Kia’s updated Stonic is reaching UK shores with a new 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain option together with new GT-Line, Connect and GT-Line S trims, plus half a dozen brighter and more colorful hues. The 1.0-liter T-GDi mild-hybrid gasoline powertrain is available with Kia’s new clutch-by-wire intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT), as well as a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. This engine comes with either 99 PS or 118 PS, and as much as 200 Nm of torque.
Opt for the more powerful variant and you
also get a Drive Mode Select system allowing you to switch between Eco, Sport
and Normal modes. Meanwhile, both transmissions (iMT and 7DCT) enable periods
of engine-off “sailing” in order to improve fuel efficiency. This works at
speeds of up to 124 km/h.
Inside, there’s a larger 8.0-inch
touchscreen display and smartphone connectivity as standard. The resolution of
the 4.2-inch digital gauge cluster has also been upgraded, while new interior
customization options include blue and yellow trim highlights. There’s also a
new ‘User Profile Transfer’ function, allowing you to save your preferred
system settings to the cloud and transfer them to other similarly-equipped Kia
models.
Step into the GT-Line and you’ll find a
D-cut steering wheel with ‘GT-Line’ motif, GT-Line logo for the faux leather
seats, plus various active safety features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance
Assist (FCA) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Lane Keeping Assist System
(LKAS), Driver Attention Warning (DAW) and High Beam Assist (HBA). GT-Line S
versions add front parking sensors to go withBlind Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), with DCT editions also boasting
Blind Spot Collision Avoidance for the rear of the car.
Last but not least, there are the colors.
A contrasting roof remains available as an option, while 20 two-color
combinations are now available, making the Stonic highly customizable from a
visual standpoint. Pricing in the UK starts from £ 18,195 (US$ 23,500) for the
entry-level ‘2’ variant, while the GT-Line costs upwards of £ 20,745 (US$ 26,800).
