6 awesome SUVs you can buy for R300,000 in South Africa right now

·15 May 2021

South Korea carmaker Kia has launched the Sonet SUV in South Africa, priced from R265,000, and marking the brand’s entry into the ‘burgeoning B-SUV segment’.

“The all-new Sonet puts an exclamation point on our ambition to make Kia the brand of choice for trendy urbanites,” said Gary Scott, chief executive officer of Kia South Africa.

“The Sonet fulfils an important role in Kia’s local line-up, and is well positioned to attract a large number of customers who value design, comfort, and quality.”

The Kia vehicle is offered with a new engine for the South African market. Kia’s fuel-efficient 1.5 MPI petrol engine boasts outputs of 85 kW at 6,300 rpm and 144 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. Customers have a choice between a 6-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The Sonet 1.5 LX Manual starts at R264,995, with the Sonet 1.5 EX CVT priced at R305,995.

The Kia Sonet vehicle falls within the same price bracket as the following five vehicles currently for sale in the country:

Nissan Magnite

The Magnite 1.0T Acenta MT starts at R256,999, with the Magnite 1.0T Acenta Plus CVT starting at R305,700.

It boasts outputs of 74 kW at 5,000 rpm and 160 Nm of torque at 2,800-3,600 rpm.

Suzuki Vitara Brezza

The Vitara Brezza 1.5 GL atarts at R244,900, with the Vitara Brezza 1.5 GLX auto priced at R309,900.

It delivers outputs of 77 kW at 6,000 rpm and 136 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm.

Renault Duster

The New Duster 1.6 Expression 4×2 starts from R289,900, with the New Duster 1.5 dCI Prestige EDC 4×2 priced at R374,900.

It delivers outputs of 84 kW at 5,500 rpm and 156 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Hyundai Venue

The Hyundai Venue 1.0L – TGDi 3 Cylinder Petrol is priced from R301,900.

Its 6-speed DCT – Dual clutch transmission delivers outputs of 88 kW at 6,000 rpm and 172 Nm of torque at 1,500-4,000 rpm.

Haval Jolion

The Jolion 1.5T City Manual starts at R299,900

The Chinese made vehicle makes use of a 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine with power outputs of 105 kW at 5,600 – 6,000 rpm and 210 Nm of torque at 2,000-4,4000 rpm.