VS
At a Glance
Power
85 kW
80 kW
Torque
144 Nm
148 Nm
Fuel
6.2 l/100km
6.9 l/100km
Towing
1100 Kg
750 Kg
0-100 km/h
10.3 s
—
Engine
1497 cc
1498 cc
Choosing between the Kia Sonet and the Lepas L4 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Kia Sonet delivers 85 kW while the Lepas L4 produces 80 kW. On fuel, the Sonet returns 6.2 l/100km while the L4 uses 6.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R319 995 for the Sonet and R299 900 for the L4. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
85 kW
80 kW
Torque
144 Nm
148 Nm
0-100 kph
10.3 s
—
Top Speed
175 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1497 cc
1498 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
—
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.2 l/100km
6.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
51 l
CO2 Emissions
148 g/km
159 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4110 mm
4406 mm
Width
1790 mm
1820 mm
Height
1610 mm
1635 mm
Wheelbase
2500 mm
2700 mm
Ground Clearance
190 mm
160 mm
Kerb Weight
1197 Kg
1262 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
2
5
Load Volume
1296 l
458 / 1284 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1100 Kg
750 Kg
Load Capacity
350 l
470 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
4
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5 vehicle / 10 engine for 1st owner
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
150000 vehicle / 1000000 engine for 1st
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
3
5
Service Plan Distance
45000
75000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Kia Sonet
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Sonet
Fuel Economy
Sonet
Value
L4
Practicality
Sonet
Pros & Cons
Kia Sonet
More powerful engine (85 kW)
Better fuel economy (6.2 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1100 Kg)
Higher starting price
Lepas L4
Lower starting price (R299 900)
Higher fuel consumption (6.9 l/100km)
Less power than rival (80 kW vs 85 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sonet or L4?
The Sonet uses 6.2 l/100km and the L4 uses 6.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Sonet is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Sonet or L4?
The Sonet produces 85 kW and 144 Nm of torque while the L4 delivers 80 kW and 148 Nm of torque. The Sonet is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sonet and L4?
The Sonet starts from R319 995 and the L4 from R299 900. The L4 is cheaper by R20 095 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sonet or L4?
The Sonet has a braked towing capacity of 1100 Kg and the L4 can tow 750 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sonet or the L4?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.