Kia Stonic

Removed from Scheme 12th May 2022

The Kia Stonic sits in the ever crowded compact SUV market aiming to pinch customers from the likes of the Nissan Juke and Citroen C3 Aircross. Based on a shared platform with the Kia Rio hatchback, the Stonic, according to the motoring press, is only an average performer, the consensus being that it is perfectly adequate in all areas. At least it has no obvious weakness. We were a little disappointed with the 352 litre boot and the lower than expected seating position, particularly as the Seat Arona offers a 400 litre boot and a more upright seating arrangement.

 

Four versions of the Stonic are avaialble imaginatively titled  ‘2’,  GT Line, Connect and GT Line S. The Stonic 2 comes with 16 inch alloy wheels, 8 inch touchscreen with DAB Radio, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, air conditioning, forward collision avoidance, rear parking sensors, and cruise control. GT Line cars have 17 inch Alloys, sat nav, privacy glass, LED headlights fog lights and reversing camera. Connect trim has two tone paint, keyless entry with engine start button, automatic air conditioning and wipers. GT Lins S adds heated front seats and steering wheel, smart cruise control (Auto Only), front parking sensors and faux leather upholstery.

 

The sole engine is a 1.0 litre petrol with either 99 or mild hybrid 118bhp, the larger can cover the 0-60mph dash in 9.9 seconds and has a 115mph top speed as a six speed manual or 7 speed dual clutch automatic. It feels nippy around town and can zip in and out of openings in traffic. It also gets pretty close to its advertised fuel economy of 50.4mpg – expect around 45mpg in the real world. However, load it up with passengers and it soon starts to struggle especially on steep hills.

Only the Manual Stonic is available for Q2 2022

Spring Best Buy – Kia Stonic 1.0 Petrol 118bhp Manual 48v Mild Hybrid ‘GT Line’  – £449 Advance Payment (£68.74 wpms)