Even though it entered the subcompact crossover market very recently and rather late, the Kia Stonic is expected to be a volume seller despite very fierce competition.
Prior to entering the markets in Europe and Korea later that year, it made its debut in the middle of 2017. The Sohari plant in Gwangmyeong, South Korea, produced these items.
A comparable design known as the KX1 is also produced in Yancheng, China, by a joint venture between Dongfeng Motor Corporation, Yueda Group, and Kia Motors. It only differs from the Korea-made Stonic in that it lacks cruise control, AEB (automatic emergency braking), blind zone monitoring, and better DRLs. It also has a reshaped hood and updated bumpers. This was transported to the Philippines under a new label as a Stonic.
This nameplate is available from Kia Philippines in three trim levels: LX MT (manual transmission), LX AT (automatic transmission), and top-tier EX AT.
The Peter Schreyer-designed original model, which is sold in Europe and South Korea, is 40mm shorter than the Stonic built in China. Its measurements are 4,100mm long, 1,735mm wide, and 1,533mm tall. Ground clearance for a crossover is 185 mm, which is sufficient, and wheelbase is 2,570 mm.
The two AT units each weigh 1,117 kilograms, whereas the MT weighs 1,074 kilos.
The sole available engine is a 1.4-liter, four-cylinder unit with D-CVVT, much like in the Chinese market (Dual Continuous Variable Valve Timing). The latter uses technology adapted from the Hyundai Genesis to regulate 32 individual valves up to 58 times per second in order to improve fuel efficiency, lower exhaust emissions (NOx, HC), and the performance of the engine (through reduction of pumping loss, internal EGR effect improvement of combustion stability, improvement of volumetric efficiency, and increase of expansion work).
The MT only produces 95 horsepower, whereas both AT trims produce 100 horsepower. The 132Nm of torque is the same for all grades. Either a five-speed MT or a six-speed AT powers the front wheels.
The front disc brakes, MacPherson strut and stabilizer up front, linked torsion beam axle at the back, and 195/60 R16 tires mounted on 16-inch alloy wheels are shared by all models.
The only chassis difference is that the EX vehicles also have disc brakes while the LX models have rear drum brakes. The EX has an advantage since its disc brakes have improved cooling mechanisms that guard against fading and/or overheating.
All grades come standard with roof rails, intermittent windshield wipers, a rear window defogger, a rear spoiler, a projection-type halogen headlight, a fin-type antenna, front and rear skid plates, electronically adjusted outside rearview mirrors, a fin-type antenna, and a high-mount stop lamp.
Front fog lamps, turn signal indicators incorporated into the fender, black molding on the grille and beltline, and body-color door handles are all features of the LX’s body.
The LED (light-emitting diode) DRLs, turn signal indicators built into the exterior rearview mirrors, black and silver grille molding, chrome-coated beltline, and outside door handles distinguish the EX.
There are a number of obvious outside indicators that demonstrate the EX model’s superiority to the LX variant.
All three trims come with the same amenities as the instrument panel, including a 3.5-inch TFT (thin film transistor), LCD (liquid crystal display), and MID (multi-information display). The seats are made of fabric, and the infotainment system has an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six speakers, a day and night interior rearview mirror, a room lamp, a manually adjustable three-spoke urethane steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth controls, and
The driver’s seat in the LX can only be adjusted in four different ways, but it can be adjusted in six different ways in the EX.
The LX and EX trims differ from one another in a few other areas. The EX also includes a Smart Entry system (simply keep the key in your pocket or purse and the doors unlock when you reach for the door handle), a Push-Start button, and an automatic climate control system, while the LX has a black dashboard trim with no silver accents.
The LX has several safety features, including a rear camera display with dynamic guidelines, driver and front passenger airbags, ABS (anti-lock braking system), two three-point ELR seatbelts with pretensioners up front, three three-point ELR seatbelts in the back (two with pretensioners and one static), an Isofix child anchor, and a child lock system.
All of that, as well as rear sensors, electronic stability control, hill start assistance, and an immobilizer, are included with the EX.
The two-tone color options of Black/Flame Orange, Black/Flash Yellow, and Black/Clear White are only available on EX versions.
Because the Stonic is manufactured in China, Kia Philippines benefits from the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (C-AFTA), which lowers tariffs to 0% and enables the Stonic to undercut most of its rivals.
Priced at P735,000 for the Stonic 1.4 LX MT and P835,000 for the Stonic 1.4 LX AT, respectively.
In This Article...
What city makes Stonic?
Forget the Da Vinci Code; Dan Brown should have given his characters the chore of selecting a new compact SUV, like this Kia Stonic, if he wanted to write a novel about perplexing puzzles. Numerous of these hacked-up hatchbacks are available for purchase, ranging from the small SEAT Arona to the cozy VW T-Roc and the spacious Kia Sportage.
The Hyundai Kona and the Kia Stonic share many internal parts, but unlike its brash-looking cousin, the Kia Stonic lacks the necessary characteristics to stand out from the crowdunless you spend extra for one of its stylish two-tone paint treatments.
But you don’t have to stop there; you can also add some vibrant accents and touches to the Kia Stonic’s interior as well. These undoubtedly contribute to the Stonic’s cabin’s aesthetic appeal, but they are unable to hide the fact that many of the interior trim pieces are constructed from stiff, cheap-feeling plastics.
The Kia Stonic’s basic touchscreen infotainment system is much nicer to touch. It has smartphone mirroring as standard, just like the VW T-Roc, however it isn’t quite as convenient to use while driving.
The Kia Stonic’s jacked-up body prevents it from having a really practical interior, unlike many other small SUVs.
In terms of passenger room, the Kia Stonic falls short of vehicles like the more spacious VW T-Roc. You can spread out in the front if you want to, but taller passengers would wish there was a little more headroom and legroom in back.
The Kia Stonic’s boot doesn’t have nearly as much room as the T- Roc’s, but you’ll still find it’s just as simple to drive in a city because of its high seating position and big windows that let you see outside.
The Kia’s 1.4-liter petrol engine isn’t very powerful, so if you want to travel a mixture of city and rural routes, the 1.0-litre petrol engine is a better choice. Nevertheless, a SEAT Arona is still more enjoyable to drive on a curvy route.
The 1.6-liter diesel engine is better suited for lengthy trips than the petrol ones; it is a bit slow but consumes significantly less fuel on highways. Sadly, the Kia Stonic’s tires make some noise when traveling at high speeds, but at least there isn’t much wind noise to be concerned about.
For a little bit more peace of mind, you can also purchase improved driver assistance systems, such as automated emergency braking, although many other small SUVs already come equipped with many of these functions.
The Kia Stonic is characterized by this motif. It is neither the most roomy nor the most fashionable small SUV on the market, but it is simple to drive, somewhat inexpensive to operate, and it includes a comforting seven-year guarantee.
Visit our Kia Stonic offers page to see how much you can save if that’s a factor for you when choosing a vehicle, or read our thorough interior, utility, and driving sections for more details.
The Kia Stonic only comes with front-wheel drive, regardless of the engine and transmission you choose. Nevertheless, it has sufficient traction to handle a country highway that is covered in slick leaves.
The Kia Stonic isn’t made at the company’s factory in Zilina, Slovakia, unlike many other Kias. Instead, it is produced at Kia’s Sohari Plant in Gwangmyeong, South Korea.
The Kia Stonic was released when? In September 2017, the Kia Stonic had its world debut at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in Germany. The vehicle went on sale in the following month.
Is an automatic version of the Kia Stonic offered? Yes. The Kia Stonic is available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission. This automatic transmission, which is twin-clutch like the ones used in many small SUVs, can be a little jerky at extremely low speeds but shifts gears more swiftly than an ordinary automatic gearbox.
The Kia Stonic makes noise.
While competitors, especially the Ford Puma, feel more energized because to their base engines, the Stonic isn’t especially sluggish. The engine itself isn’t the most enjoyable to operate because it’s noisy and needs to be revved to its maximum potential.
The Kia Stonic was created by who?
In the Philippines, the Kia Stonic is the South Korean manufacturer’s most economical crossover. Numerous characteristics are shared with its stablemate, the Kia Soluto. The Stonic is the brand’s eleventh model, falling below the Kia Seltos in both size and price. The 2018 IF Design and Red Dot Design Awards recognized Peter Schreyer’s work for its sleek lines and incorporation of the Kia design language. Stonic, which is a combination of the words “style” and “iconic,” is appropriate given the praise it has received so soon after hitting the market.
The Stonic, a base crossover from Kia, is powered by a 1.4-liter gasoline engine that, depending on the variant, generates 94100 horsepower and 132 Nm of torque. It is paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Stonic is a crossover that is constructed on a unibody chassis with a front MacPherson strut and a rear torsion beam axle. Clean lines that come from Schreyer’s European design language for the Kia brand can be seen on both the exterior and interior. The subcompact crossover’s clean lines and streamlined shape add to its appeal, while distinguishing features like the Tiger-nose grille are displayed prominently on the front of the vehicle.
At the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Kia Stonic was introduced to enthusiastic reviews. The Stonic earned several design prizes right away, including the Red Dot Award for Car Design and the IF Design Award for “Transportation Design,” both of which were won in 2018.
The Stonic will go on sale in October 2020 as a 2021 model, according to Kia Philippines. Early bird pricing are offered, giving eager shoppers the chance to purchase this honorable crossover before it officially launches. The vehicle’s debut price ranged from P735,000 for the entry-level LX MT variation to P925,000 for the top-of-the-line EX AT model. Regarding discounts, Kia Philippines offered a Stonic launch promotion that reduced the cost of the new crossover by P60,000 for the base LX MT model and P50,000 for the LX AT and EX AT models in the lineup.
The fourth-generation Kia Rio, the brand’s subcompact hatchback and sedan, shares the same platform and chassis as the Stonic in terms of the inside. The Stonic’s suspension consists of a pair of MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam at the back. The Stonic’s unibody chassis ensures a smooth ride and generous 185mm of ground clearance. Additionally, it is supported by the Hyundai-Kia GB platform, which is utilized by both automakers.
The Kia Stonic’s engine is a 1.4-liter, 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated gasoline powertrain, which is also found in the Kia Soluto. With the help of its Dual-Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) technology, Kia has optimized the motor’s efficiency and power delivery, resulting in 94 horsepower and 132 Nm of torque for the manual version and 98 horsepower and 132 Nm for the automatic. The Stonic has a 6-speed automatic transmission for LX AT and EX AT models and a 5-speed manual transmission for entry-level models.
Is the Kia Stonic a good investment?
The Kia Stonic is unquestionably a standout model in the range after all is said and done. Its cost as of testing, which is P925,000, is on the lower end of the price range. In its class, the MG ZS, Chery Tiggo 2, and Hyundai Venue are further competitors. However, we believe that the Stonic outperforms its competitors in terms of handling and style.
In actuality, Kia has produced a fantastic crossover; our only gripes are with the safety equipment, the slightly congested inside, and the engine’s merely average performance. Other than that, it performs admirably. Due to its small size and even its backup camera with sensors, it will be incredibly cozy and simple to operate for the normal driver. Although it is undoubtedly fashionable, is it famous? That is still up in the air. That is also based on how well the product will sell. With the Stonic, Kia may have a winner on its hands. It is safe to assume that even the more cheap models in the range will perform superbly because it is priced reasonably and because the platform is one of the nicest we’ve tested. Therefore, if you’re on a tight budget, you should really consider a lower-level Stonic; otherwise, the top-of-the-line EX AT is a fantastic option.
What Car? says…
The Kia Stonic is a South Korean automaker’s interpretation of the higher-riding small SUV design that appeals so strongly to customers who previously drove practical little hatchbacks.
Following a tried-and-true concept, the Stonic takes the basic structure of the Kia Rio hatchback and gives it some SUV flair by adding big wheels and tyres, a little more height, and rougher design. Sporty GT-Line trim and the choice of stylish two-tone paint are available for those who truly want to spice things up.