The Kia Stonic 1.6 CRDi (116 hp) was a subcompact crossover marketed by Kia from 2018 to 2020. Positioned as a fuel-efficient and practical entry in the burgeoning B-segment crossover market, the 1.6 CRDi variant aimed to appeal to buyers seeking lower running costs and reasonable performance. It was a key model in Kia’s expansion into the European market, offering a stylish and well-equipped alternative to established competitors like the Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008. The Stonic, built on Kia’s platform shared with the Hyundai Kona, represented Kia’s attempt to capture a younger demographic with its modern design and available customization options.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Kia |
| Model | Stonic |
| Generation | Stonic |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 CRDi (116 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2018 year |
| End of production | 2020 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Crossover |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 4.3 l/100 km (54.7 US mpg, 65.7 UK mpg, 23.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 3.7 l/100 km (63.6 US mpg, 76.3 UK mpg, 27 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 3.9 l/100 km (60.3 US mpg, 72.4 UK mpg, 25.6 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 103 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.3 kg/Hp, 97.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.3 kg/Nm, 234.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 116 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 72.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 280 Nm @ 1500-2750 rpm (206.52 lb.-ft. @ 1500-2750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D4FE |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 77 mm (3.03 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 85.8 mm (3.38 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.4 l (4.65 US qt | 3.87 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.2 l (6.55 US qt | 5.46 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1195 kg (2634.52 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1720 kg (3791.95 lbs.) |
| Max load | 525 kg (1157.43 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 352 l (12.43 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1155 l (40.79 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45 l (11.89 US gal | 9.9 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1110 kg (2447.13 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 450 kg (992.08 lbs.) |
| Length | 4140 mm (162.99 in.) |
| Width | 1760 mm (69.29 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2025 mm (79.72 in.) |
| Height | 1520 mm (59.84 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2580 mm (101.57 in.) |
| Front track | 1531 mm (60.28 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1539 mm (60.59 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 183 mm (7.2 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.34 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.4 m (34.12 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 15.4° |
| Departure angle | 30.4° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Kia Stonic 1.6 CRDi utilized the D4FE engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine was part of Kia’s Gamma family of engines, known for its relatively compact size and efficiency. The D4FE featured a turbocharger with an intercooler, boosting power output to 116 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 280 Nm (206.52 lb-ft) of torque between 1,500 and 2,750 rpm. It employed a diesel common rail fuel injection system, delivering precise fuel metering for optimized combustion and reduced emissions. The engine also featured a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, enhancing breathing and contributing to its power delivery. The 6-speed manual transmission was standard, providing a balance between fuel economy and drivability.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6 CRDi Stonic offered a practical and economical driving experience. While not particularly sporty, the engine provided adequate power for everyday driving situations. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 10.4 seconds, and top speed was rated at 180 km/h (111.85 mph). The turbocharger helped to mitigate turbo lag, providing a usable amount of torque at lower engine speeds. The manual transmission offered precise shifts, and the gear ratios were well-suited for both city and highway driving. Compared to higher-output gasoline versions of the Stonic, the 1.6 CRDi prioritized fuel efficiency over outright performance. The manual transmission, while engaging, didn’t offer the seamlessness of an automatic, but it did contribute to better fuel economy.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 CRDi trim level typically included standard features such as air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, power windows, and central locking. Safety features included ABS, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and multiple airbags. Higher trim levels added features like alloy wheels, a rear-view camera, parking sensors, and a more advanced infotainment system with navigation. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for leather upgrades on higher trims. Customization options were a key selling point for the Stonic, with a variety of exterior colors and interior accents available.
Chassis & Braking
The Stonic featured a front-wheel-drive chassis with a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. The front brakes were ventilated discs, providing good stopping power, while the rear brakes were solid discs. The steering was electrically assisted, offering light and precise control. The suspension was tuned for comfort, providing a reasonably smooth ride over most road surfaces. The relatively lightweight construction of the Stonic helped to contribute to its agility and handling.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Kia Stonic 1.6 CRDi was generally well-received by automotive critics for its fuel efficiency, practicality, and value for money. It was often praised for its stylish design and well-equipped interior. However, some critics noted that the engine could feel underpowered when fully loaded or on steep inclines. Compared to the gasoline-powered Stonic variants, the 1.6 CRDi offered significantly better fuel economy, making it an attractive option for drivers who covered long distances. It competed directly with other subcompact crossovers like the Renault Captur, Peugeot 2008, and Nissan Juke.
Legacy
The Kia Stonic 1.6 CRDi, while only available for a short period, established Kia as a serious contender in the European subcompact crossover market. The D4FE engine proved to be relatively reliable, although, like all diesel engines, it required regular maintenance and the use of high-quality diesel fuel. On the used car market, these models are often sought after for their fuel efficiency and affordability. The Stonic’s success paved the way for Kia to expand its crossover lineup and further strengthen its brand image in Europe. The model’s emphasis on style, practicality, and value continues to influence Kia’s design and engineering philosophy today.
