The Arteon’s claimed gasoline economy ranges from a low of 38.7mpg for the 280hp petrol to 62.8mpg for the 150hp diesel. Do not forget that essentially the most powerful models features effectivity-sapping 4-wheel drive - which will be specified on the 190hp diesel, too - so avoid these if you’re after maximum economic system and lowest operating prices. Tax and insurance should be not less than on par with equal rivals - with insurance prices helped by all of the out there energetic security tech. Strong residual values and checklist costs that undercut some of the upmarket competitors mean that monthly funds for these taking PCP finance are impressively low. While the VW badge could not have the cachet of Mercedes or BMW equivalents, typically finance prices are lower with the Arteon than the alternate options - meaning that you’ll spend much less every month with the Volkswagen. Claimed gasoline financial system tops 60mpg in the 150hp diesel and drops to just below 40mpg within the 280hp petrol.
These mean that trips to fill up shouldn’t be too frequent, though you have to be in a position to cut your fuel prices with Audi, BMW and Mercedes options to name a number of. While the VW Arteon’s CO2 emissions don’t stoop to exceptionally low ranges, the 164g/km max from the four-wheel drive 280hp petrol is respectable. Company automotive drivers will want to think about the 150hp diesel, which emits 116g/km in automated type. The 1.5-litre petrol mannequin may even be value contemplating because the lower record costs may steadiness out the higher CO2 emissions by way of BIK tax costs. Harmful NOx emissions are saved at bay in the diesel although the use of a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system. To maintain this you’ll need to keep the 13-litre AdBlue tank topped up, growing prices - VW predicts the AdBlue will need replenishing each 9,000 miles, although consumption will vary with utilization and driving model. It’s laborious to evaluate the VW Arteon’s reliability on the time of writing, as a result of it has solely simply been launched onto the market. However, it makes use of loads of effectively-established Volkswagen Group applied sciences - together with the engines and MQB platform underpinnings - and we’re but to listen to of any actual horror stories concerning these. The well-known Dieselgate scandal considerably pre-dates the Arteon and is unlikely to be an issue right here.
Kia reckons the B-SUV market will double in size by 2020 - meaning it might account for as many as 2.2 million items annually in Europe alone. The Rio-based mostly Stonic crossover is the model bosses hope will steal a sizeable share, joining the hybrid Niro, mid-measurement Sportage and bigger Sorento in the brand’s rising SUV line-up. Think of the Stonic as extra of a ‘Rio Cross’ than a standalone mannequin and also you won’t be far incorrect. Its related swept-back headlights flank a barely condensed tiger nose grille, while the fog mild housings have been adapted for the taller bumpers. From the A-pillar again the Stonic is sort of a special automobile, nonetheless. It boasts a set of sharp roof rails and a ‘targa-style’ body-colored C-pillar, while on the rear the total-LED lights and silver scuff plates full the look. Design is the principle driver for B-section SUV buyers, and it’s clear Kia has gone to city on making it’s smallest crossover stand out from the crowd. Inside, the Stonic’s youthful attraction continues.
The design isn’t too dissimilar to the Rio’s on which it is predicated, however there are flashes of colour plastered throughout the dash giving it a vibrant and less sobering appearance. Perceived quality is on par with many rivals in this class, but falls brief when compared to hatchbacks like the brand new Volkswagen Polo or Ford Fiesta. Two specifications can be found for Stonic at launch - an entry-degree ‘2’ trim and the flagship First Edition. Prices will start from £16,295 for a fundamental 1.4 petrol however it’s the faster and extra environment friendly 1.0 turbo that Kia expects to be extra popular - though no official prices have been announced simply yet. All vehicles include a six-velocity handbook gearbox for now, and despite its jacked-up stance, there isn't a 4x4 choice. A 108bhp 1.6-litre diesel tops the vary, and is the car we’re driving here for the first time. All versions are generously outfitted and customisation is essential to the new car’s attraction.
There’s no super-basic 1 trim (like on Picanto or Rio), and our 2-spec car gets a seven-inch show with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB radio and Bluetooth. Every version will get 17-inch alloy wheels, too, as well as LED daytime operating lights and rear parking sensors. There’s an extended list of paint selections, as well as contrasting roof colours on First Edition cars. You can even spec your door mirrors in lime green, purple or orange. The checklist of safety package is pretty spectacular, too, although Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Lane Departure Warning are confined to the options listing on 2-grade cars. Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Hill-Start Assist are customary, nevertheless, alongside as Kia’s Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) programme, which incorporates Torque Vectoring, Straight Line Stability and Cornering Brake Control. The Stonic is slightly longer than the Rio on which it is based. Ride peak has been raised by 42mm, too, making the crossover 70mm taller overall. But the wheelbase stays the identical, and in consequence it doesn’t really feel all that huge inside.
