It is no surprise that he Kia Stonic It is a car that has given wings to the Korean company. The small SUV has had good sales since its launch and although they are now focused on the launch of electric models, they are still they rely on a second life for this matter. It is clear after seeing the update it was recently subjected to and testing it in several tessitura over the past few months.
The intermediate version with the 1.0 T-GDI 100 CV engine has already gone through this section and now we are going to publish the test with the top class. Is probably the most interesting version of the crossover, which has focused on a somewhat aesthetic and deeper evolution in technology and equipment. Earn attractive exactly with the GT Line finish, the one responsible for bringing out the sportiness of the Stonic without resorting to a bigger mechanic.
Kia Stonic 1.0 T-GDI MHEV 120 CV Review
Exterior
On the aesthetic front, the Kia Stonic didn’t need much change. We are talking about a product that has not been on the market for very long and which already surprised by its originality. However, there is a light image update It helps you stay cool. It’s especially noticeable at the front, where it premieres a bit Full LED headlights and also for the more pronounced “tiger nose” grille thanks to the chrome trim. The bumper has also been redesigned, now incorporating the fog lamps.
It must be said of that grill that it is a specific design of the GT Line finish, which will give the model a sportier personality. That’s why in this example we see the rear-view mirrors in black, tinted rear windows or something 17 inch wheels. Also at the back a sort of silver diffuser that integrates two exhaust ports, only one of which is real.
In the Kia Stonic, we also see other elements that caught his eye from the moment of launch. we talk about recognizable roof racks because of its shape, from the black plastic bottom to accentuate the crossover character or the recognizable LED taillights.
If we continue with news, color will be added to the range Sporty blue and the Residual Gray, which carries the tested unit. There is a new 16 inch rim on it and more customization options thanks to the fact that the roof is available in yellow, up to nine two-tone combinations.
What doesn’t change an iota is the size. The Stonic remains within the B-SUV segment with a length 4.140 mm, with a width of 1,760 mm and a height of 1,500 mm; while the wheelbase on this model is 2,580 mm.
Inside
We saw that the exterior changed little and the interior apparently the same. But if we look closely, there is one detail that makes the difference. It’s about the new 8 inch touchscreen, which has more developed graphics. This is because it already has the . integrates UVO Connect multimedia system, which opens up a world of new possibilities for users.
Releases new features such as the multiple Bluetooth connection to carry up to two connected mobile devices. It also has Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so the cable is not needed. Not to mention the most complete connectivity with real-time traffic information, weather forecasts or fuel prices. All this, manageable from the UVO mobile app, which can be used to manage the user profile or last mile navigation, among other things.
In addition to that renewed screen and multimedia, behind the multifunctional steering wheel we see a 4.2 inch screen with higher resolution. It acts as an on-board computer and displays interesting information. It falls right between two large spheres for revs and speed. It keeps the analog climate control with buttons and wheels very easy to operate without distraction.
The quality Korean models have always been somewhat tarnished by their reputation in recent decades. However, it has been improved and in the Kia Stonic we see it very suitable for a small general SUV. In the sporty finish what plastic profiles imitating carbon fiber and they appear on the dashboard and doors. The coating is well dissolved and the plastics, despite being hard for the most part, do not collide.
The space also remains unchanged in the Stonic and offers a habitability that falls within the average of the segment. There are no problems with the front seats, which are roomy and allow us to find the driving position with the manual settings. There are also quite a few useful slides.
In the second row It will be a little tighter, not because of head and legroom, which is correct, but because of the width of this area. After all, the main square has no shape and has a prominent transmission tunnel, so better four than five trips in this Kia Stonic.
Trunk
Of 352 liter capacity, the Stonic’s boot is slightly below the segment average. It lags behind other models over 400 liters, but it also has regular and quite useful shapes. The loading mouth is wide, although it is slightly raised, while they look like a pair of hooks to secure the load.
On the other hand, the floor can be placed on two levels and we have a double floor that is very usable. Underneath there is no room for the spare wheel, we have to settle for the anti-puncture kit because in this place the battery is housed of the Mild Hybrid system. The rear seats can always be folded in two parts (60:40) to leave an almost flat surface and up to 1,155 litres capacity.
Equipment
The Kia Stonic can be configured with different trim levels depending on the user’s needs. All standard is a car that is delivered quite complete, because it starts at the finish Concept including 16-inch wheels, LED daytime running lights and fog lamps, 8-inch screen multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, air conditioning, light sensor and some driving aids such as cruise control.
One step higher is the Motive, the most balanced thanks to the addition of the navigator and UVO Connect features, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, rain sensor, lane maintenance, emergency brake assist and dynamic assistant for high beams.
The top of the range and probably the most interesting is the GT line. We mentioned that he tried to bring out the sporty character of the Stonic through specific bumpers and grille, 17-inch wheels, darkened windows or LED taillights. Inside, next to the trunk net, we see an electrochromic interior mirror, an electronic start button system with smart key.
Engine
The mechanical range It was one of the things that improved the most in the Kia Stonic. This model completely does away with diesel and focuses on the petrol versions. The naturally aspirated 84hp 1.2 DPi engine is maintained to give range access to those who don’t need a lot of power. Although it gets more interesting with the turbocharged engines, which the mild hybrid system 48 V to gain efficiency and carry the DGT ECO label.
The main character is the 1.0 T-GDi Smartstream three-cylinder, which is available with 100 or 120 hp power. In both cases, the brand’s Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) is standard, while the more powerful one can also optionally be fitted with a dual-clutch transmission (7DCT). What comes as standard is that micro-hybrid system with a new generator starter (MHSG) which supports the main engine and also helps to recover energy to be more efficient.
Behaviour
We had a first contact with the Kia Stonic 1.0 T-GDI MHEV 120 CV with the manual gearbox, the top version of the model. It will also be of most interest to users who want certain guarantees when making long trips or going with a loaded car, as the 100 CV could be something for that kind of use. In this case, the power level and are 172 Nm of torque between 1,500 and 4,000 rpm allows you to move nimbly in all areas.
Not too fast car, but you don’t need it either. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.3 seconds and the top speed is 184 km/h. Fortunately, you can get a lot out of it if we play with the change. You must remember that you are on the intelligent manual gearbox (iMT), which has an improved feel thanks to the electronic clutch (clutch-by-wire). It also improves efficiency by allowing coasting and earlier engine shutdown at Start & Stop.
In this example and also in the 100 CV, the driving modes appear Eco, Normal and Sport. The truth is that there are no significant changes between them, especially in the throttle response (louder in Eco and more reactive in Sport) and in the feel of the direction. Anyway, this part is we think it is too assisted and not very informative. It is the trend of the current car and seeks the comfort of the whole.
This premise is also followed by: delay, an element with a soft tare to be comfortable in the city. It’s the Stonic’s favorite terrain, that’s for sure, but it has to be said that the small SUV doesn’t clash in other terrains. Its stability on fast roads and also its agility when cornering is surprising. Please note that your weight 1,185 kg it is quite successful and helps.
It also helps to be a car with a few adjusted consumption. The Stonic 1.0 T-GDI MHEV 120 CV homologates 5 l/100km, although the figure will be higher in real use. As with this type of three-cylinder engines, to get the most out of it you have to tackle it alive and that makes we are around 6.2 liters, have had quite a few roads.
The Kia Stonic is an interesting model for those looking for a small SUV clear and balanced. Aesthetically it is striking and offers good customization options, something that has been improved after the update. Although the point that stands out most is the technology, with a much more complete and advanced multimedia system. The habitability is average and the dynamics are not noticeable in any area.
The starting price is quite affordable, from 13,600 euros for the less equipped atmospheric. Although it is true that a copy with the top engine and GT Line finish will cost no less than 21,613 euros, always including promotional actions. The rate can also be reduced on our website, because at autos.com we have the best new car deals and very excellent financing conditions.
