Kia has updated its Speedy Tonic, I mean Stonic, with new paint schemes, new technology, and of course, gasoline mild-hybrid powertrains. The updated Stonic will go on sale in Europe during Q3 2020.
The styling remains largely unchanged except for new LED headlights with LED running lights. However, there are new body colors and dual-tone paint schemes with a contrasting roof to choose from. As we can see, the contrasting color can be carried over to the interior too.
A new 16-inch aluminium alloy wheel choice is available, as well as two new exterior paint colours – Perennial Grey and Sporty Blue. The colour palette offers a choice of up to 9 paint finishes. With the roof now available in a Most Yellow paint finish, the total number of two-tone colour options has risen to 20, depending on market and vehicle specification. The two-tone roof is popular with Stonic customers, with 33% of all European customers specifying this stand-out option.
Speaking of the interior, there’s a new 8.0-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity. The Phase II UVO Connect telematics in the updated Stonic offers a range of services including live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest (POIs), fuel prices and so on.
There are new Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) depending on the trim. These include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian, vehicle and cyclist recognition; Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA); Intelligent Speed Limit Warning (ISLW), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), and Lane Following Assist (LFA).
Passive safety equipment includes a total of 6 airbags.
Moving on to the business end of the story, the Smartstream 1.0-litre T-GDi (turbo petrol) engine is coupled with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that does all the usual stuff. The Starter-Generator (MHSG) is connected by a belt to the engine’s crankshaft, and switches between motor and generator modes. As the car decelerates, the recuperated energy is fed into the battery pack.
Transmission is a 7-speed DCT or the new iMT. The Smartstream engine produces the same power as the previous Kappa engine – 100 hp or 120 hp (metric) – but enables slightly higher peak torque output, depending on the transmission. For instance, peak torque output from 120 hp models with a 7-speed DCT is 16% higher, at 200 Nm (147 lb-ft).
Both transmissions, iMT and 7DCT, enable periods of engine-off ‘sailing’ to improve fuel efficiency. This operates at speeds of up to 125 km/h (78 mph), and the engine reactivates when the driver pushes the accelerator, brake or clutch pedals.
The non-mild-hybrid gasoline powertrains have also been revised in order to maximize efficiency, lowering CO2 emissions, and improving driveability. The European lineup includes a 100 hp 1.0-litre T-GDi and 84 hp 1.2-litre N/A engines; the former is now offered with a choice of 6-speed manual transmission — replacing the earlier 5-speed manual, and 7DCT.
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