Without making much noise, the Kia Stonic has become one of the pillars of sales of the Korean firm in our country, in addition to being for some time among the most demanded models in the B-segment SUV segment. Although it has gained magnitude since its launch in 2017, the incorporation into the catalog of mild hybridization engines, or mild hybridhas further strengthened its acceptance, particularly among users in large cities, thanks to the Eco environmental distinction which distinguishes models equipped with any hybrid (non-rechargeable) technology.
Among the secrets of success Stonic We find its compact dimensions – 4.14 meters long, with a wheelbase of 2.58 m -, compatible with sufficient interior space for four – better than five – occupants and ideal for couples without much need for space or for a single person. The trunk, of 352 liters, is what you would expect in a model in its segment and its most notable feature, which must be taken into account, is a notable distance between the edge and the loading surface.
Another attraction of this small SUV is a good quality of finish which is accompanied by a notable simplicity in the manipulation of the various instruments and controls, which is remarkable in the era of omnipresent screens which must be used even to adjust the mirrors. Add to this the possibility of having an automatic transmission, which is not common in vehicles of this size, and prices that, as always with Kia, can be considered reasonable for the quality of the product provided to the customer.
that inside the Stonic Although there is a reasonable amount of physical controls, this does not mean that the vehicle lacks an attractive central screen, 8 inches in most versions, as well as a 4.2 inch dashboard. inches. Add to this Kia’s connected services, which include real-time traffic information and information on gas stations, parking lots and places of interest, as well as speed control alerts and weather forecasts. .
Also add telematics system functions UVO Connect, such as car location and summary of our trips, last mile walking navigation, user profile information and transfer and started vehicle alert, which sends a notification to the driver when leaving the vehicle started and the door opened.
Now let’s focus on the engine range for a moment. There is one available with a 1.2 liter and 79 horsepower, without hybridization, and another 1.0 T-GDi MHEV which was previously offered in 100 and 120 hp variants and can now only be requested in the less powerful one.
A very welcome hybridization
The system mild hybrid The 48 volt integrates an electric motor which, powered by a small battery, has among its functions that of assisting the main thermal engine in certain conditions, notably during acceleration. The objective is thus to improve the performance of the car while slightly reducing consumption, in addition to having access to the precious Eco badge already mentioned.
Not only does the user not have to do anything for this technology to work, but it will also go unnoticed except in two very specific situations. The first, by taking your foot off the accelerator during deceleration phases, where the electric motor begins to work like a generator and the retention increases in intensity. The second takes place when the same electric motor is responsible for starting the thermal engine (which is almost always the case), a function which it fulfills quickly and smoothly.
He Stonic has made a qualitative leap in safety features in its 2021 update. Devices such as Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Automatic High Beam Shift, driver fatigue, emergency braking, speed sign recognition, adaptive cruise control were then introduced. or assistant to avoid perpendicular collisions at the rear, among others. Added to all this are now ADAS – driving aids – which have been compulsory by law since last July.
The Korean model range consists of two finishes —To drive And concept— for the 1.2 naturally aspirated engine, marketed from 21,294 euros, and a total of four for the MHEV 1.0: same To drive And concepthe Style editing and the most luxurious and sporty GT line. In this case, the price range is between 21,566 and 24,619 euros.
The version To drive like the GT-LinThey can integrate a seven-speed automatic transmission which incurs an additional expense of 1,600 euros in both cases. The model with the 79 HP engine has a five-speed manual transmission, and the mild hybrid In principle, it has a smart manual which has six relationships.
