2023 Kia Stonic Review - Fun, But Compromised

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The Kia Stonic is against some strong competition, so does it stack up or is better value to be had elsewhere?
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[@o00scorpion00o]

There's not a lot of options for hatchbacks but car companies are charging a premium for these cars, the Stonic is a taller hatch with a body kit to make it look wider. I drove a 2024 K2, Irish spec if that's different ? manual climate, nice analogue instrument cluster, I just love those dials and the way they light up much nicer than the glare of a screen, it has buttons where I like them, I currently drive a Volkswagen ID3 and can't wait to get rid of it but having a very hard time because so far 3 dealers told me they don't take electric cars for trade. And VW trade in after 2.5 years is shocking ! Anyway, after 9 years I had enough of being ripped off with depreciation, range isn't good enough, charge times are too long etc etc, Don't like all the screens and software and climate in menus and radio. So the Stonic was very refreshing, I really liked it. Nice and simple and comfortable enough. "scratchy plastics" yes it has some but it's still a very nice place to sit, even my 41,000 Euro VW id3 is full of hard scratchy plastic but the Stonic is a nicer place to sit. The 1.0L non mild hybrid. 3 cylinder 100 Hp 6 speed manual, it has plenty of poke for me and most normal people, some say the suspension is firm, yes it's firm but I didn't find it uncomfortable on Irish back roads. It was quite fun, driving the Stonic yesterday made me realised how much fun driving ICE petrol manual actually is compared to EV which is just downright soulless and boring after the novelty wears off. The engagement of an ICE manual can't be beaten, I realise this now after so long in EV. I'm 5 foot 8 short enough legs tall torso and pretty heavy and found the Stonic quite comfortable. I liked the Stonic so much because the one I drove was just pure engine and manual no hybrid or automatic, lovely interior for me and I don't think many would be disappointed. I really don't think anyone needs to spend more than the base version, a hybrid isn't worth the extra money because it will take a long time to pay back. I just hope Kia keep the Analogue instrument cluster and manual climate in the base versions at least. Not everyone wants screens because they are very distracting and people just flick through menus all the time, information overload, it's not necessary in a car and it's actually quite dangerous, so Kia please keep the Analogue instrument cluster ! The Puma has digital instrument cluster and a big tablet on the dash and they look hideous, I don't like it at all but I would suggest anyone to take a drive in the Stonic and ask yourself is the Puma worth the money over the puma ? it's got a bigger boot and a bit more room in the rear but it's a lot more expensive and you're paying for these digital screens and the hardware and software that goes into them. There's a reason so many people are buying basic Dacias, because they're cheap and mostly free of the tech and massive screens and digital Instrument clusters but they are creeping into the new 2024 dacia hybrid but thankfully not in other versions. I'd buy a brand new Stonic tomorrow only the Volkswagen Electric car has lost so much value in 2.5 years that I may have to keep it and a lot of dealers don't want it as trade in so let this be a lesson for anyone thinking of buying EV, I did it 3 times and won't be doing it again.

[@Martin-yv3cz]

I have the automatic Stonic GT Line and I LOVE IT

[@jonymarciosantos3565]

Great review. Model 2024 is coming?

[@HelenGill2222]

Love the yellow.

[@ItsDanLatham]

Not my cup of tea really but it is bright and cheerful! I’d rather see more yellow cars on the road than silver 😄

[@talkandplay]

Excellent review. Subbed.

[@ItsDanLatham]

Thanks for sticking around!

[@unwokeneuropean3590]

GT line.... in my part of the world people buying the naked basic petrol version.

[@miskatonic6210]

And why would anyone care about your part of the world?

[@lexluger7703]

@@miskatonic6210 😂

[@MelRay373]

Thanks!

[@ThatLeeNoble]

Are those twin exhausts real?

[@7vnsWrld]

No has on 1 exhaust

[@E.D.115]

You speak very quikly.

[@ItsDanLatham]

There's always the option to watch the video at a slower speed...

[@miskatonic6210]

​​@@ItsDanLathamNext you want to tell us that it will make the viewing experience sooo much better. Maybe learn to cope with constructive criticism instead of being such a smartass.

[@1SeanPG]

@E.D.115 - I agree.

[@1SeanPG]

Maybe show us the car instead of you driving?

[@ItsDanLatham]

@@1SeanPG plenty of shots of the car on here, this is how the majority of reviews are filmed, search for a walkaround if you want to see more in depth footage! Not had any complaints before, although I have been meaning to add an extra camera for POV shots 🤷🏻‍♂️