The Kia Pegas is a subcompact sedan that offers a practical and affordable option for budget-conscious consumers. It combines a compact footprint with a spacious rear and boot space, making it an attractive choice for urban driving.
Since its initial launch in 2021, the Kia Pegus has managed to capture a significant share of the subcompact sedan sales in South Africa.
The Kia Pegas comes equipped with a 1.4-litre 4-cylinder engine that can produce 69 kW of power and 132 Nm of torque. Moreover, the power in this car is directed to the front wheels either by a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic transmission. As far as the daily drive is concerned, both transmission options offer almost similar performance and driving experience. The engine provides adequate power for different driving conditions while maintaining an average fuel economy of 5.7L/km, which is quite impressive.
Although the engine performs its core functions competently, it tends to become a bit noisier when pushed to higher revs, like during acceleration for merging onto a highway or overtaking slower vehicles. However, it maintains a smooth and unobtrusive sound when cruising at higher speeds. For instance, at 120 kph, the tachometer shows the needle just above the 3,000-rpm mark.
Overall, the Pegas impresses with its on-road refinement and ride comfort. Unlike many budget cars, it doesn't feel flimsy in terms of road-holding or cumbersome when driving at higher speeds on highways. The steering offers a touch of feedback, but it's primarily light and swift, making it ideal for tight parking manoeuvres.
The Kia Pegas features a modern and streamlined exterior design. Its compact size and aerodynamic lines contribute to its fuel efficiency and nimble handling. The build quality is generally good, offering decent protection in case of minor collisions.
The Pegas typically offers a range of safety features, which include 4 airbags, ABS, stability control, and traction control. Higher trim levels might include advanced driver assistance features like forward collision warning and lane departure warning. It's crucial to check the specific safety features available in the model you're considering.
Inside the Kia Pegas, you'll find a comfortable and spacious cabin. Interior space is one of its strong points, providing ample legroom for both front and rear passengers, and a generous boot space of 475 litres. The materials used are durable and easy to clean, with good fit and finish. The seats are comfortable for short to medium-length journeys.
The Pegas features a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display that’s responsive and user-friendly. Other notable features include Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Cruise Control, Rear View Monitor with Parking Guidance, and a sound system that delivers decent audio quality. While not exceptionally advanced, it covers the essential connectivity features well.
The Volkswagen Polo, in its 4-door sedan variant, takes the lead among Kia Pegas rivals. While it might not have received as many updates as its hatchback counterpart, it still holds a substantial market share. However, it's worth noting that the Polo lacks a service plan, and the Kia Pegas comes with a more comprehensive standard feature list for the price.
Suzuki is well-regarded for its value in the budget car segment, but the Dzire, while affordable, doesn't offer the same level of interior space as the Pegas. It's not only slightly smaller but, despite a commendable warranty, the Kia provides more extensive coverage.
If you're open to exploring other sedan options, you may even consider the Honda Amaze. If your budget allows for a bit more flexibility, you might want to look at the Suzuki Ciaz and the Toyota Corolla Quest, which offer compelling alternatives in this category.
Pricing for the Kia Pegas in South Africa starts at R278,995 for the MT LX variant and goes up to R289,995 for the MT EX variant and R304,995 for the AT EX variant. (Prices correct at time of publication.)
The Kia Pegas is a practical and budget-friendly choice for those in search of a subcompact sedan. It excels in terms of interior space and affordability, making it an attractive option for city dwellers and young families. While it may not offer the most advanced features in its class, it strikes a balance between cost and functionality, making it a sensible choice for those seeking a reliable daily driver.
Looking for more budget-friendly cars? Check out the MotorHappy blog – every month we look at some of the newest cars on SA’s roads.
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