FOLK seeking a supermini-sized crossover really should check out the latest Kia Stonic.
I’ve recently been testing the Korean marque’s cracker in top-spec GT-Line S trim with a mild-hybrid engine and it put a smile on my face every time I got behind the wheel.
That’s because it provides a decent drive, is very well kitted out as well as comfortable, and it is keenly priced.
The Stonic has definite kerb appeal with a blend of slimline and chunky design features, as well as contrasting sharp creases and smooth surfaces.
I also appreciated the subtle use of chrome brightwork around the side windows and for the roof rails, as well as the contrasting gloss black roof.
The silver skid plates front and back as well as the black finishing to the lower parts of the car also catch the eye and add a sense of robustness. And the car sits on dynamic-looking, two-tone, 17in alloy wheels that add a touch of class.
Stepping inside, the GT-Line S has attractive black cloth and faux leather seats with intricate white detailing and piping.
A flat-bottomed steering wheel along with a carbon-fibre effect trim running across the dash add a touch of sportiness. And the cabin is surprisingly spacious, with room for four adults to travel in comfort.
The 352-litre boot is more than good enough for a couple of cases or the weekly shop, while folding the 60/40-split rear seats provides a useful 1155 litres of loadspace.
Extensive interior storage areas include a centre console box and cup holders, bottle holders in every door, an illuminated glove box, an overhead sunglasses case and a front passenger seat-back pocket.
The infotainment system consists of an eight-inch touchscreen with sat nav, DAB radio and full smartphone compatibility. An app lets you control various functions and helps you get to destinations on foot once parked up.
The set-up also includes front and rear parking sensors as well as a reversing camera and split-screen capability, while the instrument panel incorporates an informative 4.2in digital display.
Other GT-Line S goodies run to keyless entry and start, auto lights (including high beam assist) and wipers, smart cruise control, automatic air con and heated front seats and steering wheel.
This Stonic also comes with an impressive array of safety features such as lane keep assist, intelligent speed limiter, rear collision avoidance and blind spot warning, forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning and intelligent stop and go functions.
The powertrain consisted of a 1.0-litre petrol engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that seamlessly assists with acceleration and energy recuperation to recharge the lithium-ion battery.
Developing 118bhp and mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission, the Stonic hits 60mph in 10.4 seconds and has a top speed of 115mph.
It actually felt livelier than the figures might suggest and a choice of three drive modes – eco, normal and sport – enhance the experience further.
The responsive steering and suspension set-up inspired confidence and I felt able to really push the front-wheel-drive car through corners on challenging country roads.
The Stonic showed plenty of grip and only became unsettled on the very worst surfaces, while the brakes reacted reassuringly and smoothly at all times.
In short, the ride was composed in pretty much all situations, whether around town or out on the motorway, and the three-pot engine was quiet except for a pleasing sporty rasp when under harsh acceleration.
Family motorists on a budget will also appreciate the excellent fuel economy – with an official average of 49.6mpg and CO2 emissions of just 129g/km.
What also astonished me is the fact that the top-spec version of this impressive urban crossover, complete with Kia’s famous seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, is priced from just £23,950 on the road.
That tempting figure alone should make it a winner with many car buyers.
