Kia Stonic / small suv recommendations

[Hdkatznahtw125sgh]

Hi,

I’m starting to look for my next car, probably by January of next year.

I currently drive a tiny VW up which is great and was my first car but I’ve outgrown it, it’s going to an elderly family member so will be well looked after.

My budget (cash) is maximum 14k. I live in an area with a low emission zone so needs to be compliant.

I live in Scotland so lots of road trips up north and lots of motorway driving and have a few outdoor hobbies hence the need for more space, but no kids or dogs. I do some country driving but mainly motorways, A and B roads.

I’m still in my 20s and almost 5 years NCD so insurance although cheaper than it was can still be expensive so that’s another consideration.

I’m looking at the Kia Stonic for these reasons, but have never driven a Kia. I’ve read it has a lot of mod cons which my current car doesn’t but I’m sure I can get used to it. I certainly don’t mind reverse sensors / camera.

Does anyone have experience of these cars and can recommend either way? I’m looking at 2019-2021 models, would consider similar alternatives also and is very early days.

Thanks 🙂

Not sure exactly how it compares size-wise but look at the VW T-Roc - I love mine!

I picked my 2018 Stonic up last Saturday. It's gone back in today because the heater didn't work yesterday when it was bloody freezing🤣
It's a 1.6 CDI First Edition so it's got every possible bell & whistle. I've still to work out most of them.
It's lovely to drive, very comfortable and a reasonable height driving position but not so high that it feels wallowy.
I've had a Focus ST 2.5l petrol for the past 10 years so it's a completely different drive but still feels quite nippy.
Insurance is £270 (£80 more than the ST surprisingly)
Can't comment on mpg but it should do better than the Focus.
Paid £10200 from Arnold Clark.

Don't know anything about Kia's but I have a Renault Capture which I really like.

Thanks, I am looking at VW T-Roc / T-Cross (not sure if there is a big difference) but they’re a bit more expensive, definitely will look more though

Thanks, sounds like heating aside so far so good?

Me too. Had a captur diesel for 2 years now 20 quid road tax a year and I love it. Traded in my Up! And I loved that little car too. An absolute work horse but just too small with teenagers and only 4 seats.

Cant comment on a kia I'm afraid

I’ll have a look at a captur, thanks.

I will miss my current car, but after 5 years definitely ready for a change

I really loved my up. It was really nippy and great for to and from work. Great on mpg. Quite basic interior and gadgets... But definitely did the job. I cant fault a vw. I waved goodbye to it with a tear when I traded it in lol if I had the money I would have bought a vw suv but as you said, they are a little more expensive

VW are expensive. Skoda are pretty much the same, but cheaper.

We have been Kia owners for years, have several pool cars for work, mostly Niro at present. But we got a Renault Captur last year as it was cheaper, Kia seem to have really bumped up in price. The Renault is very nice to drive and good fuel efficiency.

I used to have a captur and was not a fan. I got a ford puma in January and live it. It was definitely worth the extra expense.

It was our hire car on our last holiday. DH seemed to enjoy driving it and as a passenger I thought it was great, huge boot, great leg room, smooth ride.

We seriously considered the Stonic when looking at cars. I can't remember why, but we ended up not going with it and chose a VW T-Cross instead. It’s the T-Cross which is comparable for size rather than the T-Roc which is quite a bit bigger.

I'm not massively happy with it for software and performance issues and would consider a Stonic next time if we don't go electric. It’s very similar to the T Cross in terms of size, driving position and internal/boot space which are all things I love in the T Cross.

Thanks very much.

I have looked at the T-Cross but I feel the extra price just wouldn’t be worth it for me.

Me and my friends go on quite a lot of road trips through Scotland and out of all of us only 1 has a large car so passenger comfort definitely a factor. My VW UP has had many good times with 4 people in but definitely not comfortable 🤣.

Skoda Kamiq might fit the bill, not sure about 2nd hand prices though

Same size as T-Roc

Thanks will have a look, the main thing limiting me is insurnace prices / low emissions zone compliance

My sister has a Stonic which I drive a lot . It’s a nice car , plenty of room , drives well but I find it a bit of a low driving position as my own cars are a Kia Soul and an MG ZS , which are both considerably higher and both of which I would highly recommend .

Another vote for the Puma here. Humungous boot, fun to drive and very economical. Just about to trade mine in. It’s coming up for 3 years old, done 45k and I expect to get about £12k for it.

I've got a 2020 Stonic. Had it from a few months old and absolutely love it. I downsized to it, and did research first. I tried the Tcross, but it didn't compare imo.
Mine's got reversing camera and all the options and I like it that much, when I update shortly, I intend to get another Stonic

We’ve a t-cross and love it, although heard good things about Kia stonic.

I was looking at the stonic after wanting to downsize a bit from my Kia sportage as didn't need the size anymore. I liked it but in the end went for a puma due to being best value new and I love it. Good boot space and feels steady on the motorway.