A new light SUV arrived earlier last year in the Kia Stonic, best described as a high-riding version of Kia’s Rio hatchback but with its own individual style and a vastly better interior.

The styling distinctly European, the product of the South Korean company’s European design studio. A small five-door, five-seater front wheel drive SUV in three models – the entry S, mid-range Sport and top-spec GT-Line – driveaway prices running from $24,690 to $32,190. The lower grade models 1.4-litre four-cylinder in either 6-speed manual and auto while the GT-line gets a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo only in seven-speed dual-clutch auto with three selectable drive modes– I tested the mid-spec Sport  and the GT-line , the latter with 33 per cent more torque the nicer of the two offerings with a very relaxed performance  despite lacking the power and torque of the 2.0-litre Mazda CX-3.

Having said that it has far better luggage space to the Mazda. Safety and convenience features abound while I really like the quality and clarity of the instrumentation. The Stonic GT-Line gets a body kit, climate control air, premium seats, LED headlights and dependent on colour a sunroof. Suspension tune on high quality Continental tyres shines while Kia’s 7-years/unlimited kilometre warranty provides peace of mind motoring.

I’m David Berthon.

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