Kia Stonic
FIRST UK DRIVE Can petrol-engined small SUV make impact in crowded class?
WHILE sports cars like the Stinger (left) will draw people to the Kia brand, small SUVS are flavour of the day. We drove the new Stonic for the first time last month (Issue 1,492), but does the turbo petrol make more sense than the diesel in the UK?
Although we rated that car’s engaging driving position and fun handling, it fell short when differentiating itself over the Rio supermini on which it’s based.
Still, this 118bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol will be a better buy for most people. It’s smooth, reasonably quiet and, while needing more revs to get the best out of it than some three-cylinder rivals, it offers a decent turn of pace. It also claims decent fuel economy of 56.5mpg.
Like the diesel, the driving position is lower than in most crossovers of this type. That may suit keener drivers, but it’ll miss the mark for those after the elevated seating often associated with SUVS. It handles with composure, feeling pretty agile and showing good resistance to roll. Steering lacks feel but is direct and well weighted, while the gearshift is slick. Its fluid handling is largely thanks to Kia retuning the Rio’s suspension to suit the Stonic’s higher centre of gravity.
Unfortunately, this can result in a fidgety ride. It smooths over larger bumps quietly enough, but low-frequency ripples in the tarmac make themselves known. All cars get 17-inch alloys, which doesn’t help, yet wind and road noise is well isolated.
The Stonic is far from being the cheapest car in the class. First Edition trim gets sat-nav, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, keyless entry, heated seats and autonomous braking, but at £19,695 it’s encroaching on larger SUVS.
Better value is found lower down the range, as Kia’s familiar 2 spec keeps the touchscreen (albeit without sat-nav) and most of the essentials. PCP deals will undoubtedly make it cheaper and easier to move up the range, however.
The Stonic is taller and wider than the Rio, but shares that car’s wheelbase, meaning that while rear headroom is good for adults, the legroom is only adequate. The 352-litre boot and interior also fall behind most rivals in the class. Howeverhowever, the Stonic’s cabin design is functiona functional and the fit and finish is good.