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 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 Seat: KIA Sonet LX

I always get excited when I get a new KIA rolling into my driveway to test drive, there's just something about this brand that excites me with every model they make. While they may be overshadowed in the market by their parent company Hyundai, I still feel that for an overall product KIA offers a better package. Most of the models are almost identical in their base platforms with each brand configuring their cars to their own brand philosophy and pricing structure and that is where KIA edges it for me. The Sonet is their smallest SUV offering and last year I had the EX automatic version but due to the Durban riots taking place that week I spent with it, I never got the opportunity to drive it much, so this year when I spent a week with the LX Manual version, I made sure I did it plenty justice and this little number did not disappoint. 

DESIGN

The Sonet is based on the same platform that Hyundai's Venue is built on, with design tweaks and interior changes to suit each brand. The bold styling from KIA really gives this tiny car a lot more presence, the bulk on the sides, large grille and well placed colour coded panels make the Sonet look extremely attractive, even in this bottom of the range model. The car still exudes a certain amount of elegance even with it being a crossover and with its size has that charm to it. I received many comments during my time with the Sonet at how neat the overall design was.  The front headlights tie-in neatly to the grill with the bottom border of the grille finished in brushed matte aluminum that also features on the bottom front bumper scuff plate. This LX model comes fitted with 15" alloy-wheels while the EX gets the large 16" 5-spoke bi-clour rims. The back is where you'd find some similarities with the Hyundai Venue, more especially where the tailgate window is. The new KIA logo is well prominent on the back but I think it still is taking some time for people to get used to it, as it looks more like KN at a quick glance than KIA. On the interior, everything is pretty much the same as you'd find in other KIA models, well spaced and laid out. 

PERFORMANCE

Both models in the Sonet line-up are powered by a 1.5L naturally-aspirated engine which is offered with either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed CVT automatic gearbox. I had the 6-speed manual derivative which I found to be the right choice, especially for a small engine like this as the CVT might get tiresome when doing trips around town as it searches for gears or delays them in changing. Power output on this motor is 85kW and 144Nm of torque. There is a top speed of 170km/h which is probably achievable but obviously not on public roads but with a car like this there isn't a need for you to be traveling at such speeds. I took the Sonet on a long road trip from Durban to Underberg with 3 adults, with the terrain being pretty mountainous, I was worried if the 1.5L motor would cope with the full cabin but I think this is where the manual gearbox came to shine, climbing up the passes proved to be easy work for the Sonet as I navigated the many bends that came our way with ease as well. The car felt really well balanced and had little to no body roll when taking turns at speed. While the brochure has no real indication on the average fuel consumption, I managed to get about 6.1L per 100km which is pretty decent. 

COMFORT

Like I said previously, the Sonet is the smallest SUV in the brands line-up and while the size of the car is quite small, the cabin is quite spacious. It doesn't have enough space for one to stretch out but with our 3 hour drive, there wasn't a need for us to stop and get some fresh air as we all managed just fine while in the car. There was hardly much road noise in the cabin, apart from the road surface changes but these were drowned out by the cars sound system which isn't anything to write home about but it was decent enough. The car came with air-conditioning but not climate control, what I liked was the large 8"-touchscreen infotainment screen which is very user friendly and has built-in mobile apps for smartphone users. Google's Android Auto came in very handy for my trip. The steering wheel is well equipped with all the necessary buttons and switches to make the drivers life much easier when driving. The instrument cluster is also digital which has a large display for your speed. Finishing in the car is great with a good use of plastics and materials that feel good quality and not cheap and nasty. The infotainment screen and instrument cluster border is finished off in a high gloss black that gives a nice luxurious touch to it. 

VERDICT

Overall, the Sonet is a well put together unit and even with this lower end model, it really feels like a great product and value for money. This particular model will cost you about R3,899 a month with a 5 year unlimited kilometer warranty. Insurance on these type of cars won't cost you an arm and a leg so if you're an average driver you could be on the road with a brand new Sonet for about R4,500 a month.  The ride quality on a KIA is really good and I've never had any issues with any of their models in this aspect, the Sonet was no different, while it is small you can't expect a lot from the luggage capacity but in saying that, the Sonet has 392L which is excellent for a car this size. My only regret is that I never really got to spend more time behind the wheel with the EC model because this LX model was such a good car to drive, I can only imagine how the EX would have been. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	1.5L
Gear Box	6-Speed Manual
Torque	144Nm
Power	85kW
Top Speed	170km
Price	R285,995

Bucket Seat: KIA Sorento

When it comes to the Korean manufactures, there was just something about KIA that had me drawn to the brand. Their cars from the onset were different, more practical and I suppose as close to the German rivals as possible. After the arrival of Peter Schreyer, formerly of Audi as their Chief Design Officer, this just enhanced brands European styling and appeal. The models that KIA churn out slot in a various array of segments, from budget, all the way up to luxury, sporty and commercial. Late last year I got to sample the revised range topping SUV in their stable, the Sorento. Having driven the model prior to the update, I felt that while it was a great package, it was lacking quite a few elements to bring it up to speed with the competition, so it was time to find out if KIA did add these in to their latest offering.

DESIGN

With the Sorento, the shape has remained the same for many of the generations but as a newer model comes up, there are more curves and rounded edges. This latest offering remains predominantly the same in terms of design but minor changes and updates give it that refreshing look. The grille is finished in a chrome silver and there are some trimmings to match in the front. The headlights now are LED's which give it more character and detail, same goes for the rear lights. The front bumper is more edgy and gives off that menacing look. Being a 7 seater, the Sorento is a big vehicle but the design does well to not make it look bulky, the contours and flow of the windows give it that coupe like swoop on the side profile and the new diamond cut rims. Moving on in the inside, here is where you can notice the German influence, minimalistic but functional design, everything is where you expect it to be and easy to reach for the driver. 

PERFORMANCE

The model I had on test was the AWD 2.2 CRDi, Turbo charged, in-line 4 cylinder, 16 valve with the 8 speed automatic gearbox. The engine is standard across all models in the range and produces 147kW @ 3800 rpm and 440Nm of torque to haul the big body from standstill. While it may be big, the torque compensates for the size and weight propelling the Sorento from 0-100kph in 9.4 seconds which isn't bad for a 7 seater family SUV. The Sorento picks up speed well when on the open road and the light steering wheel makes it easy to maneouvre around. The car is well balanced and you don't get much body roll when taking bends at high speed, this is thanks to the MacPherson Strut & Stabiliser suspension in the front coupled with the multi-link rear suspension. While KIA doesn't make much comment on the average fuel economy, I was getting about 9.5L per 100km with mixed driving which isn't bad for a car of this size

COMFORT

Overall size of the KIA Sorento is quite big, with it measuring 4.8m in length and 1,9m wide with a height of just under 1.7m which gives it more than enough space on the inside for its occupants. The seating is a 40:20:20 split rear seat folding configuration. The driver and front passenger seats are very comfy and wide for more support, the second row of seats is pretty similar to the front and surprisingly the two fold away seats in the last row are quite spacious. The entire cabin air temperature is controlled by an automatic climate control, making sure every is comfortable in the car at all time. In terms of tech offerings, the KIA Sorento now comes with a 3.5" TFT touch screen which has built in SatNav and Bluetooth audio/ telephone. It also benefits with the Apple Car Play and Android Auto apps, so your mobile device fully integrates with the car.  The Sorento even has a wireless charging mat should your device has wireless charging capabilities, simply just place the device on the mat and it will charge as you drive. 

VERDICT

With SUV's becoming the choice of many on the roads these days, and the market growing ever so popular, it's good to see competition coming from all parts of the spectrum. While many wouldn't rank KIA as a luxury brand, I think they're doing well to convince the buyers otherwise. Their cars are built well, have offerings that can rival any of the German brands, and are a heck of a lot cheaper as well. The KIA Sorento is very well priced, coming it at R579 995 for the 2WD LX derivative and the model I had being the AWD 2.2 EX starting at R649 995 with pretty much everything standard. It's spacious, comfortable, solid drive platform and looks great. Overall if you looking for a 7 seater SUV or even a slightly larger than your medium ones, with loads of trunk space, this is the car for you. The engine is great, gives you great return on your fuel when doing urban driving and has a solid service plan of a 5 years/100 000km as well as a 5 year unlimited kilometer warranty.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.2 CRDi Turbo Diesel
Gear Box	8 Speed Automatic
Power	147kW
Torque	440Nm
0-100	9.4 seconds
Top Speed	203kph
Price	R 649 995

Pictures by @YuviKPhotography

Bucket Seat: KIA Sorento 2.2CRDi

When I was first told I would be receiving a KIA Sorento to test, I honestly thought it was the previous generation Sorento, the one with the revised rear lights that look a bit odd. I didn't even know KIA had launched a new one! So it was much to my surprise when heading home one day, I came across this rather good looking SUV next to me, it was in a metallic bronze colour. From general design and observation, it was clearly a KIA but not one that I've seen before, so when I glanced at the badge and saw it was the Sorento, I was a bit confused. So when I got a chance to, I visited the KIA website and saw that the new Sorento was available in SA, not sure how they managed to sneak such a large SUV into the country with not many knowing about it, unless it was just me who missed it? Anyway, from then on I was quite excited to get it and see what this range topping SUV from the Korean's had to offer, since I was already blown away from the smaller Sportage.

DESIGN

When the test unit arrived, I was pretty bleak to see it was white and not that fancy metallic bronze, (which the correct name is "Imperial Bronze"),  I saw but never the less it still had those great looks. As mentioned previously, the older gen Sorento had this rather awkward looking rear, especially the tail-lights. It just looked out of proportion and something that was cut and pasted there. The new Sorento however has been crafted well, a bit of it's styling still comes from the older model but with subtle differences. The big changes are its size and in the front and the back. The front features a new grille with like a 3D effect with the KIA badge almost floating in the center. The front headlights have been re-sculpted and aren't fused with the grille as before. They're more edgy and sleek. The rest of the front is molded well with large openings for the front fog lights. The rear end has a very American look to it, with the rear lights looking to that of a Jeep but not overly similar that you'd think it is one. Overall the design is perfect and on the EX, SX and SXL models look even better with the chrome finishing. 

PERFORMANCE

I had the 2.2 LS CRDi, which was one of the entry level Sorento's available, so while it didn't have all the bells and whistles on the inside, it still had that great 2.2 litre diesel engine, which delivers 147kW and 440Nm of Torque. Plenty of power to pull this big boy along on any surface. Actually the diesel engine was very eager to go as I found sometimes with quick acceleration from a stand still caused the tyres to spin! I thought the 6 speed automatic gearbox won't be adequate for the Sorento, seeing that many other manufacturers are opting for 7 speeds or higher but somehow KIA got this one right. It's got great timing on the changes and responds well when needed, all while keeping revs at a minimum and thus conserving your fuel. Speaking of which, in my 7 days with it, I clocked up over 700km and it still had a few 100 left on the range. 

COMFORT

While you can get the Sorento in a 7 seater configuration, the model I had was a 5 seater, so space was a plenty and it made it for a very very big trunk. So big you could fit two adults in there...not that I tried...okay, maybe I did. If sitting in the trunk isn't your thing, then you will be glad to hear that the seats in the Sorento are extremely comfortable. The 2.2 LS CRDi comes with cloth seats and has the extra option of leather if you prefer it, however I had no real complaints about the cloth, normally I find that the cloth makes it a bit warm in the car but didn't really have that problem, unless it was the winter weather? The ride quality on the Sorento is exceptional, it's soft and smooth, suspension copes well from gravel roads to speed humps. 

TECHNOLOGY

While I did have the entry level Sorento, it came with the bare minimum. Bluetooth Telephone and Audio streaming, multi-function buttons on the steering wheel to control everything from audio, telephone and the trip computer in the dash. Being a rather large vehicle, it was nice that it came with PDC's so that made parking it a bit much easier but a reverse camera would be nice, mind you with the radio being a normal LED type info screen it wouldn't be much of use unless they integrated it into the review mirror like their previous models. In saying that, the EX, SX and SXL models do have a colour screen infotainment display but it's rather tiny. It's a bit annoying that the previous KIA I had on test which was the Rio had this lovely, large touch screen display, capable of such wonderful things but then I got this and well, it didn't. But KIA have noticed this as well and just this week released a revised Sorento which I'm pretty such does have all these goodies as well as some minor design tweaks. 

VERDICT

Overall, the KIA Sorento is a wonderful family SUV. The price tag makes it even more attractive when looking at large SUV's in its class and even though I had a base model, it was more than sufficient for my needs. During my time with it I gave as many people I knew rides in it as well, just to get a wider consensus on what others had to think of the vehicle. One of which was a KIA owner who currently drives an Optima, he was blown away by its size, ride comfort and what it had to offer, which makes me wonder what he'd think of the revised one that is yet to hit the shores. I do feel KIA missed the mark on certain aspects which they fixed up in the upcoming Sorento, not sure how big the gap of the release between this and the Rio was but if they picked up most items from the beginning, this would put some serious competition out there to the German and Japanese manufacturers. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.2 litre, 4 cylinder, CRDi
Gear Box	6 speed automatic
Power	147kW
Torque	440Nm
Top Speed	203km/h
0-100km	9.3  seconds
Price	R 489,995