There’s a lot to like about the latest crop of small city runabouts.
Where before these types of compact crossover ‘SUVs’ felt as cheap as their price tags, the newest arrivals such as the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro are far more mature and loaded with the latest technologies in terms of safety systems and digital conveniences.
But should you take a punt on the Chery or pick a rival from a more established brand, like Kia with its equally value-packed Stonic? Let’s find out…
How much?
Straight up, we’re comparing the flagship Ultimate variant of the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro against the entry-level Kia Stonic S, as they two are separated by under $1000 with all costs included.
That means you can spend less on the Tiggo 4 Pro Urban (at just $23,990 drive-away) if your budget is stretched, or more ($30,340 and $33,540 drive-away respectively) on the higher-grade Stonic Sport and Stonic GT-Line.
Model | Drive-away pricing – Sydney |
---|---|
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro Ultimate | $26,990 |
Kia Stonic S | $27,740 |
Drivetrains and efficiency
Surprisingly, you get more for less with the Chery when you compare what’s under the bonnet.
Specifications | Chery Tiggo 4 Pro Ultimate | Kia Stonic S |
---|---|---|
Engine | 1.5L 4cyl turbo-petrol | 1.0L 3cyl turbo-petrol |
Power | 108kW | 74kW |
Torque | 210Nm | 172Nm |
Transmission | CVT auto | 6-speed dual-clutch auto |
Drive type | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
Weight | 1388kg | 1227kg |
Fuel economy (claimed) | 7.3L/100km | 5.4L/100km |
Fuel tank capacity | 51 litres | 45 litres |
Fuel requirement | 91 octane unleaded | 91 octane unleaded |
CO2 emissions | 166g/km | 125g/km |
Braked tow capacity | – | 900kg |
It is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine that produces 108kW of power and 210Nm of torque, driving the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
The Stonic has a smaller – yet charming – 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that musters 74kW/172Nm and powers the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The Chery carries more than 150kg of extra mass, which – along with its larger-capacity engine – means it has higher combined fuel consumption of 7.3L/100km, compared to the Stonic’s 5.4L/100km.
And that not only helps the hip pocket, but the Stonic also has a longer driving range (833km versus 698km) between refills even though it has a smaller fuel tank.
Dimensions
Both the Tiggo 4 Pro and Stonic are built for running around the urban jungle and their compact footprints tread lightly through the tight confines of inner-city life.
Dimensions | Chery Tiggo 4 Pro Ultimate | Kia Stonic S |
---|---|---|
Length | 4351mm | 4460mm |
Width | 1831mm | 1795mm |
Height | 1662mm | 1435mm |
Wheelbase | 2610mm | 2725mm |
Cargo capacity | 380 litres / 1225 litres | 352 litres / 1155 litres |
The Stonic is fractionally longer in overall length and has more space between the front and rear axles, but the Tiggo 4 Pro is a little wider and significantly taller, which translates to more space within the cabin and additional cargo-carrying capacity.
Service and Warranty
Kia re-set the benchmark for customer protection long ago when it became the first automotive brand to offer a seven-year warranty, which has since been matched by many of its rivals, including Chery.
Servicing and Warranty | Chery Tiggo 4 Pro Ultimate | Kia Stonic S |
---|---|---|
Warranty | 7 years, unlimited kilometres | 7 years, unlimited kilometres |
Roadside assistance | 7 years | 7 years |
Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000 kilometres | 12 months or 10,000 kilometres |
Capped-price servicing | 7 years or 105,000 kilometres | 7 years or 70,000 kilometres |
Total capped-price service cost | $2071.18 – 7 years | $3367 – 7 years |
Both are guaranteed for the same seven-year period with unlimited kilometres and come with a free roadside assistance package that is activated each year when the vehicle is serviced within its authorised dealer network.
In terms of maintenance, the Chery comes out on top of the Kia with longer service intervals (15,000km compared to 10,000km) and is more than $1000 cheaper to maintain over the same time period.
Safety
The Chery Tiggo 4 Pro has only recently launched in Australia and subsequently has a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating under 2024 testing protocols, whereas the Stonic’s previous five-star rating has expired owing to the fact it is based on the Rio small hatch that first arrived in 2017.
As such, the Stonic is almost a generation behind the Tiggo 4 Pro in terms of the level of standard safety equipment. For example, it features more advanced driving aids and a centre air bag, which are missing from the Kia.
The list of standard safety equipment for each vehicle is listed below.
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro Ultimate | Kia Stonic S |
---|---|
7 Airbags | 6 Airbags |
Adaptive Cruise Control | Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) |
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) | Pedestrian Detection |
Pedestrian Detection | Driver Attention Alert |
Blind Spot Detection | Forward Collision Warning |
Lane Departure Warning | Lane Follow Assist |
Emergency Lane Keep Assist | Lane Keeping Assist |
Traffic Jam Assist | Front and Rear Parking Sensors |
Speed Limit Information | Door Opening Warning |
Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Braking | Reversing Camera |
Door Opening Warning | |
Rear Parking Sensors | |
Surround-View Reverse Camera |
Standard Equipment
Kia was in the same position more than 25 years ago as Chery is now.
The South Korean carmaker was an unknown ‘challenger brand’ that offered a range of value-packed models loaded with features for not a lot of money. So, the plan isn’t new…
But the reality is that, for consumers, you get a whole lot more bang-for-your-buck with the Tiggo 4 Pro Ultimate than you do with the Stonic S.
Technology
While the Kia packs a generous level of equipment into its entry-level Stonic, including an 8.0-inch infotainment screen with a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity and wireless smartphone mirroring for Apple and Android devices, the Tiggo4 Pro offers even more.
It has a dual-screen set-up with larger 10.25-inch displays including a driver’s instrument cluster, as well as a rear USB outlet and digital radio (both of which are available in higher grade versions of the Stonic).
Comfort and Convenience
The Tiggo 4 Pro builds on its technology package with additional creature comforts missing from the Stonic S, including dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, artificial leather trim, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and a sunroof as standard.
CarExpert’s Pick
If you’re after a small city runabout, the Kia Stonic S is a fantastic example that offers decent space, a great driving experience and frugal economy.
But, dollar-for-dollar, the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro Ultimate delivers significantly more for less.
Value and features aside though, it is an impressive machine to drive, cheaper to maintain, and feels more modern. Take a punt…
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