KIA SERVES UP A GRIN AND STONIC
EDWARD STEPHENS TESTS A GOOD LOOKING AND PRACTICAL CAR WITH PLENTY OF GADGETS
WHEN a car designed solely for the European market is unexpectedly put on sale in its country of origin because of public demand it says a lot about its appeal.
The Kia Stonic was initially designed for buyers in the West but when it went on show in South Korea – where it’s made – the demand was so high the car maker decided to change its plans.
The Stonic is one of a growing band of cars that’s winning friends among motorists who want the upright stance, generous ground clearance and good visibility of an SUV but don’t need the bulk, extra running costs and higher prices of a large vehicle.
Designed in Frankfurt with a little help from South Korea, the Stonic is a cool, trendy little car which has instant visual appeal.
And it’s not just its good looks which is making it into a best seller as it’s also practical and – in the case of the top-of-the-range grade 4 model driven here – packed with a host of creature comforts which ensure it‘s easy to live with.
Grade 4 models come with two-tone paintwork as standard with the roof, rear spoiler and door mirrors in a contrasting colour to the body, which immediately lifts the appearance of the car.
A sporty face and distinctive brushed aluminium roof rails also add to the instant appeal. In the generously proportioned cabin there’s a clean, sharp appearance with leather-look two-tone upholstery, aluminium pedals and a user friendly dashboard with everything falling readily to hand.
In the centre of the dashboard – at the same height as the other main instruments for easy reading – is a seven-inch touch screen for satellite navigation and numerous on-board features. It also acts as the monitor for the crystal clear colour reversing camera. This top spec model features everything from heated front seats and heated steering wheel to a host of safety features normally associated with more expensive cars, like blind spot detection as well as rear cross traffic alert – to warn you of cars approaching from either side as you back out of parking spaces.
There’s also high beam assist on the headlights, a hill holder clutch, push button start/stop and keyless entry.
It’s powered by a 1.0-litre, 118bhp, three cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.
And while that might sound a little on the small side it’s an engine that punches well above its weight. Use the revs and it feels more like a lively 1.6-litre, sharp and crisp with plenty of urgency about it.
Best of all it’s a fun car to drive. Light and easy to handle with pin sharp steering and a nice feel of stability at high speed on the motorway.
And despite its performance I still managed to average some 46 miles per gallon over a week’s motoring.
Like all Kia models the Stonic – which is based on the Kia Rio but is higher and wider – comes with the company’s class leading seven-year /100,000-mile warranty.
The Stonic is a cool, trendy little car which has instant visual appeal
Lily Casa Blanca
AS THE restrictions of lockdown are eased, we’re allowed to have people over again, so I’ve been dreaming up ways to enhance our outdoor spaces. Gardens aren’t just about what you look at – they’re about our interaction with nature and they’re places to gather.
Maybe it’s just friends coming round for a pizza... but you can always create a sense of occasion and make the place look great.
Bring out the twinkly lights and pick some flowers to arrange in vases, or even old tin cans on the tables. Take your indoor furniture outside and use vibrant colours everywhere.
Here are my tips for getting your garden ready for a party...
LIGHTING of any style enhances our enjoyment of gardens. As the sun sets we can highlight areas of interest or beauty, and leave the untidy bits in the shadows.
But when entertaining it’s wonderful to use outdoor lights to set the scene and add to the drama.
From a practical standpoint if guests are walking through your plot after dark make sure to light access routes.
If you’re planning a gentle get together why not brighten up the gathering area by using some of your Christmas lights? A set of twinkling white lights always looks great draped over topiary trees or shrubs.
An old chandelier crystal adapted for outdoor use looks wonderful hanging from a tree over a formal dinner table.
And tea-light candles placed in jam jars set among the foliage creates an instant warm, magical touch.
EVENING scent in a garden is a wonderful thing. Some plants which require pollinating by night-flying insects have adapted to smell stronger after dark.
Plan a route through the garden to your gathering spot using perfumed species.
A star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) could welcome visitors at the back door, perfuming the air in summer while cladding your home with its evergreen foliage.
Nicotiana is a dramatic flowering tobacco plant which can be grouped en-route through the garden to your final destination. The South American native is an upright grower with unusual large, oval leaves. Tubular flowers open after dark and on cloudy days, and are fragrant at night.
Plant the wonderful lily Casa Blanca in pots around your terrace, deck or patio to produce its luminous white architectural flowers and sweet evening aroma. This Asian lily will bloom in August and September.
IN my plot I have chairs everywhere. They set the scene, and even when not in use they convey a message of rest. Whether it’s traditional styles in teak, or a relaxed woven outdoor three-piece suite, all garden furniture can be