Should you buy one?

The Kia Stonic has been around for a while now and it shows in its competitiive position against younger, fresher SUV-shaped rivals. It isn’t an especially bad car, but we can’t imagine opting for the dowdy and staid Stonic over rivals with more space, greater efficiency, and more inviting interiors.

That’s not to say there’s no place for the Stonic – its long warranty, hardwearing interior and sturdy construction mean it should be a painless ownership experience, while there are no doubt those who’ll love the way this little SUV looks – especially in sporty GT-Line trims with its two-tone roof.

Generous equipment and a low starting price also make the Stonic more attractive as a cash purchase, while its high driving position and uncomplicated dynamics mean it will appeal to more traditional buyers.

We just think other rivals simply offer more bang for your buck, especially given the impressive finance offers often available that Kia rarely offers. The Parkers Award-winning Ford Puma or hugely practical Skoda Kamiq would be our pick in this sector.

What we like

The fuel consumption is excellent for the mild-hybrid version, and the Stonic has carved itself a reputation for impressive reliability and low running costs.

What we don’t like

It feels a bit old, especially considering its Hyundai counterpart, the Kona, has just been replaced and its all-new interior really is very impressive.