Just got back from the KIA dealership (had to deposit 4k extra for Sportage freight charges). Checked out Stonic. A nice looking car overall but it is being overhyped to the max. The height is quite low, I wouldn't be surprised if Corolla ride position is higher. The boot is slightly larger than hatchbacks like Vitz/Passo.
Rear seating is very cramped, no one with young kids using child seat should get this because there is no room at the back to recline the child seat. And if you stow a stroller in the boot there won't be room for anything else. Even if you move the front seat forward, seating position in the rear is awkward and there is nowhere for your knees to go. BRV is much more spacious in the back, so is Passo. And the seat is not as wide as initially appeared from pictures, so only two adults can sit side by side.
Front seating is spacious and comfortable. Dashboard is modern, leather wrapped steering feels nice. But the driving position is low, you get the same feel as sitting behind Civic's steering wheel, let alone a so called "crossover". This is a hatchback with better angling and deceiving looks. Other than that, build quality seems okay. Interior is mostly cheap plastics in the door and the dash as is the norm for econo cars. I am struggling to find the selling points for this car, even for an enthusiast looking for a sporty car with driving pleasure, this is a 1.4L with 100 HP, it won't be sluggish but it won't be very nippy either, maybe it is tuned better idk. Out of the interested customers.. what I noted was a kid trying to convince his dad for it, and that seems to be the target market.. a second car for the kids.
