KIA Sonic

The Koreans are advancing tirelessly in their goal of being recognized as a global automotive power. In Europe, its commitment is based on offering interesting products at attractive prices. the KIA Sonic is the smallest SUV in the house, just below the KIA Xceed’s most emblematic landmarks, the Kia Niro’s most emblematic landmarks, the KIA Sportage and the KIA Sorrento. A versatile and functional family with great success.

We have tested this car:

Test of the Kia Stonic Hybrid GT Line 1.0 T-GDi MHEV of 100 CV Test Kia Stonic Tech 1.0 Turbo 120 CV (with video)

The Stonic is the fourth SUV to join the family, and the first to position itself within the utility segment. With it, the Korean brand wants to strengthen its position in a segment that is gaining more and more importance in terms of sales, currently positioning itself as the fastest growing niche and the second in terms of sales volume in the entire European territory.

The KIA Stonic was presented to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2017, where he had to share the limelight with his twin brother the Hyundai Kona. Since then, the Stonic has not undergone a major change, although it has undergone slight periodic updates that have kept it attractive to buyers, the last one at the end of 2020.

Technical characteristics of the KIA Stonic

KIA and Hyundai are part of the same group, and although in many models they take advantage of platforms and developments, in the case of the KIA Stonic and the Hyundai KONA the same platform has not been used. KIA supports its B-SUV on the GB architecture, the same used by other models of the house such as the KIA Rio. This prevents you from having a wide deployment of mobility systems.

The platform also affects the exterior size of the car. In the case of the Stonic, we are talking about ideal measures for the segment to which it is directed. 4,14 meters long, 1,76 meters wide and 1,5 meters high. To these levels must be added a wheelbase of 2,58 meters, which translates into a battle that allows homologating a maximum capacity for five passengers.

With these dimensions, the habitability is similar to that of the conventional utility of the house. Therefore, the Stonic is an ideal model for four occupants to travel comfortably, since a fifth will be uncomfortable due to the little distance available for the shoulders. The Minimum boot capacity is 352 litres, expandable to 1.155 litres. when the second row of seats is folded down in a 60:40 ratio.

Mechanical range and gearboxes of the KIA Stonic

Although the platform used by KIA does not allow such a wide range of propulsion systems as in Hyundai, thanks to the renewal at the end of 2020 the Stonic starts to enjoy partially electrified solutions. MHEV mechanics with 48-volt auxiliary technology that are certified with the DGT ECO label. The mechanical portfolio of the KIA Stonic includes exclusively gasoline engines, a total of three.

The offer starts with the 1.2 DPi. A naturally aspirated four-cylinder block that delivers the discreet number of 79 horsepower. From there we jump to 1.0 T-GDi with MHEV system and the advantageous ECO label from the DGTIt has a three-cylinder, 998 cc engine that develops 100 horsepower. Fuel consumption ranges between 5,5 and 6,1 liters per 100 kilometers.

With the 2020 renewal, not only has the range gained in efficiency, it has also gotten rid of all the diesel variants that were previously available. All versions, without exception, send the full power of the propeller to the front axle, and management is derived from five or six-speed manual gearboxes, and optionally to a seven-speed dual-clutch DCT transmission (only available for the 1.0 hp 120 T-GDi).

Equipment of the KIA Stonic

From doors inside, the KIA Stonic welcomes its occupants with a well-presented interior both in the layout of elements and in the materials chosen. The feeling of quality is higher than the average of the segment, although in the use of hard plastics it could be less. It is noted that it is a product developed and designed by and for the European market, since in a certain way it loses some charisma with respect to the exterior.

As usual in the house, KIA offers three different trim levels: Concept, Drive, Style and GT Line.. In each of them, not only is the mechanical offer limited or the range of equipment is expanded, but the exterior appearance is also slightly retouched. Thus going from a more neutral and sober look to a more attractive one with exclusive touches such as up to 17-inch wheels.

As far as equipment is concerned, the KIA Stonic shows that belonging to a small segment does not make it forget about many modern systems. Among the elements include some such as access and keyless start, automatic climate control, connectivity for mobile devices, multimedia system with touch panel up to eight inches and connected services, among others. Of course we must not forget an outstanding team of assistants and driving aids.

Test of the KIA Stonic in video

The KIA Stonic according to Euro NCAP

As we have mentioned before, the KIA Stonic uses the same platform as the Rio. That means that, in the eyes of safety, both offer the same standards and values. In 2017 Euro NCAP put the model to the test, and after the tests it was evaluated with three out of five stars. of security. It showed a score of 8,5 in adult passenger protection, 8,4 in child passenger protection, 6,2 in pedestrian vulnerability and 2,5 in assistants. Later, a unit was evaluated with all the security packages included, and in that case it was certified as a five-star model. These valuations remain in effect after the 2020 update.

The KIA Stonic of Km 0 and second hand

The commercial journey of the KIA Stonic starts in the summer of 2017. In these years it has managed to position itself correctly within the segment, but it has not led the sales tables at any time. Its percentage of depreciation is around 30%, a standard value within the segment. In the secondary sales channels there are a good handful of options available.

If we take a look at the second-hand market we see that the cheapest units have a starting price of around 12.000 euros for 2018 models with access gasoline mechanics. The Km 0 channel is more limited, but the units present have interesting sales prices, slightly lower than the list prices. Of course, many have mechanics and access finish.

Rivals of the KIA Stonic

The Kia Stonic fits into the increasingly close segment B-SUV. Among the multiple rivals that the Korean model will have are the Peugeot 2008, Renault Captur, Nissan Juke, SEAT Arona, FIAT 500X, Volkswagen T-Cross, Citroen C3 Aircross, Ford Puma, Skoda Kamiq y Suzuki Vitara, without forgetting its brother, the KONA. Compared to them, the Stonic offers a more interesting price-product ratio, but it penalizes traction systems and the mechanical range.

Highlight

Designer
Value for money-equipment
7 years warranty

To improve

Lack of powerful mechanics
Without electrified mechanics
habitability

KIA Stonic Price

When it comes to price, it must be recognized that the Stonic has a great relationship between what it offers and what it costs. In the most affordable of cases, the starting price of the KIA Stonic stands at 22.670 euros, with promotions. This value corresponds to a unit with a 1.2 DPi 79-horsepower engine and a Concept finish. On the opposite side of the scale is the Stonic GT Line 1.0 T-GDi MHEV with 100 horsepower with DCT transmission, its starting price is 28.695 euros, including discounts.