VS
At a Glance
Power
100 kW
85 kW
Torque
360 Nm
144 Nm
Fuel
8.2 l/100km
6.2 l/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
1100 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
10.3 s
Engine
1996 cc
1497 cc
Choosing between the Ford Transit Custom and the KIA Sonet is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Ford Transit Custom delivers 100 kW while the KIA Sonet produces 85 kW. On fuel, the Transit Custom returns 8.2 l/100km while the Sonet uses 6.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R770 000 for the Transit Custom and R484 995 for the Sonet. 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.
Specification
Ford Transit Custom2.0tdci LWB BASE F/C P/V 2024 - From R770 000
KIA Sonet1.5 SX CVT 2024 - From R484 995
Performance
Power Output
100 kW
85 kW
Torque
360 Nm
144 Nm
0-100 kph
—
10.3 s
Top Speed
180 Km/h
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1996 cc
1497 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
manual
automatic
Number of Gears
6
-
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.2 l/100km
6.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
45 l
CO2 Emissions
214 g/km
148 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5450 mm
4110 mm
Width
2148-2275 mm
1790 mm
Height
1961 mm
1610 mm
Wheelbase
3500 mm
2500 mm
Ground Clearance
150 mm
190 mm
Kerb Weight
1864 Kg
1197 Kg
Doors
5 incl. 1 sliding left side + 2 rear swi
5
Seats
2
5
Load Volume
5800 l
385 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
1100 Kg
Load Capacity
1269 lkg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
4
5
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
Optional
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
6yr
3yr
Service Plan Distance
90000km
45000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Transit Custom
Fuel Economy
Sonet
Value
Sonet
Practicality
Transit Custom
Pros & Cons
Ford Transit Custom
More powerful engine (100 kW)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (8.2 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
KIA Sonet
Better fuel economy (6.2 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R484 995)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (85 kW vs 100 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Transit Custom or Sonet?
The Transit Custom uses 8.2 l/100km and the Sonet uses 6.2 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Sonet is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Transit Custom or Sonet?
The Transit Custom produces 100 kW and 360 Nm of torque while the Sonet delivers 85 kW and 144 Nm of torque. The Transit Custom is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Transit Custom and Sonet?
The Transit Custom starts from R770 000 and the Sonet from R484 995. The Sonet is cheaper by R285 005 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Transit Custom or Sonet?
The Transit Custom has a braked towing capacity of 2500 Kg and the Sonet can tow 1100 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Transit Custom or the Sonet?
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.
Also Consider