While Hyundai Australia has just launched the Kona, overseas, Kia has launched its sister car, the Kia Stonic. It competes in the same small SUV market segment.
The Stonic is offered in five different trim levels with three powertrain options in the UK. Powertrains span from a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol producing 88kW/171Nm, a 1.4-litre petrol generating 73kW/133Nm, and a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel developing 81kW/260Nm. These are all unique compared with the units powering the Hyundai Kona.
All units come with stop-start technology, and all come with a six-speed manual transmission with front-wheel drive. Acceleration for the most powerful version, the 1.0 turbo, across the 0-60mph (97km/h) sprint takes 9.9 seconds.
As standard, every Stonic model comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, air-con, power windows, rear parking sensors, and a 3.5-inch LCD instrument cluster display. Bluetooth is also standard, with projector headlights and LED daytime running lights, and 60:40 split-fold rear seats.
Kia is offering special First Edition models for a limited time, adding a smart key, leather-like interior accents, climate control, heated front seats, a dual-height cargo area, and some chrome exterior trimmings.
Although sharing the same Hyundai-Kia GB platform (same as Kia Rio) with the Hyundai Kona, the Stonic is pitched as a more entry level model. Kia says it is only offering front-wheel drive, for example, as the market demand for AWD is only 8 per cent according to the European arm.
The Stonic won’t be heading to Australia any time soon. However, local buyers have the Kona and will soon be offered a separate small SUV from Kia. Stonic prices in the UK start from the following:
Kia Stonic 1.4 ISG – £16,295
Kia Stonic 1.0 T-GDi ISG – £16,995
Kia Stonic 1.6 CRDi ISG – £17,795
Kia Stonic First Edition 1.0 T-GDi ISG – £19,695
Kia Stonic First Edition 1.6 CRDi ISG – £20,495
