modes—Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart—and an AWD system with specialized terrain settings like mud, snow, and sand. These help adapt the car to different driving conditions.  Hyundai claim a fuel efficiency average of around 7.5 l/100 km, but real-world driving with multiple occupants tends to hover more toward 8.6 l/100 km. As is typical for large SUVs, actual economy depends heavily on driving style and load. I must say though, it's the first hybrid drive-train I've driven from Hyundai and its near perfect, for such a big car to propel the electric engine really does well to cope with the short distance runs. I wish I had it a big longer to take it on a long road trip to see how it fairs but alas, my time with it was short. 

COMFORT

The Sante Fe remains a big SUV, with ample amount of space for most of its occupants, I say most because we will discuss the third row seating in a bit. The ride and handling lean firmly toward comfort: the suspension is tuned to absorb road imperfections well, and onboard refinement is strong. Engine noise is well suppressed in most scenarios; the transition between electric and petrol modes in the hybrid setup is smooth and largely unobtrusive. Some criticisms exist around shift behaviour (more for non-hybrid turbo/ICE versions) and tightness in the third row legroom when fully occupied. As a true seven-seater, the Santa Fe offers good space for the first and second rows. The third row is usable—especially for children or smaller adults—for shorter trips. Legroom, headroom, and seat height have been improved compared to past generations.  When the third row is up, trunk space drops notably; folding it (and then the second row) opens up a large, versatile cargo area, great for family travel or larger loads.  Top trims bring amenities such as heated and ventilated front seats, dual sunroof, ambient lighting, a powerful Bose sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, powered tailgate, rear window curtains, and a host of driver-assistance and safety aids. The build quality feels premium, with quiet cabin insulation and materials that give a more upscale feel than older Santa Fe's. While usable, third-row seating is best suited to children or shorter trips for adults. It’s less spacious and the headroom/legroom don’t match the second row, also with the seats up means less luggage space. 

VERDICT

The new Hyundai Santa Fe 7-Seater is a compelling choice for families who want space, comfort, and modern tech wrapped in a bold and purposeful design. Its hybrid powertrain delivers a nice balance of performance and efficiency, especially in everyday driving. The design and feature set push it closer to luxury territory without straying into exorbitant price tiers. However, if you regularly carry seven tall adults, demand maximum luggage space with all seats in place, or want razor-sharp, sporty handling, then you might want to explore rivals to see if those trade-offs favour you more.The latest Santa Fe is a solid evolution—not just a facelift. It firmly stakes its claim among premium family SUVs by leaning into bold design, roomy interiors, and well-judged hybrid performance. For most families, it strikes a very attractive balance between utility, comfort, and style.

SPECIFICATION

Engine	1.6L Petrol Hybrid
Gear Box	6-speed automatic
Torque	367Nm
Power	175kW
Top Speed	190km/h
Price	R1,249,900

Bucket Tech: Samsung Camera Innovation

Today’s mobile imaging goes beyond just a high-quality lens or advanced sensor — it demands seamless integration of hardware, software and AI. That’s why Samsung Electronics approaches camera innovation as a holistic system, where each advancement is supported by tightly integrated technologies. This unified vision allows Galaxy devices to continuously redefine mobile photography, empowering users to capture, create and communicate more meaningfully.

As AI evolves from text-based prompts to multimodal understanding, Galaxy devices are becoming smarter — able to get what you’re looking at and respond to situations. The camera is at the heart of this transformation. More than just a tool for capturing images, coupled with enhanced AI-powered features, the Galaxy camera is now part of the intuitive interface that turns what users see into understanding and action.

When paired with the flexible, expansive screen of a foldable, this experience becomes even more powerful, dynamic and immersive. Because innovation means nothing without trust, privacy is built into every layer helping to ensure that data is protected at all times.

Stay tuned. The camera will only get smarter — helping users capture life’s moments more vividly and make everyday experiences more seamless, personal and impactful.

The Ultra experience is ready to unfold.

Bucket Seat: KIA Sonet 1.5 LX CVT

Earlier this year I attended the launch of the new KIA Sonet in my home town of Durban. When it comes to Korean brands, I tend to prefer the offerings from KIA as they have a more European feel to them with that added Asian flair. The Sonet is a subcompact SUV come Crossover that was introduced in 2020, since its introduction it has done relatively well in all markets, offering the consumer an affordable yet versatile compact SUV. With KIA's range of variants in the Sonet line-up, many can choose the ideal one based on their taste and budget. I got to spend a few days with the LX model for a week, turned out to be the very same car I drove on launch, so here are my thoughts on the car. 

DESIGN

The Kia Sonet is a striking SUV with a bold and distinctive design, aimed at grabbing attention on the road. Some key design elements include the new Tiger-Nose Grille:which is  Kia's signature design aspect, which is wide and gives the car an aggressive stance. The new sharp LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights), headlamps, and “heartbeat” LED tail lamps make the Sonet stand out, especially in the top variants. With its muscular body lines, sculpted bonnet, and a wide stance, the Sonet looks larger than it is. It has a slightly raised ride height, roof rails, and faux skid plates that add to its rugged SUV-like appearance. Depending on the variant, the Sonet comes with alloy wheels (up to 16 inches), which give it a sporty look. Overall, the Sonet’s design is youthful and contemporary, making it one of the most stylish subcompact SUVs in the market.

PERFORMANCE

The KIA Sonet is available in one engine throughout the line-up and that is the 1.5-litre, 4 cylinder motor that produces 85kW and 144Nm of torque. this is available in both manual and automatic transmission depending on the model variant. The engine itself, while small is perfect for the chassis, its very responsive, even with the CVT automatic gearbox which I had. Generating faster speeds on the highway does take some time but for the basic city commute it handles like a charm. While other countries do get the DCT automatic, which I generally prefer, I really didn't mind the CVT on the Sonet this time round. Maybe the engineers are figuring to make them a bit more tolerable.: The Sonet is tuned for comfort rather than aggressive driving. Its suspension setup absorbs most road imperfections well, making it a good city and highway performer. The fuel economy is not too shabby, with KIA claiming an average consumption of 6.2, I was averaging more to the mid 7's which wasn't bad considering my driving style is rather aggressive. 

COMFORT

I always have high praise for KIA's interiors and that continues it the Sonet as they have done an excellent job with the interior, offering premium touches that rival some higher-end cars.  The interior layout is well thought out with a driver-centric dashboard. The floating 8-inch touchscreen  is the highlight of the dashboard and is seamlessly integrated with the controls. The Sonet has a mix of hard and soft-touch materials, but overall, the fit and finish are impressive for its segment. The higher variants offer leatherette upholstery with contrast stitching, adding a touch of luxury. The Sonet, despite being a subcompact SUV, offers a reasonable amount of interior space. The front seats are well-cushioned and comfortable for long drives. However, the rear seats may feel a bit tight for taller passengers, especially in terms of legroom. It is best suited for four adults for long journeys or five for short trips.  The Sonet offers 392 liters of boot space, which is quite decent for its segment and can accommodate weekend luggage for small families. Kia is known for packing its vehicles with features, and the Sonet is no exception. It is one of the most feature-loaded SUVs in its segment, with even the base variants offering a solid list of equipment. Some standout features include 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster, Reverse Camera, Bluetooth with voice recognition, Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, Steering wheel-mounted controls, 6-speaker sound system and USB charging points for front and rear occupants. 

VERDICT

The Kia Sonet is a standout choice in the subcompact SUV segment, offering a near-premium experience at an affordable price. With its stylish design, impressive feature list, and versatile engine options, it appeals to a wide audience, from young professionals looking for a trendy city car to families seeking an efficient and comfortable urban SUV. While it does face stiff competition, the Sonet’s blend of technology, comfort, and performance makes it a very compelling option. The Kia Sonet is competitively priced, with its base variants being affordable starting at R299,995, while the top-end variants with all the bells and whistles are positioned slightly higher at R484,995. 

 SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.5L Petrol
Gear Box	CVT Automatic
Torque	144Nm
Power	85kW
Fuel Consumption	6.2L per 100km
Price	R391,995

Bucket Tech: Samsung A55 5G Review

The Samsung Galaxy A55 5G is a commendable addition to the mid-range smartphone market, offering a blend of performance, design, and connectivity that caters to a diverse range of users. I spent a few weeks with this latest offering in the Galaxy A series category and here's a detailed look at its features and how it stands out in the South African market against it's competitors.

Unboxing

Design and Build

The Galaxy A55 5G sports a sleek, modern design with a premium feel. Its polycarbonate back with a matte finish provides a comfortable grip and reduces fingerprint smudges, making it practical for daily use. The device is available in various colors, appealing to both conservative and vibrant style preferences.

Display

Equipped with a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display, the A55 5G delivers vivid colors and deep blacks, perfect for multimedia consumption. The Full HD+ resolution ensures crisp visuals, enhancing the experience of streaming services, which are increasingly popular in South Africa. The Infinity-O design, with a small punch-hole for the front facing camera, maximizes the screen real estate, making it ideal for browsing, social media, and gaming.

Performance

Powered by an Exynos chipset with an improved Octa-core CPU, the Galaxy A55 5G handles multitasking with ease. Whether you’re switching between apps, playing graphically intensive games, or working on productivity tasks, the performance remains smooth and responsive. The 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 1TB, offers ample space for apps, photos, and videos. Gaming on the A55 is simply brilliant, playing games such as COD which are heavily RAM and WiFi dependent, I had zero issues with loading and game play, in-fact, it was such an immersive experience, I got locked in the day I installed it and played for almost 2 hours straight!

5G Connectivity

One of the standout features of the A55 is its 5G capability. As 5G networks expand across South Africa, the A55 is future-proofed to take advantage of faster data speeds and improved network reliability. This makes it an excellent choice for users who rely heavily on mobile data for streaming, online gaming, or remote work.

Camera System

The triple camera setup on the Galaxy A55 5G includes a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP macro lens with depth sensor. This versatile array allows users to capture a wide range of shots, from detailed close-ups to expansive landscapes. The camera performance is solid in good lighting, with decent low-light capabilities, thanks to the Night Mode feature. The 32MP front camera produces sharp and vibrant selfies, catering to social media enthusiasts. No with AI functionality, the camera can take pictures with the best settings all by detecting the environment and lighting around. The AI engine also enhances the editing experiences with a simple touch of a button that will transform the images taken by you. 

Battery Life

The 5000mAh battery ensures that the Galaxy A55 5G can easily last a full day of moderate to heavy use. With 25W fast charging support, recharging the device is quick and convenient, minimizing downtime. For South Africans who are often on the go, the reliable battery life is a significant advantage and with you not needed to hunt for a socket outlet to charge at any given time helps a lot. I used the device to multitask, meaning using it as a WiFi hotspot for my laptop (I don't trust free WiFi), taking pictures, making calls and checking on social media, the device lasted me my full day which starts at 5:30am at the gym till I go to bed at 10pm at night. I was very impressed. 

Price and Value

Coming in at R9,999 the Samsung Galaxy A55 5G is really a device that is extremely well priced. In the South African market, where price sensitivity is crucial, the Galaxy A55 5G offers great value for its features. It competes well with other mid-range devices, delivering a premium feel without the flagship price tag. Samsung’s strong brand presence and reliable after-sales service in South Africa further enhance its appeal.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy A55 5G stands out as a versatile and capable smartphone, well-suited to the diverse needs of South African users. Its combination of performance, design, and future-ready connectivity makes it an attractive choice for anyone looking for a reliable mid-range device. Whether you’re a student, professional, or tech enthusiast, the A55 5G is equipped to handle a variety of tasks with ease.

Some Examples of pictures taken with the A55

 

Bucket Seat: New KIA Sonet

 

Today I attended the local launch of the face-lift KIA Sonet, the baby crossover/ SUV in the KIA range has gotten better in more ways than one. I always felt KIA was a more premium brand coming out of Korea and after attending today's launch it only cemented my thoughts about them. Seeing the new design language applied across the fleet, giving them a very unique but elegant feel with a modern touch. The Sonet, even at base model has so much to offer, that some of its rivals can't even be called that because of how much more the Sonet has to offer. 

The new Sonet comes with two engines to choose from, the 1.5L naturally aspirated motor that has an option of a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic CVT gearbox and the 1.0L Turbo-petrol engine that only is offered with the CVT transmission. The Sonet does come in a few derivatives, each one offering more tech and safety features with it starting at R366,995 for the LX 5-speed manual all the way up to R484,995 for the 1.5 SX CVT model. 

There were two options available for us to drive on the launch, first up being the LX 1.5L CVT. The thing that grabs you immediatly when you get into the Sonet is how spacious the cabin is of it, being the smallest SUV in the KIA stable, it really is quite roomy on the interior. The materials, while more plastic and cloth, still feels good and durable, not cheap and tacky like some of its competitors. The engine goes well and unlike other CVT's on the market. The KIA one doesn't seem to struggle when it comes to selecting the right gear for the driver. It's a smooth seamless change that doesn't get your frustrated especially when overtaking or going up hill. The ride quality is smooth and comfortable, even with the newly designed 16-inch steel design rims. Tech wise, the Sonet LX does come with an 8-inch touch screen infotainment unit with wireless mobile app connectivity. 

After lunch I got to jump into the 1.0L T EX DCT, this model comes with a more premium interior that includes leather wrapped steering and gear shifter, center consol with arm rest, cruise control and auto folding side mirrors. The key stand out design element is the LED day time running lights for both front and back of the car. These really give the KIA Sonet a stand out presence on the road, especially when viewed from a rear view mirror. The DCT gearbox coupled with the 1.0L Turbo engine is extremely spritey, especially on the open road where it picks up speed quite quickly. The handling is extremely good and and while there is cabin noise, it's not as bad as others on the market. 

Overall, first impressions on the new Sonet are good, and as usual the brand has done an extremely good job on delivering another great product for our market. Full review of the new Sonet will come soon once we get it on test. For pricing on the models, see below. 

• Sonet 1.5 LX Manual - R 366,995
• Sonet 1.5 LX CVT - R 391,995
• Sonet 1.5 EX CVT - R 411,995
• Sonet 1.0T EX DCT - R 436,995
• Sonet 1.5 EX Plus CVT - R454,995
• Sonet 1.5 SX CVT - R 484,995