2020 KIA Stonic 1.0L Petrol · FV20 NWD

The 998cc petrol Stonic officially returns around 47 mpg on the WLTP combined cycle, and real-world driving typically delivers 40-45 mpg, meaning fuel for a 6,000-mile year will be roughly £1,000-£1,150 at current pump prices. Road tax (VED) on a Euro 6 petrol registered after April 2017 costs the standard £195 per year — no premium applies as the CO2 figure sits below the 76 g/km threshold was not met, so verify the V5C rate, but most 1.0-litre Stonics are in the £150-£195 band. Insurance falls into group 8-10 depending on trim, so a typical 40-year-old driver should expect £450-£650 annually.

Routine servicing every 12 months or 10,000 miles tends to cost £180-£260 at an independent garage, with main-dealer visits closer to £280-£350. Common wear items — front brake pads, rear brake shoes and tyres — add perhaps another £150-£250 across a typical year depending on driving style. Combining fuel, tax, insurance and maintenance, expect an annual running cost in the region of £1,800-£2,300 for moderate mileage.

On a test drive, listen carefully for any rattle from the timing chain area on cold start — the 1.0-litre T-GDi unit is generally dependable but chain stretch has been reported on earlier examples. Check the clutch bite point is high and progressive, as Stonics used heavily in town can wear the clutch early. Inspect the rear suspension for knocking over bumps; some owners have reported rear damper wear on cars used on poor road surfaces.

From the MOT history, the only flag in four years was a nail in a nearside rear tyre in 2023, which was not repeated at subsequent tests, suggesting a straightforward repair. Still, examine all four tyres for even wear and check the spare or repair kit is present, as this generation Stonic ships with a tyre mobility kit rather than a full spare on most trims. Confirm the infotainment screen and reversing camera function correctly, look for any water ingress in the boot, and verify all warning lights extinguish promptly after start-up. Finally, check the underside for any signs of accident repair or corrosion, particularly around the rear wheel arches.