Kia Stonic Sport and GT-Line 2023 Review

Kia Stonic – In late 2021 Kia added the Stonic to its range of smaller SUVs. The FWD only Stonic is what Kia calls the Goldilocks SUV, not too small not too big, just right. And perhaps it is for urban escapades.

2023 Kia Stonic GTLine- front driving 2 Stonic comes in three grades the ‘S’ which we drove last year and the Sport and GT-Line which we have driven over the last couple of weeks.

All models are well equipped, the GT-Line with the little luxuries that buyers seem to want.

Stonic Sport comes with a 1.4L 4 Cyl petrol engine producing 74kW of power and 133Nm of torque. It drives the front wheels only through a 6 Sp AT.

It’s definitely not sporty but has adequate performance for around town driving and will allow easy freeway cruising.

The GT-Line comes with a 1.0L 3 Cyl turbo petrol engine with a 7 Sp DSG. It provides the same 74kW of power but 172Nm of torque for a zipper performance.

There is plenty of room up front for occupants, not so much in the rear seats, and boot space is good.

It seems that the SUV style vehicle continues to replace hatches and if you think of the Stonic as a bulkier Rio, then you get the picture.

The GT-Line is priced from $30,790 plus the usual costs.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE KIA STONIC RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

2023 Kia Stonic GTLine- front qtr

Quick Kia Stonic Thoughts

  • There is a noticeable difference between the two engines.
  • The GT with its 1.0L three cylinder engine is a bit more fun and zippier, but I usually prefer an old school automatic transmission rather than a DSG.
  • The 1.4L 4 cylinder can feel a little breathless at times, ok for around town but not much fun.
  • The DSG is a little jerky around town and needs practice to drive smoothly
  • Typically Kia both vehicles are well equipped and well priced.

Kia Stonic Final thoughts

Urban based SUVs are for the demographic that wants the more upright seating position, with the extra space over a hatchback and sedan but dont need the extra benefits of AWD.

Kia Stonic fits the brief perfectly.

Its typically Kia, packed with features, value based pricing, Australian tunes suspension and an outstanding warranty.

I would prefer the GT-Line for the zippier performance, but bear in mind the slightly jerky nature of the DCT.

What is good?

  • Overall ambience/ Stylish looks
  • Engine performance and economy
  • Value for money

What is not so good?

  • Can feel a little plasticky at times
  • Two people only comfortable
  • Not fussed on the DSG

Also look at

The small Urban SUV segment is full of vehicles with a plethora of choice.

Buyers could look at the Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Venue, Citroen C3, Toyota Yaris Cross, VW T Cross, Skoda Karoq

2023 Kia Stonic GTLine-engine

Kia  

Model

Stonic GT-Line

Model Price $30,790 MLP*
Engine 1.0L 3 Cyl Turbo Petrol Euro 5
Drivetrain FWD 7Sp DCT
Battery Capacity / type N/A
Power 74kW @ 6,000rpm
Torque 172Nm @ 1,500 – 4,000rpm
Fuel ADR 5.4L/100km
Fuel on Test 6.5L/100k
Fuel capacity 45L
Range (WLTP) / efficiency N/A
Fast Charge / Home (240V) N/A
Safety 5 Star ANCAP ( Tested Jan 2017)
CO2 Emissions 125g/km
0-100kmh/Top Speed N/A
Servicing 12 Mth / 10,000km – Capped Price
Warranty 7yr/ unlimited km
Roadside Assist 7Yr. conditional roadside assist

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

2023 Kia Stonic GTLine- front interior

Overall Rating    

84/100

Behind the Wheel 8
Comfort 8
Equipment 9
Performance 8
Ride and Handling 8
Practicality 8
Fit for Purpose 9
Style / appeal 9
Technology / connectivity 8
Value for Money 9

2023 Kia Stonic GTLine- interior 4 pic

Dimensions

 
Overall Length 4140mm
Wheelbase 2580mm
Width 1760mm
Height 1520mm
Wheels 17×6.5 Alloy
Tyres 205/55 R17
Max ground clearance Up to 183mm
Wading Depth N/A
Approach N/A
Rampover N/A
Departure angle N/A
Turning Circle KTK 10.2m
Boot Capacity Min 332L
Boot capacity Max 1132L
Battery Weight N/A
Kerb Weight TBC
Payload (kg) TBC
GVM (kg) TBC
GCM TBC
Towing Capacity 450kg
Tow Ball rating 75kg

2023 Kia Stonic GTLine- rear driving

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network

Our Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners and they are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive Radio Program, which is broadcast through the Community Radio Network across Australia

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*