The Kia Stonic compact crossover has been updated with with six even brighter and more colourful hues, as well as a new mild-hybrid drivetrain.
The car also gets Kia's new Phase II UVO Connect telematics system, operated via an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with in-built navigation.
It mates a 118bhp 1.0-litre Turbocharged Gasoline Direct injection (T-GDi) 'Smartstream' engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system for enhanced efficiency by seamlessly harvesting and later releasing energy recovered during slowing down and when braking.
The 48V lithium-ion battery pack combines the engine's torque output with electric power and can extend engine 'off time' thansk to a new mild hybrid starter generator unit. The engine is available with Kia's new 'clutch-by-wire' intelligent Manual Transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The 1.0-litre engine produces 99bhp or 118bhp - but delivers a slightly higher peak torque output, depending on transmission. For instance, when the Stonic is optioned with the 118bhp engine and seven speed dual-clutch transmission, the peak torque output is 16% higher at 200Nm.
The new EcoDynamics+ powertrain is offered with the 118bhp version of the new engine, with a Drive Mode Select system allowing drivers to customise the driving experience with selectable driving modes.
Instead of a mechanical linkage, the iMT's clutch is actuated electronically. It integrates seamlessly with the mild-hybrid system to switch off the engine earlier than Kia's Idle Stop and Go start-stop system when coasting to a halt. Both transmissions, iMT and 7DCT, enable periods of engine-off 'sailing' to improve fuel efficiency.
