The Kia Stonic metropolis crossover SUV has been given a considerable reskin and know-how improve, forward of an Australian launch through the fourth quarter of 2025 that may see it transfer to electrified powertrains.
Now sporting the Korean model’s new ‘Opposites United’ design language as seen on its newest fashions, the Stonic trades the previous mannequin’s extra fluid and natural strains for a extra angular look shared with the likes of the EV3 and K4.
It has grown barely, to the tune of 25mm in size (to 4165mm) whereas boot capability has expanded by 30L (to 352L), with the only powertrain confirmed at launch to be the model’s 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine – which in Australia will probably be provided with 48V mild-hybrid know-how throughout the vary for the primary time.
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Above: Stonic Base Line (left); Stonic GT-Line (proper)
Additional to the brand new company design philosophy – which incorporates Kia’s ‘Star Map’ lighting signatures and upright motifs – there are different adjustments together with new wheels and bumpers, a redesigned tailgate, in addition to new colors such because the Adventurous Inexperienced pictured right here.
Each ‘Base Line’ and ‘GT-Line’ look packages will probably be provided globally, with wheel sizes starting from 16 to 17 inches in diameter.
Inside, the Stonic’s dashboard has been redesigned to be extra aligned with Kia’s bigger and dearer fashions, bringing “upper-segment affect” to the extra budget-focused metropolis automobile market.
Twin 12.3-inch shows incorporate the digital devices and touchscreen infotainment unit, although they seem like working Kia’s older person interface as at present seen within the Niro crossover slightly than the brand new linked automobile Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) that’s filtering out throughout the model’s new EVs and bigger fashions.
Above: Stonic Base Line (prime); Stonic GT-Line (backside)
Nonetheless, the brand new shows provide Kia Join companies – already accessible within the Stonic in abroad markets – which in Australia ought to carry cloud-based companies, real-time automobile diagnostics and distant automobile integration by way of the Kia app. Relying on market and specification, the Stonic may even be appropriate with a Digital Key.
Kia has introduced in ‘Multimode Contact Show’ touch-capacitive switches for local weather management and media adjustment, which will probably be acquainted from the Niro and Sportage SUVs.
New steering wheels additionally debut, as does a brand new gearshift, revised centre console and USB-C quick charging ports. Different accessible options embrace wi-fi smartphone charging and ambient inside lighting.
Security and help know-how has additionally seen a lift, with the brand new Stonic gaining Kia’s semi-autonomous Freeway Driving Help, which mixes adaptive cruise and lane centring features whereas additionally integrating navigation knowledge to regulate speeds for corners.
Additional particulars of the native lineup will probably be detailed nearer to launch, however as famous earlier Kia Australia has confirmed the introduction of its fuel-saving 48V mild-hybrid tech within the Stonic “throughout all trims”.
Presently, the Kia Stonic is offered in three distinct trim ranges all powered by the non-48V 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, solely teamed with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
A six-speed guide is offered abroad with each common and mild-hybrid (MHEV) variations of the 1.0T, relying on market.
The 1.0T MHEV boosts energy to 84.5kW (up from 74kW), although torque is unchanged at 172Nm. Kia quotes a ten.8-second 0-100km/h time for the brand new DCT-equipped Stonic MHEV, versus 12.1s for the ICE model with the DCT.
Whereas gas consumption hasn’t been detailed within the world spec sheet, the 48V system cuts a claimed 4-5g/km of CO2 along with the efficiency enchancment. Little question urban-cycle claims will publish higher variations.
Above: Stonic Base Line (left); Stonic GT-Line (proper)
Count on Kia Australia to retain a three-strong vary, although anticipated tools upgrades and the addition of Kia Join ought to see costs rise considerably.
Since going turbo-only, the Stonic ranges from $28,290-$34,090 drive-away primarily based on a New South Wales postcode.
CarExpert speculates the brand new base mannequin with mild-hybrid ought to simply scrape beneath the important $30,000 barrier with among the fancier tech options left off the roster, or resigned to an non-obligatory ‘Security Pack’.
The flagship GT-Line with all if not nearly the entire fruit detailed within the world press launch could possibly be punching $36,990 D/A or extra, topic to simply how a lot of the worldwide featureset Kia’s world staff intends to incorporate, protecting in thoughts the price-conscious part of the market the Stonic competes in.
It’s unclear whether or not Kia may increase the vary to 4 variants for a higher unfold of apparatus, maybe bringing a ‘Sport+’ to take a seat between the present Sport and GT-Line à la the bigger K4. Alternatively, an S with Security Pack might enable the bottom mannequin to go more durable on worth and bridge the tech hole between the S and the Sport.
Keep tuned to CarExpert for the most recent, and tell us what you consider the brand new Stonic within the feedback!