Starts at P675K introductory price
Written by Neil Pagulayan
Why settle for a sedan when you can have a crossover? This is the idea Kia put forth when it hinted the arrival of their newest model, the Stonic subcompact crossover SUV.
The Stonic, which slots below the Seltos, was hinted as far back in July, when Kia Philippines President, Manny Aligada, let on that a new model would be “unboxed.” Earlier this week, we were informed that the 2021 Kia Stonic would be launched to the public on October 15.
The Kia Stonic is a subcompact crossover SUV, aimed at the young and active. To quote Kia, it is for “adventurous Filipino buyers who do not compromise design and function.” Its price point is hoped to open up the Stonic as an option to those looking for a reasonably priced vehicle. It fits the space between the smaller Rio hatchback and larger Seltos crossover SUV. It’s ideal if you want something bigger than a hatch but smaller than a crossover SUV.
European design
The Stonic subcompact crossover bears Kia’s iconic style. To create it, Kia chief designer, Peter Schreyer, applied their European Design Language to produce compact features, elegant design, sharp lines and smooth surfaces, while still bearing Kia’s signature Tiger Nose Grille. To show off its ruggedness, there’s wrap-around scratch-proof cladding as is vogue with crossovers and a functional roof rail. It may look small, but the Stonic is actually occupies a bit of real estate at 4,100mm long, 1,735mm wide, and 1,532mm high.
Spacious and functional
Offering more space than a hatchback, it has a spacious interior, and amenities like smart entry and engine Push Start (on the EX variant). The entertainment system is an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple Carplay and Android Auto paired to six speakers as standard. The EX variant has single zone Automatic Climate Control. The rear cargo area has 325 liters of space. Rear seats can also split 60:40 and fold flat, which increases cargo space further.
Efficient propulsion
Under the hood is a 1.4-liter dual CVVT gasoline engine. Mated to a five-speed manual transmission, it puts out 95 Ps. With the automatic transmission, it makes 100 Ps. Max torque is at 132-Nm at 4,000 rpm. Whichever you choose, Kia says the engine and transmission pairing has been designed to return high fuel efficiency.
Easy to park
To avoid any incidents when parking, it’s equipped with a rear parking sensor, and a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines. The higher EX variant has electronic stability control and hill start assist. For driving at night, it’s equipped with projector headlamps. The EX variant throws in LED daytime running lights.
Introductory price
Kia is offering the 2021 Stonic at the introductory price of P675,000 for the entry-level LX MT, P785,000 for the mid-range LX AT, and P875,000 for the top of the line variant. These are special pre-launch prices that will be accorded to those who will reserve until the official launch on October 15.
Like other Kia vehicles, it will be covered by a five-year or 160,000-km warranty. You’ll also get free 24/7 Roadside Assistance for five years. This includes Emergency Towing, Personal Assistance, Minor Onsite Repair, Medical Assistance and Information Service for secured, enjoyable and worry-free ownership.
For more info on the Stonic, call or visit any of the 34 Kia dealers nationwide or follow Kia Philippines on Facebook.