Kia’s Stonic compact crossover landed in dealerships at the end of October 2017, writes Trish Whelan.
This is a five-door, five-seater.
Based on the Kia Rio’s platform, Stonic is a stylish small SUV which will appeal to those downsizing as well as to the younger set - irrespective of where they may live, be it urban or rural.
Buyers can choose from four trim levels and from three petrol engines and one diesel.
Engines are 1.2 84hp and 1.4 100hp, 4-cylinder and a 1.0 120hp turbo 3-cylinder petrol (from €18,599-€24,599). The diesel is a 1.6 110hp (from €23,099-€24,599) for those who still want that option. Presumably, they do the mileage that would warrant it. Transmissions are five- or six-speed manuals. There’s no automatic yet.
Trims are K1, K2, K3 and K4. All are well specced which is a big plus and should attract buyers to the model. The entry level spec, K1, includes ISG, audio remote controls, Bluetooth, 3.5 cluster, 7-inch screen, 15-inch alloys, spare wheel (top marks for that!), privacy glass, cruise control and speed limiter, a few USBs and a charger for your phone.
The K2 grade adds 17-inch alloys, roof rails, DRL LEDs, heated and folding side mirrors, and manual air con.
My test car was the K3 spec powered by the 100hp 1.4 petrol engine matched to a slick 6-speed manual transmission (it’s an engine that will appeal to a great many drivers), in a gorgeous bright red exterior colour and with LED rear lights, a chrome belt line, roof bars, two tone leather, heated front seats which were appreciated on cold mornings, 7-inch sat nav, and a rear view camera. It also had many driver assist technologies designed to enhance handling and safety.
The top of the range K4 model, with its 120hp turbo petrol engine, comes with Smart Key, metal pedals, blind spot detector, dual auto air con with rain sensor. K3 and K4 models have the option of a two tone roof and interior trim personalisation.
This is a really comfy car to travel long distances in. The cabin is spacious with good room for the driver and passengers; you sit up high and seats are nice and comfy.
I liked the whole look of the cabin and the materials used, the interesting dash and the large easy-to-use 7.0-inch touchscreen which provides the control panel for the car. Instruments are nice and clear. A smallish front armrest can slide to suit your driving position which is useful for shorter drivers like me. All these features contribute to a welcoming and user-friendly environment.
Doors open wide which can be very important for many older folk making it easy to get in and out of the car.
Luggage space is fine, about average for the segment. Other storage spaces include a decent glovebox, large door bins as well as an open space for your odds and ends or glasses case. Here you’ll find a 12v socket, AUX and USB ports.
Six airbags come as standard as well as ISOFIX child-seat anchors.
The aim of the development team was to combine sporty and precise handling with straight-line stability and a smooth ride at higher speeds. I really enjoyed my test drives in the car and could easily live with it for my everyday use taking in all types of routes. With its compact size, it is also easy to park and has a turning circle of just 10.4 metres which is handy for city streets.
While the official combined fuel economy varies from 4.2 L/100kms to 5.5 L/100kms, depending on the size of the wheels, my trip computer registering an average fuel return of 7.9 L/100kms. The fuel tank is located under the rear bench to provide those in the rear with ample legroom and a low seating position.
Kia Ireland expect Stonic to become an important conquest model and every bit as successful as their flagship Sportage and cee’d models and I believe it deserves to be just as successful.
It competes in the B-SUV segment which is expected to grow by 100pc in the next two years taking sales from traditional B and C segment cars. This segment is getting quite crowded now with newbies like the Hyundai Kona, SEAT Arona, Citroen C3, and the more established cars like the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008.
This is a car that deserves to do well.
