Kia Stonic review

There isn’t much of a buzz inside the Stonic, and despite Kia’s best efforts to push it upmarket, there’s not a huge amount of soft-touch material.

Some bits feel better than others, like the armrest, for example, but there’s heavy use of scratchy plastics on the doors and lower down by your feet. Still, it all feels robust and solid: a dog would have trouble chewing its way through bits of trim, that’s for sure. 

Where the Stonic excels is the configuration of the dashboard, which is thanks in part to the 8.0in touchscreen, which is standard across all models. It’s a doddle to use and easy to navigate between menus due to the addition of some physical buttons that sit below the touchscreen. 

In fact, the number of physical buttons in the Stonic is a refreshing sight, especially when so many of its rivals have now adopted touch-operated buttons that can be infuriatingly tricky to use on the move. The screen itself is okay: it’s a bit laggy at times, especially when you try to zoom in and out of the navigation map.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, and while it doesn't operate wirelessly via Bluetooth, it's very easy to connect your smartphone using the USB port under the climate controls and, once connected, it works well. Also included is a revised 4.2in trip computer screen that offers sharper graphics. 

From a functional perspective, though, the SUV identity of the Stonic feels half-baked compared with the Ford Puma, for example. Rather than slide conveniently sideways into the driver's seat, you lower yourself down, which means the view out isn’t what you’d call commanding. 

There’s plenty of head room and height adjustment in the seat. You can crank the lever on the right-hand side to a more crossover-like height should you wish. But overall, this isn’t a driving position that instantly smacks of easy accessibility or convenience.

Rear space is best suited to kids in booster seats and, at a push, an average-sized adult. Taller passengers will need to spread their knees and slouch in their seats to avoid contact with the headliner. With the driver’s seat in our tester's preferred position, leg room was also very limited. 

The boot, in contrast, is a good size at 352 litres and has a handy split-level ‘boot board’-type false floor. There is a rather annoying loading lip, though, which you’ll have to lift heavy cargo over. There are worse hardships, but you’ll notice it when loading your shopping.