What’s it like?
You would possibly discover it exhausting to identify the adjustments to the Stonic on first look at each automotive and spec sheet would possibly recommend. Exterior styling adjustments are restricted to new LED headlights, a brand new GT-Line trim and additional colors, whereas contained in the central touchscreen has grown, and the digital driver show is greater decision. Welcome upgrades, however hardly substantial.
The massive change is discovered with the powertrain, though they could appear comparable: the entry stage – and UK best-seller – stays a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-pot providing an unchanged 118bhp. Besides it’s Kia’s new-generation Smartstream unit, which provides variable worth expertise for a claimed higher effectivity and improved torque than the Kappa motor it replaces.
That motor can be obtainable with, as fitted to our check automotive, Kia’s new gentle hybrid 48V built-in starter generator (which Kia manufacturers EcoDynamics+) and new clever handbook transmission (iMT) gearbox. The six-speed field is actuated electrically relatively than mechanically, which is designed to take care of the engagement of a handbook whereas maximising the gas financial system and emissions advantages of the 48V ISG.
Regardless of that new tech, from behind the wheel the adjustments really feel as refined because the Stonic’s styling tweaks. The engine affords a basic three-pot really feel, often raspy however largely quiet, and with a contact of refinement supplied by the engine-off coasting. The iMT gearbox feels very similar to a conventional handbook: it pairs nicely with the engine and is responsive, though hardly thrilling.
