February 1, 2021

The Kia Stonic Gives Your Money's Worth


As life gradually pivots to the “new normal,” the economy is slowly, but surely opening up. People are now adjusting to their daily routines—be it going to work, or getting essentials—while still taking the extra precaution not to bring the coronavirus home.

With that, personal mobility has become important. It serves as a safe bubble where one can feel more secure and relaxed. And while some have focused their attention to something no-frills, they see this as a compromise of what they truly desire.

For those who aspire for personal mobility, but don’t want to compromise on style, Kia Philippines has the answer with the all-new Kia Stonic. Here is its 5S formula on how it truly gives you your money’s worth.



#1. Style

The Kia Stonic is all part of Kia’s diversifications in SUVs. First unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Kia Stonic immediately earned the attention of many—with its stylish and hip design. This crossover features classic European style, yet still having design cues favored by popular SUV culture.

For a sensible urban crossover, the Kia Stonic exudes a strong street presence. Upfront, it has a dynamic face thanks to its projector-type headlights flanked by the signature Tiger Nose grille. LED daytime running lights, exclusive to the Stonic EX, give it an unmistakable presence. Towards the side, the aggressive fender treatment, 16-inch alloy wheels, thick C-pillar, and unique roof rack design lend it a subtle SUV look further highlighted by lively hues which befit its dynamic and chic persona. The Stonic EX even sports a two-tone color option, making it even more vibrant.



#2. Space

The Kia Stonic is something of a Goldilocks car—not too big, not too small but just right for the discerning buyer. With an overall length of 4,100 mm in length and 1,532 mm in height, its perfect for maneuvering around in tight spaces, but with a 2,570 mm wheelbase, it’s comfortably bigger than sub-compact sedans. True enough, open the doors and it has competitive front and rear head room, leg room, and shoulder room.

Space for five people aside, the comfortable and roomy cabin is smartly designed enhancing the experience for everyone aboard. Aside from offering ample space for smartphones and other gadgets, the center console layout has been optimized to fit drinks while keeping small items secure and separated while driving. Towards the back, the 325-liter cargo hold can grow to 1,155 liters with the rear seats folded down. And with 185 mm of ground clearance, as much as 65 mm higher than sub-compact sedans, it offers drivers the confidence to tackle Manila’s flash floods.



#3. Shift

The Kia Stonic’s head-turning looks is backed-up by its peppy performance. At its heart is a 1.4-liter normally-aspirated 4-cylinder engine mated to either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic with manual shift override. The engine makes 95 horsepower for the manual, and 100 horsepower for the automatic; with both versions making 132 Nm of torque.

And while it’s designed with the daily commute in mind, the Kia Stonic knows how to have fun. On the road, it boasts of passenger car-like dynamics with a good balance between ride and handling. It has neutral balance with good overall grip and stability, while the steering itself offers precise on-center feel and accuracy, with mid-corner settlement at high speed.



#4. Sound

Targeted towards young and active individuals, the Kia Stonic is available in two grades: the Stonic LX and Stonic EX. Pricing is pegged at P 735,000 for the Stonic LX MT, P 835,000 for the Stonic LX AT, and P 925,000 for the Stonic EX AT.

Both variants come with unparalleled connectivity brought about by its standard 8-inch touchscreen audio system with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and six speakers. It also has a host of safety features including dual SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, and a rear parking camera. The Stonic EX adds smart entry with push-start for the engine, automatic climate control, reverse parking sensors, and electronic stability control with integrated hill start assist.



#5. Service

Just like other members of the Kia Philippines’ line-up, the Kia Stonic comes with Kia’s Promise to Care which makes for an ownership experience that’s easy on the mind and pocket.

It comes with a standard five-year or 160,000-kilometer warranty as well as five years of 24/7 roadside assistance covering emergency towing, personal assistance, minor onsite repair, medical assistance and information service.

The Kia Stonic is also backed up by a well-prepared and stocked parts inventory. With over 1,500 part numbers covering maintenance, collision, and mechanical parts, it’s twice the amount required by Kia. By partnering with DHL, even parts not normally stocked can be flowed straight to a dealership in seven days or less.

Finally, Kia Stonic owners will have the choice between mineral or fully-synthetic oil during their preventive maintenance service or PMS. Opting for the new mineral-based oil will translate to 40 percent savings.

The Kia Stonic makes for a compelling case as a stylish, smart, and of course, value-oriented urban crossover offering. It offers all the touch points people find so desirable in SUVs in a right-sized package that’s both affordable and easy to live with.

5 comments:

  1. What most buyers hate about kia is the 4x a year PMS. Its downright hassle and expensive. Its not easy on the mind and pocket as stated in this review.

    ReplyDelete
  2. That 5-yr warranty is a 2-edged sword. u can only enjoy warranty if u continually & exclusively go to Kia for EXPENSIVE PMS (for 5 LOOOOONG yrs).

    ReplyDelete
  3. Will there be a full wirtten review foe this?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Definitely. We're just spacing things out. We don't want to flood you guys with Stonic content.

      Delete
  4. I had no problems with my Kia aftersales service. Maintenance is only twice a year and pretty affordable. That is if you know how to assert your rights. 😉

    ReplyDelete

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