4 in a Stonic Sport

A few years ago, KIA launched Stonic but it took ages to come to Australia, launching in the antipodes in January.

Stonic is KIA’s we-est soft-roader, and is perched on Rio’s platform. The diminutive hatch is snug for 4, but 4-up was tickety boo for our sneaky 2-nighter down south. We headed down the road for a hilltop stay at Casper’s retraite à la campagne in the rural idyl of Picton. Perched atop the hill as it is, the bucolic vistas from the cottage’s quaint verandah are utterly enchanting. the Gays DO like a nice view.

Download a specification sheets HERE:  Kia Stonic Specification Sheet

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We’ve reviewed Stonic previously. It is front wheel drive, we know that, so no funny business, We employed assiduous map skills to keep on the paved roads, but no amount of fancy footwork could avoid the gravel drive at the cottage.

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ABOVE: 2021 KIA Stonic

The gentle slope is a doddle with Casper’s butch off-roader, but a Land Rover is a different kettle of fish to our humble FWD KIA. The drive proved quite the challenge in the dampness of the post-shower Friday evening. We decamped to make her considerably lighter, and walked the final 50 metres.

Once ensconced, our dignity was restored by a fortifying single malt. If there is one thing gay men like, is a drink, and we brought plenty.

Although evenings have started to turn turtle, a fire pit and a glass of red fixes all. Max fed a curious sheep Casper fell off a chair, and Ethan took a bath in the open air tub on the terrace. I took a small cognac as I strolled out across the grass. I turned back and smiled at this beautiful scene of blissful chaos.

If I’ve wandered off-piste, it is only to paint a mental watercolour.

Car makers turn themselves inside out trying to set your imagination in the very place we found ourselves. They want you to dream of sunny afternoons, and chilly nights. But here we were, looking across a postcard perfection to the little carport with the Stonic tucked up, with her shoulder against the weather.

Now let’s get back to why we are all here, the KIA Stonic.

We proved that 4 average, but rather dashing gay gents, can travel in relative comfort for up to an hour each way.

Here’s what we thought:

Alan:-

Stonic Sport is reaonable stylish, and costs $26,490 drive away. That’s not too bad, and is about $5,000 more than the Rio Sport. You don’t get all that much more space even if it feels it. It has sharp looks, but is in the middle of its life cycle so doesn’t have the very latest generation KIA look and feel.

The 4 cylinder has 74kw/133Nm with a 6-speed auto. Frankly I think we can do without this combo, and go straight for the 3 cylinder 74kw/172Nm drivetrain  with the 7 speed DCT. Although the 4 cylinder is ok, why bother when there is something a bit newer with a bit more torque on offer.

I like the way it handles too. It feels nippy around town but is no rocket. This is a city car that takes the place of the previous small SUV, the much unloved SOUL. Stonic is bigger than SOUL and has a bunch more power and a ton more whiz-bangery. KIA is trying to appeal to an entire new audience.

It’s a bit small for me, but is a peach none the less.

Max:-

I like lots of stuff in cars, and although I like a smaller SUV, this one is a bit too small. It’s true that gay men don’t usually have familes, but we have rellies to cater for.

There is enough safety gear for me, and I love the Apple CarPlay too. Stonic is a good-looking thing but the inside feels a bit cheap in places. I guess it doesn’t cost your right arm, but 26 grand is still a lot of money to some people.

We stuffed Stonic full to the brim with bodies and bags, and although it didn’t complain, it felt like it was at the limit of its tolerance. We took it away for a weekend and it coped but would have been even better with just me and my man.

It’s not sexy like Seltos, but it is fun.

Casper:-

This is my idea of a starter car. Great for a learner, or as a second car. Later in life, when you want to simplify and reduce costs, you could buzz along happily with a 7 year warranty. Gays like a brand name, and the posher the better. KIA seems to have overcome the cheap and cheerful tag to make itself acceptable to punters, gay or straight.

I like some go under my right foot, so Stonic needs a hot version to keep me happy.

Despite the lane keep assist and auto braking, it didn’t come with blind spot monitor and that’s a deal breaker for me.

Stonic gets fabulous economy and we had a fun weekend, but I don’t think I’d have wanted to spend much longer in the back.

Ethan:-

It’s so cute! To be honest I thought it was a Rio. Could I BE any gayer? I quite like the design of the cabin but the plastic feels a but low rent especially on the touch screen.

I live half of my life in the country and with just one or two people in it, Stonic feels roomy. With 4 guys and their bags, it feels like a full house.

It is well equipped compared to my old Range Rover, but I like to sit high. Stonic is a great car for people who fancy something smaller. Seltos is way sexier just as a by the way. Think of Stonic as a hatchback and you’ll be better off.

The Drive:

Stonic drives well but you need a ton of time to overtake, even though it is carrying a tiny 1200 kg or so. Add 300kg of humans and anther 50kg of luggage and the situation changes again.

Steering is nice and light, and ride is sensational for an entry level car. Directional changes are handled with aplomb.

We found Stonic happiest in town.

Conclusion:

Think of Stonic as a hatch rather than a crossover of any kind. Once SUVs get this small, they’re indistinguishable between SUV and family hatch.

The drive was comfortable, economical and quiet. I am going to prefer the smaller turbo engine/7sp DCT combo. It might be a better proposition with an AWD model even if it cost a little more.

Get the Full Specs HERE: Kia Stonic Specification Sheet

Price: $26,490 (drive away) plus $520 for premium paint

Engine: 1.4 GDI

Trans: 6 speed automatic

Econ: 6.7L/100k

CO2: 155g/k

Tank: 45L

Towing: 800kg