The Kia Stonic is being updated and prepared to receive mild-hybrid technology in its engine options

The Kia Stonic has managed to carve out a significant niche in the highly competitive urban SUV or B-SUV segment, not only for its styling and built-in technology but also for a price that puts the competition on the back foot. But now, after two years on the market, the Kia Stonic is due an update and, unlike what usually happens, these changes focus little on improving its styling and more on its equipment and engines.

On the outside, the Kia Stonic will show no changes apart from the new Full LED headlights, so these focus on expanding the personalisation options of this B-SUV. To this end, the brand offers a new 16-inch alloy wheel design and new body colours Storm Grey and Azure Blue, expanding the palette to nine colours. In addition, the Zest Yellow colour has been added for the roof, which, together with this and the two new body colours, gives the possibility of up to 20 colour combinations.

Inside, the changes follow the same line, expanding personalisation options with the new blue and yellow colour packs, so future owners of the Kia Stonic will now be able to choose from four colour packs depending on the equipment and market. This touch of colour inside will be accompanied by the new 8-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, which will be offered as standard, with Bluetooth connectivity and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The second version of the UVO Connect telematics services will also be offered, and a high-resolution 4.2-inch screen will be included in the instrument cluster.

But without a doubt, one of the great assets of the Kia Stonic for keeping its place at the top of the B-SUV segment is the update to its engines, among which a 48 V mild-hybrid technology appears on the scene with the new EcoDynamics+ engine for the already well-known 1.0 T-GDi unit, which will feature a compact battery that will help increase efficiency and reduce this engine’s emissions. It can be chosen in 100 CV or 120 CV power outputs and can be paired with an iMT intelligent manual gearbox or a seven-speed DCT automatic transmission. The rest of the combustion engines have also been revised and are now more efficient, and the 1.0 T-GDi can now be chosen with a new six-speed manual gearbox or the seven-speed DCT automatic.

In terms of safety, the new Kia Stonic will be offered with six airbags and ISOFIX anchor points on the rear seats, as well as an extensive range of driver assistance systems such as Front Collision Prevention Assist with pedestrian, vehicle and cyclist recognition, Lane Keeping Assist, Intelligent Cruise Control, Blind Spot Collision Warning and avoidance assist, and the Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, among others.

For the moment, the prices of the Kia Stonic are unknown, but we will not have to wait long to find out, since its arrival in European markets is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2020.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverKIA Stonic7 versions · from 24,210 €