SUPER STONIC?(some text hidden)

By Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Review word count: 42

Kia continues to build its share of the market for small Juke-style compact Crossover SUVs with this car, the Stonic. This revised model showcases the brand's fresh, more charismatic styling approach and offers buyers a highly personalisable choice in this growing segment.

Background word count: 127

Kia couldn't afford not to be in the B-SUV segment for Nissan Juke and Renault Captur-style Crossovers. This sector of the market does, after all, currently account for over 2 million sales in Europe each year and that figure is only likely to grow, hence the need for the Stonic model updates we look at here. Kia has noted that the B-SUV segment attracts buyers from across the spectrum, with 21% of customers upsizing from a supermini and another 15% downsizing from their family hatchbacks. Cars like the Stonic also appeal to those looking to replace their compact MPVs. This model is based on the underpinnings and engineering of Kia's Rio supermini and shares much of its design with anther Korean contender in this class, Hyundai's Kona.

Driving Experience word count: 164

As expected, the Stonic shares the engine line-up used in Kia's Rio supermini. Which means a petrol engine range that now offers both conventional and mild hybrid versions of the brand's usual three cylinder 1.0-T-GDI petrol unit. The conventional version of this powerplant offers 99bhp. With 48V mild hybrid tech, there's a 118bhp output. Either way, there's the choice of either the latest iMT manual transmission or a 7DCT automatic. The car's European-tuned steering and suspension are designed to offer the kind of fun responses buyers are now expecting from small SUVs these days. The stiff bodyshell should help here, this having allowed the development team to introduce a more compliant suspension system. A carefully calibrated power steering system should provide decent feel through the helm too. The standard 'VSM' 'Vehicle Stability Management; system includes 'Torque Vectoring; and 'Cornering Brake Control; to help you get the power down through the corners. All models are front-driven: there's not much appetite in this segment for 4WD.