KIA Stonic

The Kia Stonic, a chic and budget-friendly crossover from the South Korean marque, holds its own in the Philippines. Despite being the little sibling to the Kia Seltos in terms of dimensions and cost, it fits in smoothly as the 11th model in the Kia fleet. Thanks to the creative prowess of Peter Schreyer, the Stonic's sleek design, imbibing Kia's signature language, bagged awards from IF Design and Red Dot Design Awards in 2018. The name "Stonic," blending "style" and "iconic," truly complements the accolades it gathered right after its market debut.

The Kia Stonic serves as a delightful entry point into Kia's crossover range, sporting a 1.4-liter gasoline engine that churns out 94-100hp and 132 Nm of torque, based on the model variant. It pairs with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Built on a unibody structure, the Stonic showcases a MacPherson Strut upfront and a torsion beam axle at the back. Its design, both inside and out, exhibits clean, smooth lines, a tribute to Schreyer's European-inspired design ethos for Kia. With standout elements like the Tiger-nose grille and its sleek profile, the Stonic is a subcompact crossover that captivates.

History

The 2021 Kia Stonic presents a vibrant and youthful look with its hallmark tiger-nose grille and standard halogen headlights. LED daytime running lights add an edge to the EX version, whereas the base LX version features only fog lights.

The Stonic's sporty allure is elevated with roof rails and 16-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 195/60/R16 tyres. Opt for a solid, vibrant color like white, blue, or red, or make a statement with an EX-exclusive two-tone option: a black roof paired with clear white, flame orange, or flash yellow.

Measuring 4,100mm long, 1,735mm wide and 1,533mm high, the Stonic exudes a youthful vibe and a strong road presence. Its 185mm of ground clearance makes navigating speed bumps and rough city roads a breeze.

Underneath the Kia Stonic lies a broad air intake that efficiently cools the engine. The rear design is characterized by a sloping roof window with brake lights, dynamic LED taillights, robust fenders, bumpers, and skid plates that streamline airflow.

KIA Stonic has total 6 color options in the Philippines: Clear White, Clear White With Black, Extreme Blue, Flame Orange With Black, Flash Yellow With Black, Prime Red.

Dimensions

The 2021 Kia Stonic sports a sleek black interior with comfortable fabric seats. LX models offer manual climate control, while the EX trim elevates the experience with automatic climate control, push-button start, and adjustable driver's seat height. A rearview camera with dynamic guidance is a standard feature across all trims.

Every Stonic model boasts an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Additional highlights include a 3.5-inch multi-information display, a six-speaker sound system, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and versatile 60:40 split-folding rear seats.

Safety features

The Kia Stonic is powered by a 1.4-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine, identical to the one found in the Kia Soluto. Enhanced with Kia's Dual-Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) technology, it delivers 94 hp and 132 Nm of torque for the manual variant, and 98 hp with identical torque for the automatic. It offers either a 5-speed manual for base models, or a 6-speed automatic for higher LX AT and EX AT variants.

Although the Stonic is essentially an elevated Kia Rio, its raised stance doesn't hinder its agility, keeping it nimble. Despite the subcompact crossover SUV segment not being famous for its stellar driving experience, the Stonic impresses. However, the overly light steering can make certain maneuvers challenging. Minor wind and road noise may be noticeable on highways, and there's a slight bounce due to its 16-inch alloy wheels. Overall, it's a competent vehicle, but may not be the top pick for those seeking a super-smooth, engaging ride.

The Stonic's compact design makes zipping through narrow city streets effortless. But don't be fooled by its SUV label; you sit surprisingly low in the Stonic, at eye level with standard cars like the Ford Fiesta. So, while it has the SUV look, it lacks the commanding road view that typically comes with it.

The Kia Stonic offers affordability in the subcompact crossover market, loaded with advanced tech and safety features. It includes a five-year warranty and round-the-clock roadside assistance. But it may not satisfy those seeking robust front-end grip and dynamic driving. It's an attractive choice for first-time owners venturing into the world of subcompact crossover SUVs.