Kia Philippines tried a different launch tactic for its 2021 Stonic sub-compact SUV. Instead of resorting to endless teasers or holding a totally unrelated online concert, they’ve stuck to the basics: give buyers a pre-launch offer that’s irresistible. This has paid off handsomely for the Ayala-backed Korean automaker.
The P 60,000 pre-launch discount was so well-received by Filipino buyers that even before the first unit arrived at Philippine ports, they managed to garner more than 200 orders. This isn’t a bad feat considering the Stonic was just officially announced on August 17, and customer bookings opened on September 10.
With everything from its SRP to its powertrain to its major features already announced, is there a new story to well about Kia Philippines’s newest family member? It turns out, yes. While the only unit available for photography is this pre-production top-of-the-line Stonic EX (P 925,000 retail), most buyers went straight for the most affordable automatic, the Stonic LX (P 785,000 retail).
Now that the Stonic’s been launched officially, we now know how each Stonic variant stacks up.
Variants and Pricing
To recap, the Stonic is available in two grades: the LX and the EX. The LX is the only one you can get with a manual transmission. Good news is that the discounted launch offer of: P 675,000 LX MT, P 785,000 LX AT, and P 875,000 EX AT has been extended until the end of November.
Colors
There are actually three colors available for the LX and four for the EX. The LX comes in Clear White, Prime Red, or Extreme Blue. The EX comes mostly with a contrasting black roof—Clear White with Black Roof, Flash Yellow with Black Roof, and Flame Orange with Black Roof. If you want a monotone color for the EX, your only choice is the Extreme Blue.
Dimensions
Dimensionally, the Stonic measures in at 4,100 mm in length, 1,735 mm in width, and 1,533 mm in height. With its 2,570 mm wheelbase, it’s roughly the same size as a sub-compact sedan or hatchback. However, its 185 mm ground clearance adds more leeway against Manila’s less-than-perfect roads. In terms of weight, the MT variant tips the scales at 1,060 kilograms, while the AT does so at 1,100 kilograms.
There are actually three colors available for the LX and four for the EX. The LX comes in Clear White, Prime Red, or Extreme Blue. The EX comes mostly with a contrasting black roof—Clear White with Black Roof, Flash Yellow with Black Roof, and Flame Orange with Black Roof. If you want a monotone color for the EX, your only choice is the Extreme Blue.
Dimensions
Dimensionally, the Stonic measures in at 4,100 mm in length, 1,735 mm in width, and 1,533 mm in height. With its 2,570 mm wheelbase, it’s roughly the same size as a sub-compact sedan or hatchback. However, its 185 mm ground clearance adds more leeway against Manila’s less-than-perfect roads. In terms of weight, the MT variant tips the scales at 1,060 kilograms, while the AT does so at 1,100 kilograms.
Under the Hood
All three variants of the Stonic come with the same engine: a 1.4-liter normally aspirated 4-cylinder engine with Dual-CVVT. The gasoline-fed engine makes 95 horsepower at 6,000 rpm for the MT and 100 horsepower at 6,000 rpm for the AT. Both versions produce 132 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. According to Kia, the power output discrepancy between the engines is down to engineers wanting to match its characteristics to the gearbox. The MT has five forward gears, while the AT has six.
Standard Features on the Stonic LX
Getting to the more interesting part, the LX, whether in MT or AT guise get the same exact set of standard features. These are:
The Stonic LX is already well-equipped for the price, and that explains why most buyers were more than happy to flock to that variant. However, for those wondering, at P 90,000 more, the Stonic EX adds even more stuff:
All three variants of the Stonic come with the same engine: a 1.4-liter normally aspirated 4-cylinder engine with Dual-CVVT. The gasoline-fed engine makes 95 horsepower at 6,000 rpm for the MT and 100 horsepower at 6,000 rpm for the AT. Both versions produce 132 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. According to Kia, the power output discrepancy between the engines is down to engineers wanting to match its characteristics to the gearbox. The MT has five forward gears, while the AT has six.
Standard Features on the Stonic LX
Getting to the more interesting part, the LX, whether in MT or AT guise get the same exact set of standard features. These are:
- 16-inch Alloy Wheels with 195/60R16 tires
- Front Fog Lamp
- Roof Rails
- 8-inch Touchscreen Infotainment
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Rear View Camera
- Multi-function Steering Wheel
- 6 Speakers
- Dual SRS Airbags
- Keyless Entry
- Projector-Type Headlights
- Electronic Adjust Side View Mirror
- Fabric Seats
- Multi-Function Display in Instrument Cluster
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Bluetooth and USB Connectivity
- Manual Air Conditioning
Standard Features on the Stonic EX
The Stonic LX is already well-equipped for the price, and that explains why most buyers were more than happy to flock to that variant. However, for those wondering, at P 90,000 more, the Stonic EX adds even more stuff:
- LED Daytime Running Lights and Position Lamp
- Mirror-Mounted Turn Side Turn Signal Indicators
- Smart Entry and Push-Start System
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Electronic Stability Control
- Rear Disc Brakes
- Automatic Climate Control
- Immobilizer
Sourcing
Like the Soluto, the Stonic is sourced from Kia’s joint-venture partner in China: Dongfeng Yueda Kia. In a recent J.D. Power APEAL (Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout) Study, this joint-venture ranked sixth highest above Beijing Hyundai, GAC Toyota, and Dongfeng Honda. Even more impressive, the Stonic is ranked second only to the Honda Fit (Jazz) in the compact upper category of the study.
Kia Promise to Care
Just like other members of the Kia Philippines’ line-up, the Kia Stonic, be it in LX or EX grade, will be offered with a five-year or 160,000-km warranty, as well as 24/7 Roadside Assistance free for five years. Roadside Assistance would include: Emergency Towing, Personal Assistance, Minor Onsite Repair, Medical Assistance and Information Service.
Just like other members of the Kia Philippines’ line-up, the Kia Stonic, be it in LX or EX grade, will be offered with a five-year or 160,000-km warranty, as well as 24/7 Roadside Assistance free for five years. Roadside Assistance would include: Emergency Towing, Personal Assistance, Minor Onsite Repair, Medical Assistance and Information Service.
The Brochure
Ah, well. Some of you just go straight here for the brochure. Here you go guys:
You didnt mention Hill-Start assist. Is this feature present?
ReplyDeleteOnly for the EX. It's integrated with the stability control system.
DeleteIs the Stonic a real KIA with a KIA engine? Or is it another rebadged chinese car?
ReplyDeleteThe engine is a Hyundai/Kia engine. It's the same one used in the 1.4-liter Accent/Rio.
DeleteHow's the feedback for stonic from the customer?
ReplyDelete