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The Kia Stonic: A Unique and Reliable Crossover
When it comes to purchasing a reliable car, a Kia vehicle is one of the best options to consider. The Korean carmaker is known for producing quality cars that offer excellent value for money. One of the popular models from Kia is the Stonic, a subcompact crossover that was introduced in 2017. The Stonic has been praised for its sporty styling, spacious interior, and numerous standard features. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Kia Stonic and discuss its unique features that make it stand out from other subcompact crossovers on the market.
Unique Features of the Kia Stonic
The Kia Stonic has a distinctive and stylish exterior design that sets it apart from other subcompact crossovers in its class. The car features a sporty front grille, sleek headlights, and bold creases along the sides that give it a modern and dynamic appearance. The Stonic's compact size makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and the car's high ground clearance and rugged front and rear bumpers make it suitable for off-road adventures.
The interior of the Kia Stonic is spacious and comfortable, with ample room for passengers and luggage. The car's high roofline and wide-opening doors make it easy to enter and exit, and the seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long journeys. The Stonic's interior is also well-equipped, with a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and numerous storage compartments.
The Kia Stonic comes with a choice of two efficient petrol engines: a 1.0-litre T-GDI engine and a 1.2-litre MPI engine. Both engines are paired with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with the option of a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission on some trims. The 1.0-litre engine produces 118bhp and 172Nm of torque, while the 1.2-litre engine delivers 83bhp and 122Nm of torque.
The Kia Stonic is fitted with numerous advanced safety features that help to keep passengers safe on the road. These features include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), and Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC). The car also has a range of airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, and a range of active safety systems, such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).
The Kia Stonic comes with a range of impressive technology features that make driving more enjoyable and convenient. These features include a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera, and automatic headlights. Higher trims also come with additional features, such as a premium sound system, a heated steering wheel, and a sunroof.
One of the biggest advantages of the Kia Stonic is its affordable price point. The car is priced competitively, making it an attractive option for buyers who are looking for a reliable and well-equipped subcompact crossover that won't break the bank. The Stonic's low running costs, including fuel efficiency and affordable servicing, make it a great value for money option.
Kia is known for offering generous warranties on its vehicles, and the Stonic is no exception. The car comes with Kia's industry-leading seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, which provides peace of mind for buyers who are worried about unexpected repairs or breakdowns.
Specific Features of the Kia Stonic Trims
The Kia Stonic is available in five different trims, each with its own set of unique features. Let's take a closer look at the specific features of each trim:
The Stonic 2 is the base trim of the Stonic lineup and comes with a range of standard features, including air conditioning, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity, and automatic headlights. The car also comes with a range of safety features, including Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Hill-Start Assist Control.
The Stonic 3 is the mid-range trim of the Stonic lineup and adds a range of additional features, including 17-inch alloy wheels, LED rear lights, automatic air conditioning, and a premium sound system. The car also comes with a range of safety features, including Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, and Driver Attention Warning.
The Stonic Connect is a special edition trim that adds a range of advanced technology features, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The car also comes with a range of safety features, including Lane Following Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and Electric Parking Brake.
The Stonic GT-Line is a sportier version of the Stonic that adds a range of sporty design features, including 17-inch alloy wheels, sports bumpers, and a rear spoiler. The car also comes with a range of advanced technology features, including a premium sound system, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless phone charging. The car also comes with a range of safety features, including Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, and Driver Attention Warning.
The Stonic GT-Line S is the top-of-the-line trim of the Stonic lineup and comes with a range of advanced technology and luxury features. These features include a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a wireless phone charging pad. The car also comes with a range of advanced safety features, including Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Following Assist, and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection.
The Kia Stonic is a subcompact SUV that made its debut in the UK in 2017. It's a popular choice for buyers who are looking for a stylish and practical vehicle that won't break the bank. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Kia Stonic and explore why it's such a great purchase as a used car in the UK.
Reason 1: Affordable price tag
One of the biggest reasons to consider a used Kia Stonic is its affordability. When the car was first released in the UK, it had a starting price of around £16,000. However, as with most vehicles, the price drops significantly as it gets older. A used Kia Stonic can now be found for as little as £7,000, making it a great choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Reason 2: Spacious interior
Despite its compact size, the Kia Stonic has a surprisingly spacious interior. It can comfortably seat up to five adults and has plenty of legroom and headroom for taller passengers. The boot is also larger than you might expect, with 352 litres of space that can be expanded to 1,155 litres when the rear seats are folded down.
Reason 3: Modern features
The Kia Stonic comes equipped with a range of modern features that make it a pleasure to drive. Even older models are likely to have features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration, and automatic headlights. Higher-spec models may also have features like a reversing camera, parking sensors, and heated seats.
Reason 4: Efficient engines
Another reason to consider a used Kia Stonic is its efficient engines. The car is available with a choice of petrol or diesel engines, all of which offer impressive fuel economy. The most efficient engine in the range is the 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which can achieve up to 50 mpg on a combined cycle.
Reason 5: Kia's seven-year warranty
Finally, it's worth noting that all Kia Stonic models come with Kia's seven-year warranty as standard. This means that if you buy a used Kia Stonic that's less than seven years old, you'll still have the peace of mind of knowing that you're covered in the event of any major issues.
Alternative 1: Nissan Juke
If you're in the market for a subcompact SUV and the Kia Stonic isn't quite the right fit for you, the Nissan Juke is a popular alternative. The Juke has a similar price tag and offers a similar amount of interior space, but it has a more distinctive exterior design that some buyers may prefer.
Alternative 2: Renault Captur
Another option to consider is the Renault Captur. Like the Kia Stonic, it's a subcompact SUV that's known for its practicality and affordability. The Captur has a slightly larger boot than the Stonic and comes with a range of petrol and diesel engines to choose from.
Alternative 3: Ford Ecosport
If you're looking for a subcompact SUV with a more rugged and adventurous feel, the Ford Ecosport is worth considering. It's a little more expensive than the Kia Stonic, but it has a more powerful engine and comes with features like four-wheel drive and a higher ground clearance.
Alternative 4: Volkswagen T-Cross
For buyers who value build quality and refinement, the Volkswagen T-Cross is a strong contender. It's a little more expensive than the Kia Stonic, but it has a more premium feel and comes with a range of features like digital dials and adaptive cruise control.
Alternative 5: Hyundai Kona
Finally, the Hyundai Kona is another subcompact SUV that's worth considering. It shares many similarities with the Kia Stonic, including an affordable price tag, efficient engines, and a spacious interior. However, the Kona has a more distinctive design and comes with a range of features like a head-up display and wireless phone charging.
In conclusion, a used Kia Stonic is a great purchase for buyers who are looking for an affordable and practical subcompact SUV. With its spacious interior, modern features, and efficient engines, it's a vehicle that's well-suited to a range of needs and lifestyles. However, if you're looking for an alternative, there are several other subcompact SUVs on the market that are worth considering, including the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur, Ford Ecosport, Volkswagen T-Cross, and Hyundai Kona.
A Short History of the Kia Stonic
The Kia Stonic, a stylish and compact crossover SUV, has made a considerable impact on the UK automotive market since its introduction. As a UK car journalist, let's take a journey through the brief yet impressive history of this dynamic vehicle.
2017: The Debut
Kia unveiled the Stonic in 2017, entering the burgeoning small crossover SUV segment. Based on the same platform as the Kia Rio, the Stonic was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a blend of style, practicality, and affordability. With its striking design, the Stonic stood out among competitors, attracting attention with its bold lines and unique colour options.
2018: UK Launch
The Stonic arrived in the UK in late 2017, with sales commencing in 2018. The UK market received the Stonic in three trim levels: '2', '3', and '4'. Each variant offered different levels of equipment, allowing buyers to choose the features that best suited their needs. The Stonic came with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, providing options for different driving styles and fuel preferences.
2019: Mild-Hybrid Technology
In 2019, Kia introduced a mild-hybrid powertrain to the Stonic line-up. This new 1.0-litre T-GDi petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system aimed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. This update underscored Kia's commitment to eco-friendly technologies and provided a more sustainable option for environmentally conscious drivers.
2020: Facelift and Upgrades
Kia refreshed the Stonic in 2020, unveiling a facelifted model with updated styling and technological advancements. The exterior changes included new LED headlights, a redesigned grille, and fresh alloy wheel designs. Inside, the 2020 Stonic received an upgraded 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Advanced driver assistance features were also added, such as Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision Warning, and Driver Attention Warning.
2021: Further Enhancements
In 2021, Kia made additional updates to the Stonic line-up, including the introduction of a new 'GT-Line' trim. This sportier variant featured more aggressive styling, a unique grille, and exclusive alloy wheels. Alongside the GT-Line, Kia also introduced a new 'Connect' trim level, offering a higher level of standard equipment and improved connectivity options.
Since its introduction, the Kia Stonic has become a popular choice for UK buyers looking for a compact crossover with distinctive styling and a solid reputation for reliability. As the Stonic continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly maintain its position as a key player in the competitive small SUV market.