[Auto] Kia Stonic 2021: Smooth Hybridization and More Technology Take Control

[#Steeven.™]

The commercial launch of the Kia Stonic has brought many joys to the Asian firm. It arrived on the market in 2017 and did so at a difficult time, since the atomization of the B-SUV segment was already high. All in all, he has managed to win the heart, and respect, of the European public, since in this time he has managed to reach the garage of more than 150 thousand people. Now, he faces the middle of his business cycle receiving a subtle restyling.

With him, those responsible for the brand and model want to underpin their sales success. To do this, they have worked on those aspects that they have not liked or have been overcome by their rivals. In this way they can offer a very competitive and complete product that stands out mainly for offering an excellent price-product ratio. If you are interested in an attentive Kia Stonic, because it changes more than meets the eye.

The exterior aesthetics of the Kia Stonic receives nuanced changes

At the aesthetic level, the Kia Stonic is a very successful product. To update it, the design team of the South Korean firm has had to modify very few areas. Specifically, they have focused on adding newly designed light groups with included LED technology. The interior pattern is unprecedented, offering a more sporty and dynamic imprint. The rest of the body lines are kept fresh, so they do not receive changes.

Another aspect that is also updated is the color palette. After restyling, the range is enriched with two new shades: Perennial Gray and Sporty Blue. Thanks to its arrival, new options and color combinations emerge, focusing on aspects such as the roof or the rearview mirror caps. Nor can we ignore the alloy wheels, which modify their design to provide greater freshness to the set.

 

Inside comes more technology and improves connectivity

From behind the scenes, evolution is measured to the millimeter. The managers of the Kia Stonic have opted to offer what young people most demand: total connectivity. Thus, through an 8-inch central touch screen they offer an infotainment system compatible with the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto protocols. Along with it, the driver can access services such as real-time traffic information or weather forecasting.

Another novelty has to do with voice recognition. Through profiles, the driver will be able to indicate orders to the infotainment system to assist in driving. Finally, and in the absence of design changes, we must highlight the evolution in driving aids. Now there is no shortage of lane keeping, blind spot control or emergency braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection.

Regarding the quality of materials and adjustments, Kia ensures that the Stonic 2021 has improved. For this they have introduced more careful materials in all the areas that are closest to the hand. In addition, they have taken the opportunity to introduce new customization packs in blue and yellow tones. Four options are now available that, as before, span areas such as the dashboard, center tunnel, or seat covers.

 

Generous mechanical offer and with DGT Eco label

With all the great evolution of the Kia Stonic 2021 is under your skin. On its platform there are no major changes since all the prominence has been taken by the mechanical offer. As in the restyling of the Kia Rio, the EcoDynamics + technology is incorporated into the offer. Thanks to gentle hybridization, the South Korean B-SUV can homologate lower consumption and emission averages, earning the DGT Eco label.

This ecological family has been built around the new 1.0 T-GDi Smartstream. Its power level has not been altered, with 100 CV and 120 CV. In both cases we have a 48 volt electrical network that allows sailing up to 125 kilometers per hour. For management, trust a 6-ratio manual transmission or a 7DCT 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. In this case, the maximum torque reaches 200 Nm.

For those who want to get away from mechanical complexity, the 1.0 T-GDi motor is also available with 100 hp and 12-volt mains power. The only improvement it receives, over its predecessor, has to do with the addition of a 6-ratio manual transmission. In addition, the access version associated with the 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine with 84 HP is maintained.