Get your hands on a stylish new Stonic

Motoring
2nd January 2019
Stephen Murphy

Kia has entered the small SUV market with Stonic. An exciting, sporty and smart new model.

Stonic is based on the latest Rio supermini and is powered by high-efficiency, high-technology petrol and diesel powertrains from Rio and the cee’d family. It was designed in Europe with input from the main design centre at Namyang in Korea. Originally intended as a car solely for Europe, it will also be sold in Korea after the reception it got when shown there.

Key signature design elements such as the ‘tiger-nose’ front grille, distinctive C-pillar, straight lines and smooth surfaces ensure that Stonic is instantly recognisable as a member of the modern Kia family.

The First Edition version stands out even more thanks to its two-tone paintwork. The roof, wing mirrors and rear spoiler are available in either black, lime green, red or orange depending on the choice of body colour. There are colour accents in the interior on the seats, around the lower centre console and display screen areas.

The horizontal theme evident in the exterior styling is repeated in the cabin, emphasising width and space. The number of buttons and switches has been kept to a minimum to give a neater look and greater functionality. The First Edition follows the Rio in offering USB ports front and rear so that mobile devices can be charged from any seat.

Electronic Stability Control and Vehicle Stability Management are standard. All versions also have Hill-start Assist to prevent the car from rolling backwards when setting off on steep inclines.

Autonomous Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Warning are standard in the First Edition and optional on grade 2 as part. High Beam Assist, will automatically switch the car between dipped and full beam according to the traffic around it and the local street lighting.

There is a 7.0-inch display with a DAB radio and MP3 compatibility in grade 2 and in the First Edition this is upgraded to a 7.0-inch touchscreen navigation and infotainment system featuring Kia Connected Services as standard across the range.

All models have 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, all-round electric windows with an automatic function on the driver’s side. They also come with roof rails, rear parking sensors, remote locking, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, a 3.5-inch supervision cluster, Bluetooth with music streaming, automatic headlight control, bi-function projection headlamps, cornering lights and LED daytime running lights. There are body-coloured bumpers, door mirror casings and door handles which will add a touch of individuality.

The internal sound system will not disappoint with steering wheel-mounted audio controls, 60:40 sound split between front and rear seats complete with a six-speaker audio system.

The First Edition adds a smart key entry system and engine start/stop button, stainless steel pedals, black cloth and grey faux leather upholstery with colour accents, automatic air conditioning, LED rear lights, privacy glass on the rear side windows and tailgate, heated front seats, a D-shaped steering wheel, chrome window trims and interior door handles.

ISG, Kia’s engine stop/start system to ensure no fuel is wasted and no emissions are pumped into the air when the car is stationary, are standard. All versions are paired with a six-speed manual transmission and are front-wheel drive.

Engineered initially as a car purely for European customers the Stonic has the fun-to-drive characteristics expected by them. The steering response is immediate on twisting and often narrow roads, coupled with unshakeable stability at high motorway speeds and a smooth ride even on the varied and often neglected surfaces found throughout Europe.

The small SUV market is one of the fastest growing and Kia is sure the Stonic will be a front-runner in it’s field.

In common with all Kias, the Stonic has the best warranty in the business – a seven-year/100,000-mile declaration of faith in the reliability and quality of the car, covering all labour and parts except those subject to normal wear and tear.