The Kia Stonic compact crossover debuted back in July 2017, now after 3 years the vehicle has received a facelift with slight visual enhancements, improved safety and new powertrain options.
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The Stonic facelift gets a new EcoDynamics+ mild-hybrid petrol powertrain, pairing a new Smartstream 1.0 liter T-GDI direct-injection turbo petrol engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system comprised of a lithium-ion polymer battery and a mild-hybrid starter-generator (MHSG) unit. The transmission choices include a 7-speed dual clutch and Kia’s new iMT clutch-by-wire system.
Exterior of Kia Stonic facelift
Plus the 2021 Stonic is also offered with a choice of internal combustion Smartstream engines, including the 100 hp 1.0 liter T-GDI turbo petrol unit, and the 83 hp 1.2 liter naturally aspirated engine paired to either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT.
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Inside, the new Kia Stonic gets an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with Bluetooth & Apple CarPlay & Android Auto support while offering display audio or optional satellite navigation depending on specification; the driver gets a 4.2-inch display within the instrument cluster. Kia’s ‘Phase 2’ UVO Connect telematics system offers services including live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest (POIs), fuel prices, and details of potential on- and off-street parking such as pricing, location and availability. According to Kia, the telematics services can be accessed via voice command, and cloud-based real-time and historic traffic data enables more accurate prediction of time-efficient routes.
Interior of Kia Stonic facelift
In terms of safety, the available advanced driving assistance systems suite includes forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian, vehicle and cyclist recognition, lane keeping assist, driver attention warning, blind-spot collision warning and blind-spot collision avoidance assist, intelligent speed limit warning, smart cruise control (SCC) and lane following assist (LFA), in addition to rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist as well as front and rear parking sensors. Once parked, the Stonic also has a new rear occupant alert system to ensure no passenger or pet is accidentally left behind. Passive safety features in the Stonic includes 6 airbags and ISOFIX child seat anchor points.
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The 2021 Kia Stonic will go on sale towards the third quarter of this year, and will be available in two new exterior colors – Perennial Grey and Sporty Blue making up a total of 9 paint finishes. The revised range of colors for the crossover’s body and roof offers up to 20 contrasting paint combinations, with 33% of all European customers opting for the two-tone finish, says Kia.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
