Hi Ursula,

The Kia Stonic is a fine choice, as it has interesting looks and a well-specified, solidly built interior. It also has the seven-year manufacturer warranty and – as it was only launched in 2017 – that means even used examples will be covered for issues until 2024. As you’re interested in petrol, your choices are the 84hp 1.25 MPI, the 100hp 1.4 MPI and the 120hp 1.0 T-GDi and we’d really advocate the latter of these. It’ll be a bit more expensive but its turbocharged nature makes it the best engine for the Stonic.

Alternatives to the Kia Stonic include the Nissan Juke, the Renault Captur, the Peugeot 2008, the Citroen C3 Aircross, the Audi Q2, the Honda HR-V, the Ford EcoSport and the Opel Mokka X – all of which have their own particular strengths and weaknesses – but our own favourite in the B-segment crossover class right now is the SEAT Arona, which is just a little more interesting to drive than the Stonic and which has better petrol engine choices.