No brand wants to be left out of the new compact SUV/Crossover segment. A segment that continues to rise in sales and proposals. Kia responds to the challenge with the new Stonic , which this year has seen a handful of new arrivals: Citroën C3 Aircross, Seat Arona, Opel Crossland X, and soon the arrival of the “distant cousin” — you'll see why — the Hyundai Kauai.
One would expect the Stonic from Kia, part of the Hyundai group, to be directly related to the daring Hyundai Kauai, but no. Despite competing in the same space, they do not share the same technical solutions. Kia Stonic uses the Kia Rio platform, while Kauai uses a more evolved platform from a segment above. Having driven both Kauai and now Stonic, the distinct origins of both shine through in the appreciation of the final product. It may just be a matter of perception, but Kauai does appear to be a step up in several parameters.
However, Kia Stonic comes with many good arguments. It's not just the fighting price that justifies the model's success in Portugal at this launch stage — in the first two months, 300 Stonic have already been sold.
Consensual appeal
If there's an argument in favor of these urban SUV/Crossovers, it's definitely their design. And Stonic is no exception. Personally, I don't consider it the best effort of the Kia design team, led by Peter Schreyer, but overall, it's an appealing and consensual model, without the polarizing effect of Kauai. Some areas could be better resolved, especially in the two-tone bodywork, a problem that does not affect our unit, as ours was a monochromatic and neutral black.Kia Stonic is one of the nominees for the 2018 World Car Awards
It is undoubtedly more appealing than Rio, the model from which it derives. It is regretted, however, that the efforts to distinguish between the two models have not gone further in the interior — the interiors are virtually the same. Not that the interior is wrong, it isn't. Although the materials tend towards hard plastics, the construction is robust and the ergonomics are generally correct.
Space q.b. and a lot of equipment
We sit correctly in a driving position more similar to conventional cars than to an SUV — at 1.5 m tall, the Stonic is not very tall, being on par with some SUVs and city dwellers. It's longer, wider and taller than Rio, but not by much. What justifies the very similar internal quotas verified.
Comparatively, it has a little more room for shoulders and head in the back, but the trunk is practically identical: 332 against 325 liters in Rio. Considering rivals, it's only reasonable — for those who need more space in the segment, there are other proposals. On the other hand, Stonic comes with an emergency spare wheel, an item that is increasingly less common.
Diameter.
The unit we tested was the version with the intermediate equipment level EX. Despite its status, the list of standard equipment is nonetheless quite complete.
Compared with the TX, the highest level of equipment, the differences are limited to the fabric seats instead of leather, the absence of a rear USB charger, the front armrest with storage compartment, the electrochromic rear-view mirror, the LED rear lights, push-button start, and “D-CUT” perforated leather steering wheel.
Otherwise, they are practically the same — the 7″ infotainment system with navigation system is present, as well as the rear camera, the cruise control with speed limiter or the handsfree Bluetooth system with voice recognition.
Optional for all Kia Stonic is the ADAS equipment pack (Advanced Driving Assistance) which integrates the AEB (autonomous emergency braking), the LDWS (lane departure warning system), the HBA (automatic high beam) and the DAA (driver alert system). The cost is €500, which we highly recommend — the Stonic achieves four Euro NCAP stars when equipped with the ADAS package.
benign dynamics
Again, the resemblance to lower cars stands out when driving the Stonic. Little or nothing seems to have in common with the dynamic SUV/Crossover universe. From the driving position to the way you behave. I've been surprised before about the dynamics of these small crossovers. Kia Stonic may not be that fun, but it's undeniable that it's agility and effectiveness in equal measure.
Suspension setting tends to firm — however, it was never uncomfortable — which allows for very good control of body movements. Its behavior is neutral “like Switzerland”. Even when we abuse its chassis, it resists understeer very well, does not show vices or sudden reactions. It sins, however, for the excessive lightness of the direction — a boon in city and parking maneuvers, but I missed a little more weight or stamina in more committed driving or on the highway. Lightness is what characterizes all of Stonic's controls.
we have engine
The chassis has an excellent partner in the engine. The small three-cylinder turbo, with just a liter of capacity, provides 120 hp — 20 more than in Rio — but more important is the availability of 172 Nm as early as 1500 rpm. Performance is accessible practically immediately to any regime. The engine has its strong point in medium speeds, vibrations are, in general, reduced.Don't expect low consumption like the 5.0 liters advertised. Averages between 7.0 and 8.0 liters should be the norm — may be lower, but requires more open road and less city.
How much does it cost
One of the strongest arguments for the new Stonic is its price at this launch stage, with the campaign running until the end of the year. Without campaigns, the price would be just above 21,500 euros, so the 17 800 possibilities of our unit, if they opt for brand financing, it is an interesting opportunity. As always, for a Kia, the 7-year warranty is a strong argument, and the brand offers the first annuity of the IUC, which in the case of the Kia Stonic 1.0 T-GDI EX, is 112.79 euros.
It may even be the “distant relative” of the Hyundai Kauai (with which it shares only an engine), but it doesn't compromise. Its commercial success is proof of that.
