Kia Stonic: how much will I spend to choose wisely?

The Kia Stonic is one of the best options among small crossovers thanks to its good balance between price and equipment. But, of the possible combinations of engine and trim level, which is the most recommended? We help you choose.

The Kia Stonic is available from 12,600 euros, as Kia advertises. This price is for the 1.2 CVVT 84 CV version, with Concept trim, and taking advantage of the almost 5,800 euros in discounts you can accumulate, according to the brand’s configurator. But it is by no means the most interesting version.

If you have turned your eyes to the Stonic as a solution to the “monotony” of traditional city cars, and are looking to follow the “SUV trend”, the Kia crossover may be a perfect option. Of course, as long as you know how to choose well. Because the combination of engines and trim levels yields almost two dozen possibilities.

We assume that if you have reached this far you have probably already read our road test of the Kia Stonic, in which we discussed interior space, dynamic behaviour, trim levels… We have already told you that it is a very capable car, which stands out for its good value for money. That is why it is among the best-selling cars in its class, where the “fighting roosters” are cars like the Peugeot 2008 or the Renault Captur.

Choosing an engine for the Kia Stonic: if you want, you can.

We start with the first point you will need to be clear about when choosing your Kia Stonic: the engine. And here, we would rule out the 1.2 CVVT mentioned above. A naturally aspirated engine that will fall short for you, and which serves to offer a very competitive starting price as a lure.

The reasonable doubts come now: is petrol or diesel better? And how much power would I need in each case? Well, let’s simplify.

Just as we ruled out the entry-level petrol engine, we also do so with the more powerful 1.6 CRDi, the 136 CV one. And not because it is a bad option, by no means. But you cannot combine it with the basic Concept trim, and that means you have to set aside at least 18,320 euros.

Only choose this option if you are clear that you are going to use the Kia Stonic to cover many kilometres on country roads or motorways and will do little city driving. In addition, you will avoid the problems that turbodiesel engines tend to have, related to the EGR or the particulate filter, when they are not taken out on the open road.

That said, let’s move on to the petrol versions. You have two possibilities: the 1.0 T-GDi with 100 or 120 CV. If your budget is very tight and you do little long-distance driving, mainly in town and suburbs, the 100 CV engine is more than enough, even if you are carrying passengers. But here it is worth making the effort: the 120 CV engine costs barely 1,100 euros more, and you get not only 20 extra CV, but also greater pulling power that makes driving more pleasant, and a 6-speed gearbox that will help you achieve lower consumption in real-world use.

Equipment: the balance lies right in the middle

Now on to equipment. Our chosen engine for the Stonic, the 120 CV 1.0 T-GDi, is available (as is the 100 CV, in case you cannot stretch to it or have decided to “save” those 1,100 euros) with the three trim levels that Kia offers for the Stonic: Concept, Drive and Tech.

It should be said upfront that the Concept already comes as standard with what we consider essential: air conditioning, light sensor, cruise control (with speed limiter), fog lights and a multimedia screen with audio system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

But without needing to go to the top-of-the-range Tech trim, our recommendation is to opt for the intermediate level, the Drive trim. It costs 1,450 euros more than the Concept, but look at everything you get for that price: climate control, rain sensors, front and rear parking sensors, satnav, rear-view camera and a more “stylish” exterior look, thanks to finishing details such as tinted windows or rear LED lights, plus the alloy wheels.

And now, we ask you for an extra effort to complete the perfect purchase: equip the optional Advanced Driving Assistance Pack. It costs 650 euros, and adds fatigue detection, autonomous emergency braking, Supervision instrumentation with a 3.5-inch LCD screen, automatic high beam and lane-keeping assist.

The total? Well, you have a 1.0 T-GDi 120 CV Stonic Drive for less than 18,000 euros, 17,690 euros to be exact, including the current discount of 4,785 euros. That would be our recommended purchase.

Prefer diesel? With the same trim and the optional assistance pack, the 115 CV 1.6 CRDi won’t cost much more either: 18,395 euros.

And if your budget is very tight and you are looking for the lowest possible price, we recommend staying with the 100 CV petrol engine and doing without the extras the Drive trim offers, but without giving up the assistance pack. You would get a 100 CV 1.0 T-GDi Stonic with Drive trim and good safety equipment for 15,100 euros, always taking discounts into account. Are you still going round in circles?

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverKIA Stonic7 versions · from 24,210 €