The new 2021 Kia Stonic is a subcompact crossover SUV and is the smallest of the Kia SUV line, sharing its platform with the present generation Kia Rio. When it was launched in the Philippines late last year, the Stonic’s affordable pricing drove a lot of hype, especially since it is a small crossover SUV that’s priced along the lines of small subcompact passenger cars. Is this affordable small SUV worth the hype? Let’s find out.
The Kia Stonic has a youthful energy about it, starting with the bold color choices available that compliment the striking body design and lines of the car. Small exterior details like the fin type antenna, roof rails, projector headlamps, LED daytime running lamps (For the EX models), rear combination lamps and rear spoiler garnish give the Stonic that little dash of stylish flair.
Take a step into the car via the smart keyless entry and you may end up surprised by the amount of space you’re given despite its compact nature. The legroom is generous for the driver and the passengers alike. The seats are a bit on the stiff side but comfortable enough for a long haul drive or a traffic jam. With the 60:40 folding rear seats folded flat, you instantly get 325 liters of luggage space making this a very versatile subcompact crossover.
From the perspective of the driver, you have everything you need within arms reach. The dashboard is simple, functional and uncluttered, paired with the 8-inch touch screen monitor (equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and steering wheel controls. You get to keep your attention to where it matters most, which is on the road thanks to these safe connectivity features and with the sound system powered by 6 speakers, the drive becomes all the more enjoyable.
The 2021 Kia Stonic is powered by a 1.4L dual CVVT petrol engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission (also, comes in 5-speed manual for the LX variant) puts out 100 PS and 132 Nm of torque. It doesn’t sound like much especially being naturally aspirated as compared to some of the turbocharged rivals in its class but it’s pleasantly surprising. At times it feels a bit underpowered but when put into tiptronic manual mode, it’s really quite enjoyable to drive and at 4,000 RPM, there is just enough power to make you forget that it’s only a 1.4L engine under the hood.
The steering is nimble and the car handles corners with agility and thanks to the electronic stability control (For the EX variant), drivers can definitely feel reassured during evasive maneuvers. In the city and in traffic, the Kia Stonic has also shown impressive fuel efficiency averaging at 11.36 km/l or more depending on the driver input. And when your journey finally comes to a conclusion, parking is made simple thanks to the equipped reverse camera and proximity sensors and if you find yourself in need of parking on a curb, you need not worry as the 185mm ground clearance will get you up there easily.
To top it all off, Kia has made owning the Kia Stonic even more worthwhile with its 5-year or 160,000-km warranty along with 5 years free 24/7 Roadside Assistance that covers emergency towing, personal assistance, minor onsite repair, medical assistance and information service.
Overall, the Kia Stonic is a well equipped subcompact crossover that’s definitely going to give subcompact passenger cars a run for their money. The Kia Stonic is on sale across all Kia dealers in the Philippines, with prices starting at P735,000 for the LX MT while the automatic version costs P835,000. The top trim EX AT variant doesn’t even breach past P1 million, which is priced at an affordable P925,000.
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