2021 KIA Stonic GT-Line ISG Mhev 1.0L Hybrid electric (clean) · CL21 ABO

Across three recorded DVSA MOT tests covering the period from August 2024 to July 2026, this 2021 Kia Stonic GT-Line ISG MHEV has returned three passes with no failures recorded, though it carries a modest advisory trail that is worth dissecting. The most recent test on 27 July 2026 was a pass with an advisory noting that the nearside and offside front brake pads are wearing thin. This advisory follows a clean pass in August 2025 with no defects recorded, and an earlier advisory in August 2024 for a nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edge. Taken together, the record is consistent with a vehicle that has been broadly roadworthy throughout its testing history, but the advisory at the most recent test indicates that front braking consumables are now approaching the point where replacement should be planned. The pattern is not yet chronic, but it is a mechanical signal that front brake wear is ongoing and the next service interval will likely involve pad renewal, with discs warranting close inspection at the same time. The recorded mileage of 30,936 against an age of around five years equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 6,187 miles, which sits comfortably within the typical range for a small crossover of this age. There are no unusual gaps in the testing timeline and no evidence of the vehicle having been laid up for extended periods; the tests have occurred at standard intervals and the mileage progression implied between tests is consistent with regular, moderate use. This usage profile is mechanically favourable in that it avoids the twin risks of long-term standing, which can degrade brake hydraulic components, exhaust mounting rubbers, and underbody sealing through lack of cycle, and the higher wear rates associated with very high annual mileages, which can accelerate suspension bush wear, clutch fatigue in manual transmissions, and brake disc wear on the MHEV platform. For a mild-hybrid vehicle, this level of use is generally sufficient to keep the 48V system components cycled without imposing excessive stress on them. For a prospective buyer, the priority mechanical checks on a test drive should centre on the front braking system, given the recent advisory for pad wear. From a standing start at low speed, the vehicle should pull away without any judder through the pedal, and during a moderate brake application from around 30 mph the pedal should feel firm and progressive rather than spongy, which would indicate that the caliper guide pins are free and that the hydraulic system has not been compromised. Any pulling to one side under braking, or a grinding or metallic squeal that persists beyond the first few stops of the day, would warrant further investigation into caliper binding or worn discs behind the renewed friction material. Given that the 2024 advisory flagged a nearside front tyre worn on the edge, it is also worth confirming whether the vehicle has since been fitted with a matched pair of quality tyres on the front axle, as uneven edge wear can sometimes indicate a lingering alignment or suspension geometry issue rather than simple inflation pressure, and a steering pull or offset from the straight-ahead position on a flat road would be a relevant symptom to test for. Beyond braking and tyres, the test drive should include a careful pass over rougher urban surfaces and speed bumps to listen for any clonks or knocks from the front suspension, as the Stonic uses a MacPherson strut layout with lower control arms and anti-roll bar linkages that are susceptible to bush wear over time, particularly on vehicles that have spent significant time on potholed British roads. The electric power assistance should be checked for smooth self-centring and absence of any notchiness when turning from lock to lock, and the start-stop and mild-hybrid assist functions should be observed to confirm they are operating normally, as any warning lights on the instrument cluster relating to the hybrid system would warrant a diagnostic scan before purchase. Finally, a walkaround with attention to the underside of the front valance, brake hoses, and the visible sections of the underbody for any signs of corrosion would be prudent, although given the vehicle's age and the absence of any corrosion advisories in the MOT record, significant structural issues would not be expected at this stage.