Unveiled a few months ago, the refreshed Kia Stonic is now reaching the Portuguese market, and there is no shortage of updates for the small South Korean crossover.
Subtle exterior changes to the Kia Stonic
Visually, the differences are modest: the updates are essentially limited to the adoption of LED headlamps, plus new paint colours and fresh 16-inch wheel designs.
More infotainment, improved displays and extra driver assistance
Where the Stonic moves on most is in its range structure, its engines and its technology.
On the tech front, it gains a new infotainment system with an 8-inch screen. The resolution of the 4.2-inch display in the instrument cluster has also been improved, and the model now comes with additional safety and driver-assistance features. These include forward collision-avoidance with recognition of pedestrians, vehicles and cyclists (a first for the model), lane-keeping assist, a driver attention warning, and traffic queue assist.
Engines: ECOhybrid mild-hybrid and updated petrol options
Under the bonnet, the headline addition is a new mild-hybrid powertrain. Named “ECOhybrid”, it pairs a 1.0 l, three-cylinder turbo petrol engine with a 48 V mild-hybrid system, delivering 120 cv. Power is sent through either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a six-speed intelligent manual gearbox (iMT).
The rest of the line-up is made up of the revised 1.2 l naturally aspirated engine with 84 cv, and the latest-generation 1.0 T-GDi with 100 cv, which is offered with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Portugal-only special series
Another major addition to the refreshed Stonic is the Stonic “by Fila”. Limited to 200 units, this special series is exclusive to Portugal and, as well as featuring a specific equipment package (focused on value for money), buyers of this version receive an exclusive Fila welcome kit.
As for the rest of the range, it is made up of the Drive version and the previously unseen GT Line variant. With a sportier character, this features different bumpers with LED fog lights, three distinct air intakes, a more prominent rear bumper, and exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the key changes are carbon-fibre-effect trim on the dashboard, seats upholstered in black fabric and synthetic leather, and a new D-shaped steering wheel in perforated leather bearing the GT Line logo.
And the prices?
When it comes to pricing, interestingly the only figure announced so far is for the limited “by Fila” special edition, which will be available from 15,290 euros. Also linked to buying the Kia Stonic is the launch of a new finance product that allows purchase with payments from 135€/month.
Called OPT4, it gives customers four choices at the end of the contract: switch to a new financed car and return the previous one; pay the final instalment and keep the vehicle; refinance the final instalment and continue the credit until the car is owned; or return the car and, in doing so, settle the final instalment.
Updated on 14 December at 15:10 with the following information: the UVO Connect “Phase II” system is not yet available in Portugal; the new safety systems do not include Adaptive Cruise Control; the 1.0 T-GDi 100 cv engine is only available with the six-speed manual gearbox.
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