KIA'S marvellous little Stonic SUV is a joy to drive and very easy to live with.

It's based on the Rio supermini - a fine starting point - but the body height is raised by 42mm to give the off-roader look, and this could have adversely affected the handling, allowing too much roll.

But Kia worked some suspension magic to limit the effect, making it feel well-balanced, poised, and safe through every corner.

However, as is sometimes the case, in stiffening the suspension to control the roll and sharpen the chassis, there was an effect on comfort, so that the ride is quite firm at slower speeds - though rarely uncomfortable.

The steering is brilliant, only adding to the overall feel of agility and excellent response that makes a great driving experience, and overall this is a small family car in the same class as the SEAT Arona that would suit many people.

Confusingly, trims start with ‘2', then come GT-Line, Connect and GT-Line S. But prior to 2020 the levels were very simple - ‘2','3' and '4', plus GT-Line and a couple of special editions.

At launch in 2017, there were three engines to choose from but a wider range of power outputs, and most are available with a seven speed automatic gearbox or the standard six speed manual.

But there is no four wheel drive option - should you need such capability - and that's the case with the vast majority of the competition.

Early base models were available with a 1.4 MPI engine boasting 99bhp, which actually had decent performance, bringing up 60 miles an hour from rest in 10.4 seconds, and managing a best of 44miles per gallon.

This was later replaced by the mainstay engine of the range, a 1.0-litre T-GDi turbo with 98bhp.

This uses a mild-hybrid battery pack and generator to boost acceleration and improve economy, charging during cruising or braking.

It brings up the benchmark 60 in 10.9 seconds and is capable of 50mpg with low emissions.

In other 1.0-litre models, the engine is boosted to 118bhp, giving a sprint of 10 seconds and economy of 50mpg.

Finally, early models were available with a 1.6 CRDI diesel, but this was dropped at a facelift in 2020. It came with 114bhp, which was good enough to bring up 60 in 10.5 seconds, and it could do 56mpg.

The ride is quite acceptable over all kinds of surfaces at 40 to 50 miles an hour and as is usual, best comfort comes with smaller wheels and higher profile tyres.

The Stonic is a very enjoyable and practical small family car. I could easily live with one and would be delighted to do so.

It has good front and rear legroom for four and a very good boot with a light, easy hatch.

There's plenty of storage around the cabin with drink holders between the front seats and in the doors, map pockets and for once, a good size glovebox.

It was lovely to live with around town, and a tight turning circle helps towards easy parking.

Mid-range GT-Line trim gives a good range of equipment, from Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to sat nav and stability control.

It also has aux-in and USB, start stop, air conditioning, forward collision warning, alarm and cruise control.

As if all that was not enough, it comes with Kia's superb seven year, 100,000 mile warranty which is transferable to new owners.

Pay about £11,050 for a '20 20-reg 1.0-litre 118bhp T-GDi ‘3', or £14,300 for a '22 22-reg 1.0-litre 99bhp T-GDi GT-Line.