Kia Launches New Stonic Light SUV, but what is it?

When I say new, I mean Stonic is several years old, because it has been on sale Euro market for a few years.

So, why launch Stonic in Australia half way through the car’s lifecycle?

KIA had the choice, take Seltos or Stonic first, and they chose the former. Stonic model recently got a midlife update, and it is that model which brings the KIA SUV range to 4 models. KIA never seems to put a foot wrong, if we don’t include Pro Ceed GT. That was a great car ahead of its time, but I digress.

More KIA Reviews HERE:

Stonic is based on their popular Rio, with a little more boot space. It is higher off the ground too. In fact, it is higher off the ground than Mazda CX3, against which Stonic is pegged.

Stonic is cheaper than CX3, and has a longer warranty too.

Above: This Week’s VIDEO Car Review -2021 Kia Stonic GT Line Small SUV 

Above: This Week’s VIDEO Car Review -2021 Yaris Cross

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ABOVE: Kia Stonic GT-Line

How does Stonic Differ from Rio?

It is built on the Rio platform, but as mentioned, is higher.

The Stonic model update brought changes in the grille, and there is a modified rear end too. Stonic has a couple of fake exhausts in the lower bumper, and the skid plate is larger. KIA wants to give the impression of SUV-like characteristics, but Stonic is front wheel drive, so don’t get any ideas of venturing into the wilderness.

What are the models in the range?

There are 3 variants, S, Sport and GT Line. They come with 2 engines and 3 transmissions.

S and Sport have the 74kw/133Nm 4-cylinder with a 6sp manual or 6-sp automatic. GT-Line gets a 3-cylinder turbo petrol with 74kw, but 172Nm of torque. A 7-speed DCT automatic is exclusive to the GT-Line.

Are the drivetraisn and handling exclusive to Australia?

The drivetrain is offered elsewhere, but local tuning guru, Graham Gambold fettled the handling as he does with all Australian KIAs. In fact, local Stonic can be said to be unique, because this tuning is offered nowhere else.

S/Sport is softer, while GT-Line is firmer and sportier. Personally, I’d have renamed the range, but enough about me.

What gadgets does Stonic have?

Despite having to shell out fewer shekels for a KIA, the brand manages to shoehorn in a bevy of buxom beauties as standard.

  • Smart cruise control: uses radar to keep distance from the car in front. It can be switched to regular cruise control by holding the “distance to car in front” button. Take my advice, don’t.
  • AEB: uses the camera and radar, and will toss out the anchors if it sees something you don’t.
  • Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: is wireless on the base model. A certain tech giant, who shall remain nameless, wants its maps as the dominant maps, so wireless is not available on any KIA/Hyundai with Navigation. KIA will let us know if this changes, and if the cars with navigation can be upgraded by software.
  • Sounds of Nature: Yes that’s right ladies and germs, you can motor to the sound of a crackling fireplace or a waterfall. Why? Why would you want to?
  • Lane Control: electric steering combines with a bunch of sensors to keep you centered. You can turn this, and other active features, on or off as you like.
  • Blind Sport Monitor: uses the same sensors to look for cars around you. As well as flashing a friendly message in the side mirrors, Stonic will steer you back in to your lane in if try to insist on changing lanes.
  • Auto Climate and Auto Defog: the GT-Line has a nifty auto defog setting as part of the Climate Control. Somehow, Stonic knows your windows have become uncooperative. It will bung on the demister, which is clever in any language.
  • 7 colours: Clear White (standard), Silky Silver, Perennial Gray, Aurora Black Pearl, Signal Red, Mighty Yellow , and Sporty Blue. White is standard, with other colours. A black roof can be had with some colours on the GT-Line, but you lose the sunroof. Some say that is no loss at all. Interiors have a choice of any colour you like, as long as it is black.
  • Rear USB: a single USB point on the rear of the front console gives those in the back a place to charge their phones. You won’t find one of those on a CX3. There is a further point in the front.
  • Dual Bluetooth Connections: this is handy for passengers whose driver has rubbish taste in music. One can have music while the other is for phone calls.

Who will Buy Stonic?

Good question. It isn’t super cheap, but nor is Stonic expensive. It is likely buyers would be young and funky. KIA design has streaked ahead, at least on the outside. It still has a way to go to get the cabins to compete with Mazda for example.

KIA expects GT-Line to be the big seller. Damien Meredith, KIA COO, suggested Holden buyers are now looking for replacements for the defunct brand. While the market is way down this year, the light SUV segment is up 14%, so there is plenty of room for scope.

Stonic is priced under Seltos, another funky KIA.

When will we see KIA’s new Logo?

KIA revealed the new logo recently  and we can expect that as new models and midlife updates land, the new logo will appear. It will be on the website and literature at some stage before that, one assumes.

Click HERE for full Specifications

Price:

$21,490 S,

$24,990 Sport (+$1,000 for auto),

$29,990 GT-Line

($520 for premium paint)

Engines:

4cyl, 74kw/133Nm, 6.7/L100k

3cyl, 74kw, 74kw/172Nm (turbo), 5.4L/100k

Transmissions:

6sp man/6sp auto

7sp DCT

CO2:

155g/k

125g/k