Kia Stonic: the refreshed crossover arrives in Europe in 2020

Launched on the European market at the end of 2017 and having already recorded more than 150,000 sales, the Kia Stonic has now received its customary mid-life update.

Visually, little has changed on Kia’s crossover. The updates are limited to LED headlights, fresh colour choices and new 16-inch alloy wheels.

Kia Stonic interior and connectivity updates

Inside, the Kia Stonic now features a new infotainment system with an 8-inch display and UVO Connect “Phase II”. The resolution of the 4.2-inch instrument-panel screen has also been enhanced, while new personalisation options have been introduced.

In terms of connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can now be paired wirelessly. The new “User Profile Transfer” function also allows drivers to save their preferences and move them to other Kia models fitted with the same system.

What has changed mechanically?

While the styling revisions are restrained, the mechanical changes are more significant, as the updated Kia Stonic gains an all-new mild-hybrid variant.

Known as “EcoDynamics+”, it combines a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged engine with a 48 V mild-hybrid system. Available with 100 or 120 bhp, it uses the same powertrain as the Hyundai i20.

This engine can be paired with either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox or a six-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT), which can automatically disengage the engine from the transmission without the driver needing to select neutral.

The other engines already offered with the Stonic have also been updated. These include the 100 bhp 1.0 T-GDi, available with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a new six-speed manual gearbox, plus a new 84 bhp version of the naturally aspirated 1.2-litre engine.

What else is new?

Finally, the Kia Stonic also gains new safety and driver-assistance systems. These include forward collision-avoidance assist with autonomous braking and pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, a maximum-speed information system, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

Due to arrive on the European market during the third quarter of 2020, pricing for the updated Kia Stonic had not yet been announced.