Introduced to the world four years ago, the Kia Stonic It recently underwent an update and presents itself in the Portuguese market full of novelties and arguments that promise to make it “noise” again in the B-SUV segment.
When the “subject” is small SUVs with strong personality and lots of technology, there are more and more candidates in the market. This segment has been attracting more and more attention from customers and, consequently, from manufacturers. And right now, to be a protagonist, it's not enough to be “ok”.
We drive the renewed Stonic in the brand new GT Line version and with the brand new mild-hybrid engine to liven it up. But are we convinced? It is precisely this question that I will answer in the next few lines, with the certainty that with these new features, Stonic presents itself in its best form ever.
still have style
In the latest model update, the South Korean brand gave Stonic the GT Line signature, which translates into a sportier look. The “blame” is on the specific bumpers, which feature three new air intakes immediately below the front grille, LED lighting (head, tail and fog lights) and chrome shields.
In addition to all this, the 17” wheels that equip this unit have an exclusive GT Line finish design and the side mirror covers now appear in black and can match the color of the roof.
And speaking of the roof, it can take on two different body colors (black or red), an optional 600 euros. The conventional metallic paint, with only one color, costs 400 euros.
More technology, more security
Inside, the novelties include the adoption of a covering with a carbon fiber effect on the dashboard; the seats that combine a black fabric and synthetic leather upholstery; the new steering wheel — adjustable for height and depth — in a “D” shape with perforated leather and GT Line logo; and, of course, the technological reinforcement that it received.
These details, together with the pedals with chrome covers, an exclusive note of the GT Line version, give this Kia Stonic a more sporty and appealing visual ambience.
The driving position is completely convincing and is much sportier (translation: lower) than some rivals in the segment. The steering wheel has a very comfortable grip and the seats offer excellent lateral support, still achieving a good compromise between support and comfort.
The interior of this Stonic convinces from the standpoint of ergonomics, space and shape — the physical controls for the climate control have to be celebrated. The build quality appears to be at a good level, but the materials used are almost all quite hard to the touch, even in the upper sections.
Stonic has received a new infotainment system with an 8” screen.
The 4.2” screen present on the instrument panel saw the resolution go up and this significantly improved the reading of the information presented there. In the center, a new 8” touchscreen with a new infotainment system that allows integration with the smartphone through the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems.
Speaking of smartphones, and because ordering doesn't cost, a wireless charger in the center console would be very welcome.
And space?
The Kia Stonic's boot capacity is fixed at 332 liters and this is far from being a benchmark in the segment. However, there are plenty of storage spaces throughout the cabin (in the doors, in the center console in front of the gearbox lever and in the armrest).
As for the space in the second row of seats, it is satisfactory, as it allows for a relatively comfortable accommodation of two adults. At the center, it is difficult to sit someone down, but this is an “evil” that almost all models in this segment suffer from. Assemble one — or two! — a child seat in the backseat won't be a problem either.
As far as the equipment is concerned, this small SUV presents itself in a very good standard and offers, among other things, automatic switching between low and high beam, rear parking assistance camera, automatic air conditioning, interior rearview mirror with automatic anti-glare and hands-free key.
Equally standard in this version are safety systems such as the lane-stay assistant, emergency braking system capable of also detecting pedestrians and cyclists, driver attention warning and hill start assistant.
MHEV technology is evident evolution
The GT Line version of the Kia Stonic is only available with the unprecedented 120 hp 1.0 T-GDi turbo engine — unlike the 2018 1.0 T-GDi engine — associated with a 48 V mild-hybrid (MHEV) system, which can be combined with a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The model that we tested was equipped with a DCT box with seven ratios, which proved to be at a good level, allowing for quick driving in city traffic, while remaining very comfortable.
And for that, the 1.0 T-GDi MHEV engine contributes a lot, which produces 120 hp of power and 200 Nm of maximum torque (with manual transmission this value drops to 172 Nm).
The engine and the gearbox offer lively rhythms and allow us to explore the engine's 120 hp very well, which is surprising, especially at higher speeds. And that's excellent news in overtaking or speed recovery situations.
What about consumptions?
Kia announces average fuel consumption of 5.7 l/100 km, a record very close to the 6 l/100 km the on-board computer ticked at the end of our four-day test with the Stonic.
The Eco driving mode contributed greatly to this record, which allows, in the sailing function, to disengage the transmission from the engine and completely turn off the three-cylinder block up to 125 km/h, simply by pressing one of the pedals to "wake it up" again .
Also important to achieve these consumptions is the very significant regenerative action, with a brake/engine effect that is quite noticeable, sometimes too much, which slightly impairs the smoothness of driving.
The operation of the system, whose lithium-ion polymer battery is mounted under the floor of the luggage compartment, can be monitored via graphics in the on-board computer.
Dynamic convinces?
The Kia Stonic has one of the funniest looks in the segment, but does the driving dynamic keep up with it? Well, don't expect this small South Korean SUV to be the most engaging model in the segment, that title still belongs to the Ford Puma.
The Stonic GT Line stands out for its ease of use, for being very dispatched in the urban setting and for its relatively contained consumption. But one thing is certain, on the road he feels more nimble than the performances denounce: 0 to 100 km/h are achieved in 10.4s and reaches 185 km/h of maximum speed.
Is it the right car for you?
When it was presented, Stonic stood out for the originality of its shapes and for being a different approach to the SUV concept. But in a segment that is constantly evolving, these recent updates were already imposing and are essential to keep the small South Korean SUV “in game”.
With its technological offer and enhanced security, Stonic presents itself with more arguments than ever, but it is the unprecedented 1.0 T-GDi engine with 7DCT box supported by a mild-hybrid 48 V system that makes the most difference.
The Kia Stonic not only benefits from this light hybridization, but also from the presence of an automatic transmission, which works wonders for its ease of use in dense city traffic.
The Kia Stonic GT Line that we tested here is, by far, the most expensive in the Stonic range and starts at 27,150 euros (to this you still need to add the price of the paint). It is possible to purchase it for a smaller sum, taking advantage of the funding campaign that is taking place on the date of publication of this article.
The 7DCT box represents an increase of 1500 euros compared to the manual box, but given the practical value it adds, it is, in my opinion, an almost mandatory option.