• Hard, unyielding plastics throughout
• Layout is a model of clarity
• Feels built to last – just not very nice

How is the quality and layout?

There are certainly no red flags when it comes to the Kia Stonic’s build quality. Kia gives its cars a seven-year warranty and this one feels as though it’ll last all that time and then some. All the materials feel very well put together and there’s no untoward rattles or squeaks.

But in poking around looking for said rattles and squeaks you can’t help but notice that the choice of materials in here is unyieldingly hard, cheap-feeling plastic. That’s the case for quite a few of the Stonic’s rivals, in fairness, but cars like the Skoda Kamiq and Ford Puma do at least give you some softer surfaces where you’re likely to touch, such as the top of the dash and the upper door trims.

Infotainment and tech

Every Stonic comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with DAB radio, Apple Carplay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity and Bluetooth. Connect and GT-Line S models upgrade this system with sat-nav and connected telematics – this allows you to connect the car up to Kia’s own app to monitor things like service life and car status. It also lets the navigation pull through live data on traffic, weather, and even parking.

Kia’s infotainment system isn’t the flashiest, nor does it have the biggest screen or the best resolution. But it is very easy to use by the standards of the class. Functions are all clearly laid out and the icons are big and easy to hit, making it a pleasure to operate.

The touchscreen’s also well sited, high up on the dash where it’s within easy view but not so high it’s distracting.

Comfort

• Unimpressive front seats
• Rear passenger experience improved by panoramic roof
• Long trips could be tiring

Kias are generally well regarded for their comfort, but the Stonic doesn’t really put in a stellar performance here, although it’s not the worst in its class by a long chalk either. In many ways, it’s all about the expectations set by its larger stablemates, such as the Ceed range, which shouldn’t be reflected in this car’s more affordable price tag.

All the seat designs we’ve tried are supportive and have plenty of adjustment – but they lack much in the way of give, which can make long journeys less than pleasant. Luckily, it is very easy to get a decent position behind the wheel.

The rear seats are lacking in padding and contours, which is rather typical of small crossovers in general. However, a large optional panoramic sunroof improves overall ambience and could be worth paying extra for if you regularly carry passengers in the rear.